Italian Stands Research Articles

Syntaxonomic survey of the class Pegano harmalae‐Salsoletea vermiculatae Br.‐Bl. & O. Bolos 1958 in Italy

After a general outline on the syntaxonomical framework of the class Pegano harmalae-Salsoletea vermiculatae Br.-Bl. & O. Bolos 1958, the occurrence of this vegetation in the Italian territory is examined. In Italy, this vegetation is mostly found on clayish or marly substrata, particularly if slightly enriched with nitrates and chlorides. With reference to the Rivas-Martínez bioclimatic classification, the Italian stands have an infra- to thermo-Mediterranean thermotype (marginally up to the meso-Mediterranean one) with dry or arid ombrotype. In particular, this vegetation is well represented in Sicily, while in Sardinia and along the Italian Peninsula, it progressively becomes more rare and localized. Altogether, 21 associations are recognized, 11 of which are described here for the first time. The surveyed associations are ascribed to the following alliances: Salsolo oppositifoliae-Suaedionmollis (linked to less disturbed and more thermo-xeric habitats) and Artemision arborescentis (more disturbed and less thermo-xeric habitats). Finally, some conservation issues are discussed.

Foliar nutrient dynamics and nutrient-use efficiency in Castanea sativa coppice stands of southern Europe

Summary Chemical and biological aspects of above-ground leaf biomass and nutrient content, redistribution of leaf litter and nutrient return to the soil, seasonal foliar dynamics and nutrient-use efficiency were studied in four Castanea sativa Mill. forests of varying ages near Salamanca (Spain), Montpellier (France) and Catania (Italy). From 49 felled, measured and weighed trees, leaf biomass was determined for each tree relative to their diameter at breast height (d.b.h.). It was possible to establish a single regression equation: Biomass = a(d.b.h.) b . Young stands had much lower leaf biomass values: (1600 kg ha‐1 and 1500 kg ha‐1) than the two older stands, (3900 kg ha‐1 and 4100 kg ha‐1 respectively). The amounts of the nutrients immobilized in leaf biomass followed the order: N > K > Ca > Mg > P. The amounts of immobilized N, P, K and Mg were less in young stands than old stands; whereas the amounts of Ca were greater in the young stands. N and P translocation to perennial parts followed the same relationship as nutrient immobilization in above-ground leaf biomass, the K translocation differed in the French stand, whereas for Ca, the pattern differed for the two Italian stands. Magnesium does not follow any pattern. The Spanish plot reabsorbed greater amounts of the nutrients considered, except for P, where the greatest amount occurred in an Italian stand. The French site resorbed similar proportions of N as the Italian stands and considerably lower proportions of Mg and K than the other three stands. The two Italian stands resorbed the same proportions of K and Mg, Fossa la Nave greater proportions of Ca, and Piano Porcheria of P.

Lineamenti agronomici e selvicolturali della Lucania

Abstract Agro-sylvicultural aspects of Lucania. In the Basilicata Region one can find many types of natural habitats from the mediterranean « macchia » to the rocky peaks of Monte Pollino. Natural environmental factors greatly condition land utilization and sub-spontaneous plant formations such as forests, opens scrubs, and grazing lands, occupy 49% of the productive land (53% in the Province of Potenza alone): this is a high figure as compared to the one for the whole of southern Italy (37.5%). Forested land is 18% of the total and also this value is higher than the corresponding one for the whole of southern Italy (14.4%). Cereals are the main crops: the economy of Basilicata is therefore mainly based on pastoral-cereals growing activities. The regional flora is very interesting including as it does several relict and endemic species. The most precious jewel for nature lovers is the over 6000 feet high, richly forested, massif of Pollino where one can find some of the few Italian stands of Pinus leucode...