Map-Making of Plant Biomass and Leaf Area Index for Management of Protected Areas

An inventory of the vegetation types of Castelporziano Estate (Rome), including examples of Mediterranean ecosystems in excellent preserved condition, was compiled. Because Leaf Area Index (LAI) changed with forest structure and developmental stages, maximum LAI provided a good estimate of maximum biomass accumulation. Plant biomass estimation, ranging from 61 tons ha-1 to 360 tons ha-1, fitted well into 14 biomass classes; the highest values (from 301 tons ha-1 to 360 tons ha-1) were related to stratified forested vegetation types, including the more mature Pinus pinea plantations, Quercus ilex evergreen forests and broad leaf mixed forests. LAI ranged from 0.5 to 4.5, and changed with forest structure, increasing with the increase of plant biomass. Leaf area index measurements fitted well into nine LAI classes, and the highest values were related to the stratified vegetation types. Biomass and LAI maps might be employed as a computerised mapped information system for natural resource policy, regional planning, and landscape management. Long-term monitoring may easily be achieved by LAI measurements which can be converted to biomass values by the identified relationship between plant biomass and LAI

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sequestration and Air Temperature Amelioration Provided by Urban Parks in Rome

Abstract Urban landscapes are rapidly expanding globally and transforming the structure and function of urban areas, thereby influencing the quality of life. Cities account for more than 70% of the energy related to global greenhouse gases, which is expected to rise up to 76% by 2030. Taking into account that over 50% of the world's population lives in cities and more than two thirds are expected by 2050, the problem of mitigating the atmospheric CO 2 concentration is considerable. The urban areas covered by parks, gardens, tree-lined avenues, sport fields, and hedges are important sinks for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) by storing carbon through photosynthesis to form plant biomass. Despite plant CO 2 sequestration is an important ecosystem service, the relationship between urban park vegetation and CO 2 emission reduction is not completely clarified. In this context, the main objective of our research was to evaluate the role of urban park vegetation in improving air quality in Rome in terms of CO 2 concentration and air temperature. In particular, we analyzed the relationship among the different vegetation types, size and position of an historical urban park in Rome. Moreover, since the presence of buildings within urban parks determines CO 2 emissions closely related to their purpose of use, it is important to evaluate their impact in order to set instruments for their retrofit, considering the necessity of a compromise among the energy audit, the use of renewable energy systems and preservation of cultural heritage