Abstract
Terraced systems currently represent an indubitable added value for Tuscany, as well as for other Italian regions and for several Mediterranean countries. This value goes beyond their original function of hosting new areas for cultivation. The hydrological functions performed by these systems, including control of erosion, stabilisation of the slopes, prolongation of runoff times and the possible reduction of the volumes of surface runoff, are well-known. In addition, they also play a strategic role in the conservation of biodiversity and in maintaining local identity. At a national level, the terraced agricultural systems fall within the scope of actions scheduled in the National Strategic Plan for Rural Development 2007–2013, and the standards of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAECs) envisages that they be maintained through the granting of economic aid as laid down in the Rural Development Plans 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. Eighteen sample areas, previously selected on the basis of the terracing intensity index (defined as the ratio between the lines representing the walls and the surface of 1 ha), were subjected for on-site surveys to determine the geo-typological features through the identification and measurement of the main technical-construction parameters of the dry stone walls. This analysis also enabled assessments of the overall state of conservation of the dry stone walls in order to suggest operations for safeguarding and protection.
Highlights
The construction of dry stone walls is part of a millennium-long process of building and modelling steep hillsides that is of fundamental importance for Italy, since mountains and hills makes up for 77%of the Italian territory, while slopes experience continual erosion
Based on the results of a previous study aimed at quantitatively defining the terraced agricultural systems in the Tuscany Region and identifying the areas that were more relevant in terms of the intensity of terracing [24], this research intends to offer a characterisation of the dry stone walls of the sample areas through accurate surveys
The second part of the survey data sheet (Figure 2a), based on the features of the sample area, included information regarding the degree of accessibility (A) and the land use (B); after this, the building features of the dry stone walls were analysed (B1), recording the lithology, the colour of stone, the degree of working, the geometry and size of the stone materials; details relating to the hydraulic system were recorded (B2)
Summary
The construction of dry stone walls is part of a millennium-long process of building and modelling steep hillsides that is of fundamental importance for Italy, since mountains and hills makes up for 77%. Development Plan 2014–2020 [23] provides support for investments for the conservation and restoration of landscape features, such as dry stone walls, terraced systems, etc These actions are intended as land improvements to increase the profitability and competitiveness of farms. The final results concerned considerations on the construction type, dimensional parameters, building materials and state of conservation of the dry stone walls of the most representative terraced systems at regional scale. The measurement of these parameters must be made through direct observation, because the application of new technologies (e.g., lidar, airborne remote sensing, etc.) are unable to describe analytically the qualitative parameters of these complex systems. The authors will suggest some types of maintenance operations, technically and economically sustainable, as a practice for mitigating the risk of hydrogeological instability and ensuring the profitability of agricultural production
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