Aluminium (Al) mobilization in forest soils due to the soil acidification is a serious problem. The rate and magnitude of leaching of Al and other elements and compounds from soils can be examined by means of percolation experiments.
Aluminium elutriation was studied under the laboratory conditions using undisturbed samples of forest topsoil from Paličník area in the Jizera Mountains (Czech Republic), which originated under two different vegetation cover: European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Ponding infiltration was performed using three subsequently applied solutions.
KCl solution was used to simulate soil solution. Solutions with sulphates and nitrates addition (of two different pH values) were used to simulate acid rainfall.
Passing liquid phase was analysed with respect to Al content and aluminium speciation.Differences in Al content and transport between different soil under spruce and beech cover were found.