Forest Nutrient Cycling: Influence of Air Pollutants on Symbiotic Microorganisms

Symbiotic microorganisms have roles of very great importance in nutrient relations in forest ecosystems. Forests frequently flourish in regions of low, marginal, or poor soil nutrient status. In addition to nutrient conservation and tight control over nutrient cycling, trees have evolved critically significant symbiotic relationships with soil fungi and bacteria that enhance nutrient supply and uptake. The interaction between air contaminants, symbiotic microbes, and their relationship with host trees is of critical importance. Adverse impact on mycorrhizae by air pollution has been hypothesized (Sobotka, 1968).