The SOILVEG model was applied to Selling to evaluate the effects of va
rious stress factors on the Norway spruce stand (F1). First, hydrology
, soil solution chemistry, tree growth and nutrient status for a Norwa
y spruce were simulated for 1976-1989. SOILVEG could reproduce mean co
ncentration levels for all major solutes. However year-to-year variati
ons at greater depths, particularly for nitrate, often could not be ex
plained. SOILVEG could also reproduce stem growth and nutrient concent
rations in foliage. The model shows that in spite of large precipitati
on surpluses and waterholding capacities, drought is a relevant stress
factor for Selling. Magnesium is the most limiting nutrient for growt
h of the F1 stand. In dry years, drought is the most important factor
impeding uptake of Mg, in wet years pH is more important. However, it
can not be concluded that a pll decrease due to acid deposition is an
important stress factor for the F1 stand as the extent of the pH decre
ase is unknown. Simulations with optimal irrigation and fertilization,
combined with elimination of air pollutants doubled the current stem
growth of F1. The absolute effect of individual stress factors can not
be quantified because combined manipulations give a larger growth inc
rease than may be expected from single manipulation. The importance of
the stress factors for F1 can be ranked: fertilization > irrigation >
air pollution. Simulations further indicate that elimination of S and
N in throughfall initially (20 years) will decrease stem growth.