I RIMBOSCHIMENTI DI CEDRO DELL’ATLANTE [Cedrus atlantica (ENDL.) MANETTI EX CARRIÈRE] IN SICILIA

Il cedro dell’Atlante [Cedrus atlantica (ENDL.) MANETTI EX CARRIÈRE], introdotto in Europa come pianta ornamentale, ha trovato largo impiego nei rimboschimenti in Francia, Spagna e Portogallo, mentre in Italia la sua diffusione è stata più recente e a oggi interessa oltre 2600 ettari, dimostrando ottime potenzialità, senza comportamenti invasivi. In Sicilia, benché poco diffusa, la specie sembra avere potenzialità di adattamento e di produzione interessanti. Il presente lavoro prende in considerazione 7 popolamenti di cedro dell'Atlante dislocati in ambiti diversi rappresentativi delle condizioni ambientali locali, compatibili con le esigenze ecologiche della specie, tra questi un rimboschimento sottoposto a interventi di diradamento. Sono state esaminate le caratteristiche dendro-auxometriche dei popolamenti al fine di valutarne le potenzialità produttive. I risultati mostrano che i popolamenti in esame hanno ottima capacità di affermazione, seguono gli sviluppi tipici della specie e hanno possibilità di produzione elevate, pari a quelle riscontrate in letteratura per le piantagioni realizzate in Francia. Inoltre si nota l'interessante ruolo paesaggistico, sia pur considerandone la natura alloctona, che questi popolamenti possono svolgere in ambiti di non facile colonizzazione per specie arboree. Infine si suggeriscono alcuni indirizzi di gestione volti ad assicurarne la migliore affermazione e la possibilità di rinnovazione, sia pur su scala locale. Atlas cedar (ENDL.) MANETTI EX CARRIÈRE] plantations in Sicily Atlas Cedar has been widely diffused in reforestation in Europe, particularly in France. In Italy, the Atlas Cedar cover about 2600 ha. This paper examines 7 cedar plantations in Sicily, in the various typical condition of the island, evaluating their dendrometric characters in order to estimate productivity and growth capacity. The results show that this specie is both highly suitable for wood production, and has a landscape restoration role in difficult ecological conditions such as the Mediterranean mountain environment is. The stand production is comparable with the better results reported for the French plantations. Some cultivation advices in order to better manage these stands and locally assure natural regeneration are also addressed

Optimizing the Sampling Area across an Old-Growth Forest via UAV-Borne Laser Scanning, GNSS, and Radial Surveying

Aboveground biomass, volume, and basal area are among the most important structural attributes in forestry. Direct measurements are cost-intensive and time-consuming, especially for old-growth forests exhibiting a complex structure over a rugged topography. We defined a methodology to optimize the plot size and the (total) sampling area, allowing for structural attributes with a tolerable error to be estimated. The plot size was assessed by analyzing the semivariogram of a CHM model derived via UAV laser scanning, while the sampling area was based on the calculation of the absolute relative error as a function of allometric relationships. The allometric relationships allowed the structural attributes from trees’ height to be derived. The validation was based on the positioning of a number of trees via total station and GNSS surveys. Since high trees occlude the GNSS signal transmission, a strategy to facilitate the positioning was to fix the solution using the GLONASS constellation alone (showing the highest visibility during the survey), and then using the GPS constellation to increase the position accuracy (up to PDOP~5−10). The tree heights estimated via UAV laser scanning were strongly correlated (r2 = 0.98, RMSE = 2.80 m) with those measured in situ. Assuming a maximum absolute relative error in the estimation of the structural attribute (20% within this work), the proposed methodology allowed the portion of the forest surface (≤60%) to be sampled to be quantified to obtain a low average error in the calculation of the above mentioned structural attributes (≤13

Linee guida per la valutazione della resilienza delle foreste Mediterranee ai cambiamenti climatici [Guidelines for assessing the resilience of Mediterranean forests to climate change]

We have defined optimal management models for improving or strengthening the resilience of forest environments: in particular, five best management practices aiming at improving the Mediterranean forests resilience with reference to the desertification risk. The 5 Best ManagementPractices are: BMP1 - Actions favoring mixing of species and hydrogeological stability of forests; BMP2 - Renaturalization of forest plantations; BMP3 - Remedial measures and restoration of degraded forests; BMP4 - Actions aimed at enhancing complex structural forests; BMP5 - Actions favoring connectivity in agro-forestry systems. The best management practices have been then applied adapting them to 16 different intervention types and they have been tested on 10 regional forest categories on an overall surface of 120 hectares. The intervention areas make up a set of testing areas according to the different intervention types carried out. Finally, we have defined the forest resilience Assessment Chart. The Chart has been worked out to improve the sylviculturist\u2019s intervention assessment in order to grant a proper application of the forest resilience intervention practices. This chart includes 10 questions on parameters having an influence on the resilience and on the forest adaptation capacity to climate changes. The parameters are: current and dynamic Forest Category; Specific tree Composition; Vegetation Layers covering; Forest vertical structure; Forest horizontal structure; Dendrometric parameters; Species indicating disturbance; Ground cover; Regeneration; Internal and external steadiness

Close-to-Nature Silviculture to Maintain a Relict Population of White Oak on Etna Volcano (Sicily, Italy): Preliminary Results of a Peculiar Case Study

Habitat loss is a potential long-term effect of projected climate change for Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of a close-to-nature silvicultural practice to conserve an old-growth white oak forest patch in Sicily (Italy) and promote regeneration dynamics. The study area, although small, is distinctive for its isolation, position and environmental characteristics. We conducted a Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) study to analyse the responses of different taxonomic groups (vascular plants and birds) to silvicultural treatments (selection thinning, no thinning), and to determine whether close-to-nature silviculture practices may cause significant shifts in the investigated communities. Specifically, we assessed the responses of (1) vascular plants by means of species diversity and taxonomic distinctness indices and (2) birds in terms of diversity, abundance and forest specialisation. Preliminary results suggest that cautious close-to-nature silviculture practice could-by mimicking natural gap dynamics-contribute to maintaining old-growth forest patches and promote oak seedling emergence without short-term detrimental impacts on biodiversity. Although the monitoring has to be repeated over the long-term, the multi-taxon approach and indices incorporating information on taxonomic relationships into diversity measures were demonstrated to be valuable tools for interpreting biotic community structure and dynamics

Which are Southern Italy’s fastest growing tree species? Lessons from the past for future perspectives, with a special focus on Sicily

Fast growing tree species can generate high wood production in a short time frame. However, maximum productivity is dependent on environmental and management conditions as well as intrinsic plant traits. Within this framework, our research was into tree species with the highest Mean Annual Increments (MAIs) in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily. Eucalyptus spp., Acacia saligna (Labill.) H. L. Wendl., Ailanthus altissima Mill. (Swingle), Pinus halepensis Mill. (including Pinus brutia Ten.), Pinus canariensis C.Sm. and Pinus radiata D. Don. were identified. In particularly suitable conditions, the MAI of eucalypt coppices ranged from 8 to 12 m3 ha-1, and from 13 to 19 m3 ha-1, in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill., respectively. The MAI of E. camaldulensis high forests was slightly over 6 m3 ha-1, while that of E. globulus high forests was very similar to its coppice value. Considering the preliminary data, Acacia saligna Labill. H. L. Wendl. can achieve good wood production. Pinus halepensis Mill. and Pinus brutia (Ten.) Holmboe achieved MAIs of 5-7 m3 ha-1. Other species may be promising but either data is very limited or their invasive potential requires careful consideration. This historical review has shown that with optimal tree species-planting site-cultivation technique combinations, tree species can achieve wood yields typical of fast-growing species in Mediterranean Italy, too

The evolution in time of the concept of fast growing tree species: is it possible to use a definition applicable to all environmental conditions?

Although the expression \u201cfast-growing species\u201d (FGS) referred to tree species has been since long time used, a clear definition has not been adopted for decades. Starting from the Italian historical background, we searched for the definitions of FGS formulated over time at a national and international level. The mean annual increment (MAI) of 10 m3 ha-1, identified by the FAO, has been the most commonly considered threshold until recently. Subsequently, experimental activities and research efforts have consistently enhanced the productivity of FGS, and other definitions have been proposed accordingly. Hence, FGS should provide annual wood yields of 15-25 m3 ha-1 with rotations of less than 25-30 years. In Europe, the maximum MAI can reach about 20-25 m3 ha-1, while in fast-growing tropical plantations the MAI frequently exceeds 30-35 m3 ha-1. However, we deem that the threshold of 10 m3 ha-1 year-1 is still reliable for Mediterranean conditions. Since the fast-growing is a relative concept, strongly affected by species\u2019 traits, environmental conditions and cultural practices, a future increase in the productivity levels of wood plantations can be expected

Les reboisements en cèdre de l’Atlas en Sicile

Le cèdre de l’Atlas introduit en Europe comme arbre ornemental, a trouvé une grande place dans les reboisements en France, en Espagne et au Portugal. En Italie, sa diffusion est plus récente et, jusqu’à ce jour, concerne un peu plus de 2600 ha, il montre d’excellentes potentialités sans pour autant être invasif. En Sicile, bien que peu diffusée, l’espèce semble avoir des potentialités d’adaptation et de production intéressantes. Le présent article prend en considération sept peuplements de cèdre de l’Atlas, répartis dans des environnements différents, représentatifs des conditions environnementales locales, compatibles avec les exigences écologiques de l’espèce, parmi lesquels un reboisement soumis à une éclaircie. On a examiné les caractéristiques dendro-auxométriques des peuplements en vue de l’évaluation de leur potentialité productive. Les résultats montrent que les peuplements étudiés présentent les meilleures capacités d’adaptation, suivent les développements typiques de l’espèce et ont des possibilités de production élevées, comparables à celles rencontrées dans la littérature à propos des plantations françaises. On note en outre leur rôle paysager intéressant, malgré leur nature allochtone, car ces peuplements peuvent se développer dans des milieux que les espèces arborées ne colonisent pas facilement. Enfin, on suggère certaines orientations de gestion destinées à procurer la meilleure implantation et la possibilité d’une régénération au plan local

The evolution in time of the concept of fast growing tree species: is it possible to use a definition applicable to all environmental conditions?

Although the expression “fast-growing species” (FGS) referred to tree species has been since long time used, a clear definition has not been adopted for decades. Starting from the Italian historical background, we searched for the definitions of FGS formulated over time at a national and international level. The mean annual increment (MAI) of 10 m3 ha-1, identified by the FAO, has been the most commonly considered threshold until recently. Subsequently, experimental activities and research efforts have consistently enhanced the productivity of FGS, and other definitions have been proposed accordingly. Hence, FGS should provide annual wood yields of 15-25 m3 ha-1 with rotations of less than 25-30 years. In Europe, the maximum MAI can reach about 20-25 m3 ha-1, while in fast-growing tropical plantations the MAI frequently exceeds 30-35 m3 ha-1. However, we deem that the threshold of 10 m3 ha-1 year-1 is still reliable for Mediterranean conditions. Since the fast-growing is a relative concept, strongly affected by species’ traits, environmental conditions and cultural practices, a future increase in the productivity levels of wood plantations can be expected

Emergenze vegetali dell'Isola di Lampedusa

Per la peculiarit\ue0 storica, geografica ed ambientale l\u2019Isola di Lampedusa, e vista l\u2019estrema frammentariet\ue0 delle formazioni preforestali, l\u2019esiguit\ue0 dei popolamenti (e degli individui) delle specie legnose assumono un valore scientifico e conservazionistico particolarmente elevato. Per queste ragioni \ue8 stato fatto un censimento eseguito con strumentazione GPS. Sull\u2019isola crescono diverse specie di rilevante interesse conservazionistico, numerose sono infatti le specie endemiche, esclusive, rare e/o a rischio di estinzione perch\ue9 legate a habitat molto vulnerabili e localizzati. A questa ragione d\u2019interesse generale per questi taxa si somma il fatto che buona parte delle specie arboree tipiche della vegetazione primaria dell\u2019isola, il pi\uf9 delle volte sopravvivono localmente con popolamenti costituiti da pochissimi (e talora singoli!) individui. Juniperus turbinata e Olea europaea var. sylvestris sono le due specie forestali di gran lunga pi\uf9 comuni tra quelle indagate . Meno positivo \ue8 il risultato dell\u2019analisi della rinnovazione, che ha permesso di individuare appena una trentina di giovani individui di ginepro e nessuno di olivastro. La presenza delle due specie sull\u2019isola risulta circoscritta esclusivamente ai valloni stretti ed incisi che sboccano sulla costa meridionale dell\u2019isola, disegnando un complesso sistema in cui si alternano profonde insenature e pendii rocciosi subpianeggianti. Per ambedue le specie si \ue8 registrata una netta prevalenza (ca. 80% dei ginepri e ca. 95% degli olivastri!) in corrispondenza delle esposizioni meridionali dell\u2019isola che, sebbene pi\uf9 soleggiate godono dell\u2019effetto benefico dei venti umidi provenienti da meridione

PROGETTO LIFE11 ENV IT 215 RESILFORMED - RESILIENZA AL CAMBIAMENTO CLIMATICO NELLE FORESTE MEDITERRANEE

Le condizioni climatiche delle regioni mediterranee, caratterizzate da frequenti annate siccitose, contribuiscono all’indebolimento degli ecosistemi forestali. Come risultato le foreste riducono le loro capacità produttive e sono più soggette a fenomeni di degrado secondario. Inoltre i contesti economico-sociali possono acuire il degrado con la diffusione di uno scorretto uso della risorsa (tagli boschivi, pascolamento) e con la diffusione degli incendi boschivi. L’obiettivo generale del progetto è preservare i sistemi forestali in ambiente mediterraneo dai rischi derivanti dai cambiamenti climatici, tramite processi di naturalizzazione, aumento di biodiversità e migliorata reattività, nei processi di recupero, in seguito ad eventi destabilizzanti. Obiettivo specifico è implementare una politica forestale regionale in grado di aumentare la capacità di resilienza delle foreste siciliane, migliorandone l’efficienza ecosistemica e favorendo la salvaguardia della biodiversità. Tra le azioni principali previste dal progetto, che si concluderà alla fine del 2015, si possono citare la classificazione delle categorie forestali siciliane in funzione della sensibilità alla desertificazione, l’indagine diacronica sull’uso e copertura del suolo dei principali paesaggi forestali siciliani, la definizione di prassi selvicolturali specifiche; la realizzazione di 120 ettari di interventi dimostrativi in 6 aree della Sicilia; la realizzazione di 6 piani di indirizzo forestali attraverso processi partecipativi con le popolazioni locali. Nella fase finale del progetto è prevista l’implementazione delle linee strategiche sperimentate con ResilForMed nel Piano Forestale Regionale della Sicilia