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Forest@ : Journal of Silviculture and Forest Ecology
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Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 1824-0119
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Research Articles: Volume tables and terrestrial laser scanning: a
technology innovation supporting forest mensuration
- Authors: Puletti N; Guasti M, Innocenti S, Scotti R
  Abstract: Abstract: Ecologically and economically sustainable planning of forest resources requires tools capable of providing estimates with adequate accuracy on volume, biomass and woody increments. Interest in these attributes has increased since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has been given a further boost by the birth of the carbon credit market in the early 2000s. However, the data collection necessary to formulate allometric models for estimating wood volume is challenging, both due to the considerable amount of data required and because the necessary destructive measurements are very laborious. Furthermore, given the great structural, managerial and environmental diversity that characterizes the Italian forests, the sample size for the development of allometric models must necessarily be large. Over the years, all these aspects have led to a progressive abandonment of measurements in the forests for the production of volume tables. Recent applications of the terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) for collecting dimensional information on trees have demonstrated their effectiveness. In this study we present the work carried out in the autumn/winter 2022-2023 for the creation of new volume tables for the black pine forests in Vallombrosa (FI - Central Italy), based on data collected with a TLS. The study involved the same pine forests studied in 1969 for the production of volume tables in Vallombrosa. After showing the methods and analyzes needed to obtain the volume tables, the paper discusses the results in comparison with those produced in 1969. Keywords: Allometric Equations, Precision Forestry, Digitization, Dendrometry, Forest Management, Forest Planning Forest@ 20 (1): 61-66 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4401-020
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4401-020
  PubDate: 2023-07-24
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4401-020
Short Communications: Resilience, plasticity and dynamics of Aleppo pine
forests
- Authors: Borghetti M; Moretti N
  Abstract: Abstract: Post-fire natural regeneration of Aleppo pine forest in the Gargano promontory (Southern Italy) is documented by means of photographs taken soon after fire and some years later. The potential of pine for adaptation to climate change and fire disturbance through its phenotypic plasticity is highlighted, and future dynamics of Aleppo pine forests and management perspectives are considered. Keywords: Wildfire, Natural Regeneration, Climate Change, Forest Management Forest@ 20 (2): 48-51 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor0045-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0045-019
  PubDate: 2023-04-02
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0045-019
Research Articles: Old-growth forests in the Pollino National Park
(southern Italy): current status and future perspectives
- Authors: Castellaneta M; Schettino A, Travascia D, Lapolla A, Colangelo M, Marchianò V, Bernardo L, Gargano D, Passalacqua N, Rivelli AR, Misano G, Regina L, Maradei V, Digilio S, Viggiano P, Ripullone F
  Abstract: Abstract: Old-growth forests have a primary environmental and ecological value, as they closely recall primeval forests and the natural forest landscape that was spread throughout Italy and Europe before man intervention heavily altered the functioning of most natural ecosystems. These ecosystems are more and more recognized as keystones of environmental policies (i.e., the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030) aimed to preserve biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change. A recent report highlights that Europe’s old-growth forests account for only 3 percent of the overall forest surface. The majority of italian old-growth forests are located along the Apennines, especially in the Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte National Parks, in remote montane areas characterized by irregular topographical conditions (i.e., high slopes and/or shallow soils) which hamper the access and exploitation of these less productive stands, thus allowing the survival of old-growth forests for many centuries. The ongoing climate change is a significant challenge to the conservation of old-growth forests, particularly in areas such as the Mediterranean basin, where an intensification of extreme climate events is expected. Heat waves can exacerbate drought’s negative impacts on tree growth and survival, leading to reduced woody carbon stocks and biodiversity in old-growth forests. To date, there is poor understanding of such highly valuable and extremely fragile natural ecosystems in Italy. Insights are available based on data gathered as part of two research programs, funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Land and Sea Protection, with the purpose of creating a Network of Old Growth Forests in Italy’s National Parks. In this study, we aimed to highlight the role and importance of old-growth forests, focusing on those located within the Pollino National Park. A comprehensive overview of the key strengths and weaknesses, that mark these peculiar forest ecosystems, was followed by a discussion of the future outlook, grounded on strategies that will ensure not only the protection and conservation of these ecosystems, but also their development and promotion. Keywords: Biodiversity, Natural Ecosystem, Forest Management, Old-growth Forests, Structural Heterogeneity Forest@ 20 (1): 22-29 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4303-020
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4303-020
  PubDate: 2023-02-16
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4303-020
Research Articles: The digitalization framework of the National Forest
System at 2020
- Authors: Carbone F; Alivernini A, Bascietto M, Oreti L, Barbarese F
  Abstract: Abstract: Digitization is a priority objective on the Italian government’s agenda, yet international indicators recognise a low level of implementation in Italy. The delegation of jurisdiction on forestry to the various Regions and Autonomous Provinces (R&PA), the involvement of numerous institutions with indirect authority and the absence of a national coordination structure may explain the backwardness that characterizes the Italian forestry system today. In this study, an initiative was undertaken to investigate the computerization and digitization in the forestry sector. Basic information was collected by conducting interviews and scrutinizing the websites of the R&PA, with the aim of defining the degree and level of digitization of each R&PA, and thus of the national forestry system. Few R&PAs have a high degree of digitization, while none reach an advanced level, with a decreasing gradient along the North-South axis. The national digital forestry system is characterized by a degree of 0.74 and a level of 2.24. Keywords: Innovation and Communication Technologies, Index of Degree and Index of Level, Regional Forestry Platforms, Ri.Selv.Italia Project Forest@ 20 (1): 30-38 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4265-020
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4265-020
  PubDate: 2023-02-16
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4265-020
Editorials: Obituary: In memory of Prof. Giovanni Bernetti
- Authors: La Marca O
  Abstract: Abstract: Giovanni Bernetti passed away on 21 December 2022. For several decades he taught forest mensuration, forest management and silviculture at the University of Firenze. Remembering him as a master, with whom I shared an entire professional life arouses emotions that are not easy to communicate. Giovanni Bernetti is to be considered among the great masters of Italian forest sciences. As a keen interpreter of forest dynamics and management, he disseminated his deep knowledge in several books and seminal papers of high scientific and professional influence as well. Thank you so much indeed, Prof. Bernetti, for your great cultural and scientific legacy. Keywords: Silviculture, Forest management, Ecology, University of Florence, Italy Forest@ 20 (1): 20-21 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor0046-020
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0046-020
  PubDate: 2023-01-18
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0046-020
Commentaries & Perspectives: Soil, humipedon and forest management
- Authors: Zampedri R; Zanella A, Giannini R
  Abstract: Abstract: Forest soil is a living and important part of the forest. It is essential for the development and reproduction of plants and for the evolution of the entire ecosystem. Proper management of the forest must also take into account the vitality and biodiversity of the soil. Due to an erroneous and non-biological conception of soil, and consequent difficulty in linking the physical aspect to the biological functioning of this complex ecosystem, the official soil classification of the last 30 years has abandoned the original link with climate, vegetation and the ecology of the environment in which soil evolves and coexists. In recent years the soil profile was divided into three sections (Humipedon, Copedon and Lithopedon), and it was then possible to link the first and most biological section of the soil to the characteristics of the environment and to its genesis. In particular, it is now possible to distinguish organic horizons generated essentially by arthropods and enchytraeids in cold and acidic or dry and arid environments, from organo-mineral horizons created by earthworms in more temperate and mesotrophic situations. Each set of horizons can be assigned to a system or form of humus, with important implications for forestry. For example, earthworms are more present in the early and late stages of sylvogenesis; by completely recycling the litter, they accelerate the provision of the organic and inorganic nutrients of the soil to the roots and the pedofauna. In general, it is now possible to associate a humus system with a given environment, with a spatial and temporal scale suitable for forest management. This paper promotes a more in-depth knowledge of the soil, to encourage foresters to take care of even half of the forest under their boots. Keywords: Humus, Soil, Humipedon, Soil Dynamics, Forms of Humus, Spruce Forest Forest@ 20 (1): 13-19 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4293-020
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4293-020
  PubDate: 2023-01-15
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4293-020
Research Articles: Climate change in progress: observations on the impacts
of drought events on Tuscan forests
- Authors: Bussotti F; Bettini D, Carrari E, Selvi F, Pollastrini M
  Abstract: Abstract: The empirical observation of the impacts of drought and heat waves that occurred between 2017 and 2022 in several forest areas of Tuscany allowed to describe various processes and effects on forest trees and shrubs. The most severe impacts were observed on the evergreen Mediterranean tall woodlands and the aged coppices (on holm oak trees), causing defoliation and even mortality. In most cases, the attempts of resprouting from dormant buds (from the base of the tree trunk or in the crown), following the drought events, were not successful. Deciduous broad-leaved trees (beech, downy oak) suffered a strong summer defoliation, especially on steep slopes with shallow soils and south-facing aspect. These species were generally able to replenish the foliage the following year. In the most unfavorable conditions, however, we observed extensive attacks of opportunistic parasites, such as the fungi of the genus Biscogniauxia, which were favored by drought and were the ultimate cause of mortality. Turkey oak showed mortality in small groups or individual trees. Heat and drought also affected several minor tree species, with defoliation, desiccation and, in the most serious causes, death of the tree. Some meso-hygrophilous species that are restricted with relict populations to specific microclimatic sites within the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean habitats were also impacted, with consequences on biodiversity, regeneration, and production of fruits for wildlife. Increasing drought and heat will trigger regressive dynamic processes that will lead in many sites to the transformation of holm oak forests into bushy forms of scrub, and of scrublands into sparse garrigues or even steppes. A more intense natural thinning of aged coppice stands with especially Turkey oak is also occurring, due to the combined effect of drought and intra- or inter-specific competition. The implementation of a regional monitoring system is recommended, based on the integration of past and existing experiences with new initiatives, to quantify the dynamics, extent and severity of the impacts. A crucial point is the need to adapt forestry, and especially utilization of coppice woods, to the changed ecological conditions to avoid increasing the impact on them. Keywords: Biodiversity Loss, Biotic Interactions, Defoliation, Heat Waves And Drought, Tree Mortality Forest@ 20 (1): 1-9 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4224-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4224-019
  PubDate: 2023-01-03
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4224-019
Research Articles: Vegetation, soil, DNA and natural evolution
- Authors: Zanella A
  Abstract: Abstract: Dialogue with Sandro Pignatti on natural evolution, considering the soil as a living matrix in which the recycling of organic matter and DNA takes place. How vegetation interacts with the soil and how it is not the species that evolve but the ecosystem that contains them. The hypothesis of a still poorly understood genetic exchange in relation to the biodegradation process is raised. Recent research in soil microbiology and biodiversity highlights a functional and primordial collaboration between living beings in the exploitation of natural resources. Keywords: Natural Evolution, DNA Recycling, Castelporziano, Soil, Biodiversity Forest@ 20 (1): 10-12 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4285-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4285-019
  PubDate: 2023-01-03
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4285-019

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