Franco Viola

Selvicoltura nei tipi neoforestali del Trentino

The natural reforestation of the fallow lands, widely documented on the Alps and throughout Europe, has important consequences on the geomorphic and hydro-geological processes, on biodiversity and on the anthropogenic landscape; moreover the post-abandonment woodlands invading past cultivated lands and pastures, acquire several environmental functions. For these reasons, it is advisable to identify the best management techniques. This article deals with a synthesis of the major ecological and biometrical characteristics and accessibility of the neo-forest types of a region of the Eastern Italian Alps (Trentino). The analysis is based on the data surveyed during a two-stage sampling of the entire regional surface, which permitted the field survey of 291 post-abandonment woodlands. The present sylvicultural treatments can be grouped into four categories: a) thinning; b) coppicing with reserve of noble broadleaved species; c) planting of native species in the undercover; d) wildlife habitat improvement. Coppicing and planting follow consuetudinary or experimental techniques, which need to be parameterized. The experience in wildlife habitat improvement is wide and would deserve a large-scale monitoring program of its effects. The ecological analysis showed that the broadleaved species cover is much more higher than that of mature woodlands, and that many post-abandonment woodlands are invading herbaceous communities with high nature value (Festuco-Brometalia and Molinietalia). Finally, the not negligible cover of neophytes is noteworthy and its potential effects on genetic pollution should be studied in details.