An assessment of rainfall modification in mountainous ecosystems dominated by Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. (Western Balkans, Bulgaria) by multivariate analyses

Bulk precipitation, throughfall, and stemflow samples were collected in Petrohan site (Western Balkan, Bulgaria), operating in the framework of the Long-Term Ecological Research network, during a 6-year period (1995-2000). This mountain area is characterized by the presence of beech and spruce forests (Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and is utilized for drinking water supply. All samples were analyzed for pH and major inorganic anions (Cl-, NO3 -, and SO4 2-) and cations (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, and NH4 +). Results show that bulk precipitation in this region is mainly acidic (pH = 5.1), and the dominant neutralization components in the rainwater are Ca2+ and NH4 +. As for Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Cl-, and SO4 2-, they are not originated by marine source. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used for investigating the possible sources contributing to the chemical composition of the bulk precipitation and its possible modifications during the passing through beech and spruce stands. Results highlight that local and long-range transport-related anthropogenic sources and natural sources contribute to the anion and cation content of the bulk precipitation. The enrichment of the solution through the foliage made up of dry depositions is significant in both stands, but canopy leaching processes are much greater in the spruce forest, especially for Ca2+. As for the stemflow, it follows the same pattern as the throughfall, but N uptake and a strong K+ and Mg2+ leaching are observed mainly in the spruce stand.