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Abstract
A semi‐empirical model for predicting soil response to acid deposition which was developed at the University of Minnesota was applied to determine possible impacts on Alberta soils. The model predicts changes in pH, base saturation, and soluble Al content over time for given inputs of wet and dry deposition. It is based on relationships among pH, base saturation, and Al solubility of the soil and is applicable only to undisturbed soils. Simulations using the model provide an effective means of quickly predicting response over time and for comparing responses among different soil types. Simulations were carried out on selected Chernozemic, Luvisolic and Brunisolic soils. At an acid input level of 0.1 kmol(H+)ha‐1 yr‐1, pH, base saturation and Al had not changed significantly within 100 years, except in the most sandy soils. Most of the soils changed notably within 100 years in response to acid loadings of 1 kmol(H+)ha‐1 yr‐1. Various assumptions were made in this modeling exercise and the simulations must be considered as representing worst case scenarios.