One of the main consequence of intensive forest exploitation, overgrazing and recurring wildfires over the centuries is the decay of forest cover and soil erosion. In many areas of the Italian Apennines, Black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) plantations were established after the Second World War to improve forest soil quality in marginal and eroded soils. The main aim of these reforestations was to re-establish the pine as a first cover, pioneer species. This was a preparatory step to the reintroduction of broadleaf trees originally living in the same areas, such as oaks and beech trees, and thus to the reestablishment of mixed forests (renaturalisation). Currently in Tuscany, the key functions of these stands are the protection against soil erosion and the hydrological regulation of catchments. In order to guarantee the multifunctional role of these stands, it is necessary to realize silvicultural treatments finalized to the renaturalisation. The present research, carried out in a mountainous area in Tuscany, aims to evaluate the effects of different thinning (selective and traditional) on floristic and mycological diversity. Six experimental plots were established, and different intensity of thinning were applied. Results highlight that the intensity of thinning is directly related to the stability of the stands and also increases the overall biodiversity. In particular, positive effects were evidenced on marketable mushrooms production and on floristic diversity.

Cantiani, P., De Meo, I., Becagli, C., Bianchetto, E., Cazau, C., Mocali, S., et al. (2015). Effects of thinnings on plants and fungi biodiversity in a Pinus nigra plantation: a case study in central Italy. FORESTRY IDEAS, 21(2), 149-162.

Effects of thinnings on plants and fungi biodiversity in a Pinus nigra plantation: a case study in central Italy

Elena Salerni
2015-01-01

Abstract

One of the main consequence of intensive forest exploitation, overgrazing and recurring wildfires over the centuries is the decay of forest cover and soil erosion. In many areas of the Italian Apennines, Black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) plantations were established after the Second World War to improve forest soil quality in marginal and eroded soils. The main aim of these reforestations was to re-establish the pine as a first cover, pioneer species. This was a preparatory step to the reintroduction of broadleaf trees originally living in the same areas, such as oaks and beech trees, and thus to the reestablishment of mixed forests (renaturalisation). Currently in Tuscany, the key functions of these stands are the protection against soil erosion and the hydrological regulation of catchments. In order to guarantee the multifunctional role of these stands, it is necessary to realize silvicultural treatments finalized to the renaturalisation. The present research, carried out in a mountainous area in Tuscany, aims to evaluate the effects of different thinning (selective and traditional) on floristic and mycological diversity. Six experimental plots were established, and different intensity of thinning were applied. Results highlight that the intensity of thinning is directly related to the stability of the stands and also increases the overall biodiversity. In particular, positive effects were evidenced on marketable mushrooms production and on floristic diversity.
2015
Cantiani, P., De Meo, I., Becagli, C., Bianchetto, E., Cazau, C., Mocali, S., et al. (2015). Effects of thinnings on plants and fungi biodiversity in a Pinus nigra plantation: a case study in central Italy. FORESTRY IDEAS, 21(2), 149-162.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11365/1146894