Benech, A.

D’Amico, M.

Freppaz, M.

Pintaldi, E.

Stanchi, S.

English

Institutional Research Information System University of Turin

High C stocks in Umbrisols in Valgrande National Park(NW Italy)D’Amico M.1, Pintaldi E.2, Benech A.2, Stanchi S.2, Freppaz M.2,31Università degli Studi di Milano - DISAA, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano (MI), Italy2Università degli Studi di Torino - DISAFA, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco (TO), Italy3Università degli Studi di Torino, NATRISK, Research Centre on Natural Risks in Mountain and Hilly Environments, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco (TO), ItalyIntroductionUmbrisols are characteristic soils of humid mountain areas, where precipitationconsiderably exceeds evapotranspiration throughout the year. Their name derives from latin“Umbra”, showing the dark appearance of the diagnostic Umbric horizon whichcharacterizes this soil Group.The dark colour is an evidence of large organic matter content.This study was performed in the Valgrande National Park, a wilderness area located in thesouth side of the Central Alps, characterized by a particularly high average rainfall (up to2500-3000 mm/y).The vegetation is mostly hardwood forest (chestnut, beech) and mixed at the highestelevations, and grassland on some steep slopes or in abandoned pastures. The rockysubstrate is mostly acidic (gneiss or granulites), with localized mafic rocks and marbles.Methods• 25 soil profiles• Standard chemical analysis• Bulk density measurement• Carbon stock calculation• Erodibility evaluationResults• Umbrisols are the dominant soil types (locally Umbric Podzols at the higher elevations)• Sombric horizons are widespread• Carbon stocks are high (n the mineral horizon• C stocks in organic layers is 1-3 kg/m2, with highest values in Umbric Podzols• 40-60% of C is stored below 30 cm of depth• Nutrients are mainly stored in organic horizons and in the topmost A onesConclusion• The usual sampling for C stocks in the top 30 cm of the mineral soil horizons would lead toa strong underestimation of soil carbon;• High rainfall associated with high plant productivity and slow mineralization makeUmbrisols particularly resistant to erosion;• The removal of litter associated with forest management could lead to a strong nutrientloss because of strong leaching caused by high average yearly precipitation and very lowpH valuesFunds from project: Evaluation and Conservation of Biodiversity inMontane and Subalpine Habitats in Valgrande National ParkC stock in soils on the different lithological substrates, in the main land covers, in the main soil types (Spodic Umbrisol, Umbrisol, Cambisols/Phaeozems) and in organic layers.Agriculturalbiomass…Forest biomassproductionWater retentionSurface erosioncontrolLocal climateregulationCarbon cyclecontrolWater filtrationand purificationHabitat andbiodiversity…Nutrient cyclecontrolNatural andcultural archiveRecreationalactivities…Soil-based ecosystem services in Valgrande Nat. Park

High C stocks in Umbrisols in Valgrande National Park (NW Italy)

https://iris.unito.it/bitstream/2318/1875566/1/SISS_Valgrande_2022.pdf

High C stocks in Umbrisols in Valgrande National Park (NW Italy)

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Institutional Research Information System University of Turin