Giovanni Argenti

Single-voxel long TE 1H-MR spectroscopy of the normal brainstem and cerebellum

To evaluate the feasibility of single voxel 1H‐MRS of the CNS structures contained in the posterior cranial fossa and to determine the distribution of the normal metabolite ratios, concentrations, and T2 relaxation times in the midbrain, pons, medulla, dentate nucleus and cerebellar vermis.

Control of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and feeding preferences in pastures grazed by wild ungulates in an area of the Northern Apennines (Italy).

The diminution of pastoral activities in marginal areas, and consequently of livestock grazing, implies a strong encroachment of invasive vegetation. The conservation of the open areas is however particularly important for wildlife management. With this aim, this paper describes the results obtained in a protected area on the Apennine mountains (Italy), encroached by Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. Two restoration practices were carried out by the Administration of the Regional Park of the Laghi di Suviana e Brasimone (Bologna, Italy), in order to reverse the infestation of bracken and restore pastures within the park. The pasture, only grazed by wild animals, was improved through different treatments (ploughing followed by cuttings vs harrowing), each followed by seeding of a forage mixture. Our results showed better performance of the ploughing both as pastoral value of recovered pasture and as botanical composition. Some differences in the effects of the two restoration techniques were also found on the biodiversity index and on floristic richness. Data about grazing selection of the single botanical species have also been collected. The tesults also showed different behaviour in feeding preferences for wild ungulates in comparison to domestic stocks, giving a better evaluation of the real forage availability for wild herbivores.

Apparent balance of nitrogen and phosphorus in dairy farms in Mugello (Italy)

Abstract The aim of the present work is to evaluate the differences in the surplus of nutrients at farm level and the risk of pollution related to farm management between the two areas of Mugello (Tuscan Apennines, Italy): Basso Mugello (LM) and Alto Mugello (HM). Data of a survey on 36 farms of dairy cows in the area of Mugello (FI) are reported. In each farm the apparent balance of nitrogen and phosphorus was estimated in order to evaluate the equilibrium of these elements within the farms. The operative procedure, already used in Italy, is based on the estimation of fluxes of these elements entering and leaving the farm, and the difference between them represents the surplus of this element, which refers to the surface of the farm. Two typologies of farms were identified, differing in altitude: farms in the lowlands (LM) and in the uplands (HM) of the area. Farms belonging to LM showed N surplus of 136 kg ha−1, while in HM the N surplus amounted to 53 kg ha−1. Surplus of P were 73 kg ha−1 and 27 kg ha−1 for LM and HM, respectively. Results are related to the different productive systems, with 31.7% of surface of permanent fodder crops in HM (instead of 1.5% in LM). Moreover, the LM raises maize crops in a very intensive way utilising it for animal feed together with feedstuff coming from outside the farm. Results showed that the main factors affecting the surplus of the elements are the purchase of animal supplements, fertilisation and animal stocking rate.

Plant cover evolution and naturalisation of revegetated ski runs in an Apennine ski resort (Italy).

Abstract: Revegetation on ski runs is performed to limit soil erosion, to reduce visual impact and to lengthen the duration of snow cover. Commercial forage mixtures are often used and the mid-long term aim is to obtain a high level of colonisation by species of the local flora to ensure the ecological integration of restored areas. The naturalisation of the artificial canopy is affected in a remarkable way by the local environmental conditions and by management of the swards. To contribute to the knowledge of this process, data collected in an Apennine ski resort on several ski runs revegetated in different years and located at different elevations (from 1020 to 1745 m a.s.l.) are reported. Botanical analyses were also conducted on natural areas located at different altitudes and close to the ski tracks to assess the level of naturalisation reached by the artificial canopy. Results showed the effectiveness of the revegetations performed, even though they were carried out with very simple mixtures. Data collection allowed to evaluate the rapidity of the naturalisation process which is mainly affected by the height of the ski slope and years since sowing. Evolution of swards over time demonstrated that, in the environment studied, characterised by low altitude, the speed of colonisation by native species is considerably higher than that reported in previous studies carried out in different alpine environments located at upper elevations.

Feeding evaluation of spontaneous species used by wild ungulates

Abstract Abandonment of traditional agricultural practices can produce remarkable effects on land use and on the vegetal composition of marginal areas. This is particularly true in the once grazed zones in the mountain environments, that are now affected by encroachment of shrubby vegetation. The conservation of these open areas and the preservation of a correct ratio pasture/wood are of extremely importance for wild animals. In this note we describe the effectiveness of agronomical intervention carried out to enhance pasture quality in a protected area of central Italy. Data collection concerned botanical composition, floristic richness and biodiversity of vegetation, before and after the intervention efforts. Moreover, data onutilization of single species were collected in order to evaluate the real consumption of each plant species by wild animals. Results confirmed the efficiency of the improvement of the studied area in terms of botanical composition and of pastoral value and they provided useful indications about the actual utilization of non forage plants by wild ungulates.

Environmental improvement and conservation of useful pastures for wild herbivores in a Regional Park on the Apennines mountains

Abstract In order to investigate some effects of the environmental management with faunistic purpose on pastures located on the Apennines mountains, in open areas subjected to bracken fern (Pteridium aqulinum) infestation, samples of vegetation were taken for three years on an open area in the Regional Park of “Laghi di Suviana e Brasimone” (BO). Experimental samples, taken before and after the agronomical works, showed the effects of the pasture improvement on botanical composition, richness and biodiversity. The agronomical pasture management produced a considerable decrease in bracken density and an increase on biodiversity, and the final average value of the Pastoral Value index was quadruplicate. These results confirmed the effectiveness of the actions carried out and the importance of maintaining a continuous programme of pasture management through annual clearing of vegetation.