Giovanni Sburlino

Correlations among biodiversity, biomass and other plant community parameters using the phytosociological approach: A case study from the south-eastern Alps

Abstract The present study deals with the grassland complex of communities which may be found on the limestones in the south-eastern Alps; these communities show in fact a particular interest for their high biodiversity degree and for their importance for the traditional land-use economy of the south-European mountain regions. Phytosociological relevés corresponding to well-defined plant associations have been used in order to get information on the relationships among plant species diversity, biomass, chorotypes, pollination types, functional strategies and soil characteristics. The analysis was carried out both along an altitudinal and a soil evolution gradient. The analysis of the correlations among the variables and the application of the principal component analysis shows a positive correlation between soil parameters and biomass, eurichory, anemogamy and C- and R-strategies; on the contrary, a negative correlation among stenochory, entomogamy and S-strategy with the soil evolution seems to be present. This article shows how the phytosociological approach can be used to get information and knowledge on the correlations between several variables useful to understand the complex nature of the plant communities in order to support management plans.

Phytocoenotic originality of the N-Adriatic coastal sand dunes (Northern Italy) in the European context: The Stipa veneta-rich communities

Abstract The particular habitat of Stipa veneta, a priority species of the European Community Directive 92/43, is here described. The phytosociological analysis led to the description of a new association (Teucrio capitati-Chrysopogonetum grylli), endemic of the N-Adriatic fixed sand dunes. Given the high importance of the species, the conservation of its specific community should be included in a broad protection plan of this unique coastal system in the European context.

Carex ferruginea grasslands in the south-eastern Alps

ABSTRACT A phytosociological study carried out in the south-eastern Alps led to the description of the association Hormino pyrenaici-Caricetum ferrugineae. Its distribution area covers the Dolomites and the Carnic Alps. The association belongs to the alliance Caricion ferrugineae, order Seslerietalia caeruleae, class Elyno-Seslerietea and vicariates the northern Alpine Caricetum ferrugineae and the Illyrian Hyperico alpini-Caricetum ferrugineae. Based on floristic and ecological analyses, four subassociations can be recognised: typicum, willemetetosum stipitatae, valerianetosum montanae and ericetosum carneae. Data on the ecology and dynamical and catenal relations are provided.

L’analisi corologica nell’interpretazione sintassonomica: l’esempio delle praterie a Festuca paniculata (L.) Sch. Et Th..

Abstract The chorological approach in the syntaxonomical definition: the example of Festuca paniculata (L.) Sch. et Th. communities. The results of a chorological study on Festuca paniculata communities present on the main mountain chains of southern Europe are presented. We have calculated the chorological spectra of 58 phytosociological tables. The spectra have been worked out by means of a hierarchical classification and an ordination. In general, chorological data confirm the indications of syntaxonomical literature and the corresponding high degree of diversity which characterizes these community. In fact, the data point out a clear phytogeographical differentiation among the different examined sectors. With regards to the alpine associations, the chorological study and the following floristical analysis suggest the division of Festucion variae Guinochet 1938 into two suballiances: Festucenion variae Beguin et Theurillat 1984 em. westwards, and Knautienion longifoliae suball. nova, eastwards.