Forest@ - Rivista di Selvicoltura ed Ecologia Forestale

Rassegne: Prendersi cura dei boschi di un’area interna nell’era del cambiamento climatico: il caso della Basilicata

2024-03-28

Abstract: This study provides an overview of the forests of Basilicata, Southern Italy, including their recent history, dominant forest types, current management, and vulnerability to climate change and wildfire. It outlines silvicultural and management proposals that can be implemented in the new forest plan that the Basilicata Region is about to adopt. The proposals are based on the principle of adaptive management to support forest functionality, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Silvicultural methods include continuous cover forestry, natural regeneration, species richness and functional diversity, structural diversification, imitation of natural disturbances, tree retention to increase biodiversity. The characteristics of the forest-wood supply chain have been analyzed, highlighting weaknesses and possible improvements.

Keywords: Forest Management Plan, Silviculture, Climate Change, Wildfires, Forest-Wood Supply Chain, Basilicata, Italy

Forest@ 21 (2): 10-36 (2024) - doi: 10.3832/efor0042-021
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0042-021

Editoriali: Vent’anni dopo

Borghetti M, Bucci G — 2024-01-27

Abstract: Forest@, the open access journal of the Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology (SISEF), was launched in 2004. This note provides a short overview of the developments in scientific publishing over the past twenty years, with a focus on the consolidation of the open access model. We discuss the status of the two SISEF journals regarding the following aspects: the international journal, iForest-Biogeosciences and Forestry, has a broad readership and attracts interest in developing countries; the Italian-language journal, Forest@, has seen a decrease in the number of manuscripts submitted each year.

Keywords: Scientific Publishing, Open Access, Article Processing Charge, Forest, Journal, SISEF

Forest@ 21 (1): 8-9 (2024) - doi: 10.3832/efor0043-021
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0043-021

Articoli Scientifici: Incendi boschivi in Italia: analisi del fenomeno in mezzo secolo di osservazioni

Notarangelo M — 2024-01-16

Abstract: In Italy, starting from late spring and throughout the summer, the public debate focuses on the phenomenon of forest fires. For some years now, a further issue has been included in the debate: the anthropogenic climate change, as a contributing cause of exacerbation (or extremization) of the forest fire phenomenon. Italy, like other countries in the Mediterranean basin, has always been affected by forest fires, albeit with different intensity and frequency depending on the Region. In this study, on one hand, I analyze the dynamics of forest fires starting from 1970 and up to 2021 and, on the other, I try to highlight the ongoing trends. From the observation of the time series it can be seen that over 52 years forest fires in Italy have been quite variable. Overall, the worst period was from 1970 to 1995, while in the most recent period (1996-2021) an improvement was recorded. In the long period, the observed variables showed significant decreasing trends in terms of average, while in the short term showed less defined trends. For both the annual burnt area and number of fires, there is no tendency towards exacerbation, neither in the long nor in the short period. In contrast, the burnt area per fire shows a significant increasing trend of extremization in the most recent period (1996-2021), i.e., a lower number of fires caused larger burnt areas. As highlighted by the results, the recent increasing trend of extremization can not be neglegted, however, with respect to its origin, the co-occurrence of independent factors can not be excluded. Likewise, even where no significant trend has been detected, the presence of an underlying climatic forcing cannot be ruled out.

Keywords: Forest Fires, Anthropogenic Climate Change, Time Series, Trend, Extreme Events

Forest@ 21 (1): 1-6 (2024) - doi: 10.3832/efor4479-020
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4479-020

Recensioni: Un libro interessante alla scoperta del fragno nel Parco della Murgia Materana

Castellaneta M — 2024-01-16

Abstract: The book “The role of Quercus trojana Webb in the biodiversity of Murgia Materana Park”, by Enrico L. De Capua, offers a comprehensive overview of the park’s biodiversity, with a particular focus on Quercus trojana Webb.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Preservation, Oak Tree, Development, Protection, Vulnerability

Forest@ 21 (1): 7 (2024) - doi: 10.3832/efor0044-020
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0044-020

Articoli Scientifici: Storia di degrado e di rinascita di una pineta costiera

Calandrelli MM, Migliozzi A — 2023-10-25

Abstract: Climatic variations are events that can cause the colonization of new areas or new hosts, favored by an increase in the growth rates of the parasites. For some years the pine forests of the Domitian coast, in Southern Italy, have been endangered due to the aggression by the cochineal Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell). Observation using remote sensing techniques has been useful for identifying infested areas and defining the damage caused by the insect pests presence.

Keywords: Pine Forests, Pests, Monitoring, Satellite Images, Environmental Restoration

Forest@ 20 (5): 73-80 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4386-020
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4386-020

Articoli Scientifici: Stima del valore paesaggistico di aree forestali interessate da danni da vento nella Foresta di Vallombrosa

Biancone F, Galipò G, Sacchelli S — 2023-08-24

Abstract: In November 2013 and in March 2015 the Vallombrosa Forest was affected by high intensity windstorms, with gusts of over 160 km h-1. Windstorms caused significant damages to the forest stands, involving in particular silver fir woods (Abies alba Mill.), the most widespread forest typology over the entire surface of the forest. These meteorological events led to the removal of several hectares of tree cover, causing inevitable ecological, economic and social consequences; however, they also opened new hidden landscapes and created new habitats potentially useful for species linked to open environments. Within these premises, the study was aimed to estimate the monetary value of the new landscape created by windstorms in some forest units of the Vallombrosa Forest. The method is based on survey implemented by Contingent Valuation technique and willingness to pay (WTP) for the maintenance of the opening created in the forest. The majority of interviewed resulted willing to pay for the new landscape and mainly with amounts between 1 and 150 euros year-1. Assuming different potential annual users and capitalization rates, the landscape value of the study areas was estimated between 419,902 and 37,314,877 euros. The study (with suggested improvements) can be considered a methodological basis, aiming to support the decision making processes about the planning of the study areas in the perspective of integrated management of forest ecosystem services.

Keywords: Windstorm, Landscape Value, Contingent Valuation Method, Vallombrosa Forest, Cultural Ecosystem Services

Forest@ 20 (4): 67-72 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4426-020
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4426-020

Articoli Scientifici: Tavole di cubatura e laser scanner terrestre: l’innovazione tecnologica al servizio della dendrometria

Puletti N, Guasti M, Innocenti S, Scotti R — 2023-07-24

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 (3): 61-66 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4401-020
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4401-020

Commenti & Prospettive: Foreste digitali: innovazioni e opportunità

2023-04-17

Abstract: The forestry sector in Italy is facing issues related to the need to make the most of environmental, territorial and socio-economic opportunities. The research is called upon to translate technological advances into practical applications, even in the field of geomatics and information and communication technologies. The exploitation of precision technologies can foster innovation and the improvement of management processes as well as the development of new products useful for forest owners, entrepreneurs, forest technicians and citizens, with benefits for the quality of forest production, the reduction of production costs and the reduction of environmental and social impacts. This note provides a brief overview of precision technologies applied to forest farm-scale monitoring, silviculture management, logging, poplar farming, forest nursery and forest product traceability.

Keywords: Precision Forestry, Forest Geomatics, Information And Communication Technologies

Forest@ 20 (2): 52-60 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4353-020
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4353-020

Comunicazioni Brevi: Resilienza, plasticità e dinamiche delle pinete di pino d’Aleppo

Borghetti M, Moretti N — 2023-04-02

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

Articoli Scientifici: Il modello di gestione della rete Natura 2000 in Puglia: opinioni e aspettative dei portatori d’interesse

Tucci G, Notaro S, Paletto A — 2023-03-29

Abstract: The implementation of integrated approach in the management of sites of the Natura 2000 network presupposes the stakeholders’ involvement to efficiently combine the nature conservation at the sites with the main human activities (tourism-recreational, agricultural and forestry activities). The aim of this study is to investigate the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the current management model of the Natura 2000 network in the Puglia region through the stakeholders’ opinions and point of views. To this end, a semi-structured questionnaire was face-to-face administered to 27 stakeholders (61.4% of identified stakeholders). From a methodological point of view, a SWOT-AHP analysis was implemented to identify a ranking of individual strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the management of the Natura 2000 network in Puglia. In addition, a social network analysis was developed to understand the efficiency of current network of relationships in the management of Natura 2000 network and the potential for improvement in a future network. The results show the need to increase the level of inclusiveness in decision-making processes related to the management of the Natura 2000 network. Furthermore, the results of this study show the scarcity of human and financial resources available to managers as a key factor on which to intervene (weakness point). Finally, particular attention should be paid to the main threat underlined by the interviewees: the loss and fragmentation of habitats due to anthropic causes and abiotic factors.

Keywords: Nature Conservation, Natura 2000 Sites, Integrated Approach, Social Network Analysis, SWOT Analysis

Forest@ 20 (2): 39-47 (2023) - doi: 10.3832/efor4290-020
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4290-020

Articoli Scientifici: I boschi vetusti nel Parco del Pollino: situazione attuale e prospettive future

2023-02-16

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

Articoli Scientifici: Quadro della digitalizzazione del sistema istituzionale forestale nazionale. Il punto al 2020

Carbone F, Alivernini A, Bascietto M, Oreti L, Barbarese F — 2023-02-16

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

Editoriali: In ricordo del Prof. Giovanni Bernetti (1934-2022)

La Marca O — 2023-01-18

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

Commenti & Prospettive: Suolo, humipedon e gestione forestale

Zampedri R, Zanella A, Giannini R — 2023-01-15

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

Articoli Scientifici: Cambiamenti climatici in atto: osservazioni sugli impatti degli eventi siccitosi sulle foreste toscane

Bussotti F, Bettini D, Carrari E, Selvi F, Pollastrini M — 2023-01-03

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

Commenti & Prospettive: Vegetazione, suolo, DNA ed evoluzione naturale

Zanella A — 2023-01-03

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

Commenti & Prospettive: Un percorso sfidante per la pianificazione forestale in Italia

Corona P, Cucca B, Alivernini A — 2022-08-26

Abstract: The recent forestry law in Italy (TUFF) provides that the forest planning system managed by the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces should be, to a certain extent, standardized on a national scale. In this perspective, in order to standardize also the forest planning documents, a specific implementing decree, issued at the end of 2021, provides for common minimum standards at national level. Both the TUFF and the implementing decree are the shared result of a broad and long consultation under both a technical and political profile. However, various regional administrative and technical bodies do not seem fully aware that these decrees do not only set a univocal vision at national level of forest planning tools from a terminological point of view, but also univocally define their technical contents, according to the logic of the minimum national criteria: the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces are now called upon to adapt their regulations and procedures with respect to such terminology and minimum technical contents.

Keywords: Forest Management Plan, Strategic Forest Plan, Forest Plan Elaboration, Forest Plan Mapping

Forest@ 19 (4): 95-97 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4175-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4175-019

Commenti & Prospettive: La vivaistica forestale in Italia al bivio: sfide e strategie

2022-08-25

Abstract: The recognition of the key role of forests in contrasting the dramatic effects of climate change and biodiversity crisis is the pillar of many initiatives on a global, European, and national scale calling for afforestation campaigns. The Italian forest nursery sector is currently inadequate to meet the demand for tree seedlings for the national campaigns. Forest nursery production is characterized by regional or local companies that are remarkably different from each other in organization and efficiency. It is therefore urgent to develop a comprehensive restructuring of the entire sector to be able to respond to the specific needs of forestry projects in Italy and Europe. In this paper, we present a series of key principles and criteria aimed at guiding the renaissance of the sector. Strategic actions are proposed by integrating research, governance, public/private partnership, training, and communication. The strategic approach presented is based on a collaborative structure integrating various skills and responsibilities. The first step is an expert review of the Basic Materials (BM) included in the National Register thanks to the development of the genetic studies of forest stands and the inclusion of shrub and herbaceous species, essentials for ecosystem restoration projects counteracting the biodiversity crisis. A series of actions concerns the aspects of certification, voluntary or prescriptive, of the quality of BM, and the ultimate harmonization of national production to European standards. Particular importance needs to be devoted to the collection, evaluation, and conservation of seeds to develop innovative solutions both for the production of BM and for specific implementation phases of afforestation projects and ecosystem restoration. The governance phase might be implemented through the creation of interregional centers with the duty of collecting and conserving seeds, thus enhancing the existing experiences of outstanding regional and provincial tree nurseries with the support of the National Centers for the study and conservation of Forest Biodiversity. Furthermore, the promotion of partnerships between public and private companies and the creation of a shared and accessible national platform represent strategic actions of primary importance. A fundamental role is then assigned to the implementation of training programs and the construction of an open and incremental communication plan. Thanks to these actions it will be possible to place forest nurseries at the center of the relationships between tree planting and afforestation plans and programs, integrated forest design, implementation of new forests, and their adaptive management.

Keywords: Forest Nursery Stock Production, Basic Materials, Forest Genetic Resources, Forest Reproductive Material, Environmental Governance, Active Partnership

Forest@ 19 (4): 85-94 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4193-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4193-019

Articoli Scientifici: Le condizioni delle foreste italiane stanno peggiorando a causa di eventi climatici estremi? Evidenze dalle reti di monitoraggio nazionali ICP Forests - CON.ECO.FOR.

2022-07-12

Abstract: Tree defoliation and mortality are triggered in Europe by extreme climatic events that are recurring since the beginning of XXI century. Data from the ICP Forests monitoring networks reveal a general worsening of tree conditions in the last ten years, as consequence of the drought and heat waves that affected the Southern (2017) and Central Europe (2018-2019). In Italy a significant increase of defoliation and tree mortality, assessed on the extensive (Level I) monitoring network, was observed after the 2017 dry summer, which impacted mainly the broadleaved forests (beech and oak forests) in the peninsular regions. Coniferous forests of the alpine belt were severely impacted in 2021, probably because of the co-occurrence of multiple causes, involving windstorm and bark beetle attacks. Chestnut forests suffer from pest (insect and pathogen) attacks. The intensive (Level II) monitoring network provides cases of study and allows to carry out specific cause-effect studies concerning the physiological effects on the environmental impacts, as well to observe the ecological processes following the disturbing events. Defoliation caused by drought or pest attacks induces the loss of physiological defenses (namely non-structural carbohydrates), that need several years to be restored. Then, the occurrence of more frequent and repeated heat and drought waves can produce irreversible effects. In this view, the long-term forest health monitoring is key to detect the extent and direction of changes in forest structure and composition, and represents an important tool for forest conservation and management.

Keywords: Defoliation, Drought, Forest Health Monitoring, Heat Waves, ICP Forests, Tree Mortality

Forest@ 19 (4): 74-81 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4134-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4134-019

Editoriali: Tutta colpa dei Borboni? Il caso della legge forestale del 1826

Borghetti M — 2022-07-12

Abstract: We talk about the 1826 forestry act of the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, under Francis I of Bourbon. Those who talk about it, speak ill of it. The so-called “clearcut with reserves”, prescribed by the Bourbon’s act, is thought to have caused the distruction of many southern forests. Here we reason about this act, and suggest the Bourbons took several faults that were not their own. For instance, many forest cuts carried out in southern regions after the unification of Italy (under a new forestry regulatory regime) were defined, officially, as “shelterwood cuts”. However, they were nothing but “clearcut with reserves”.

Keywords: Forest, Clearcut, Southern Italy, Naples, Kingdom

Forest@ 19 (4): 82-84 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor0047-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0047-019

Commenti & Prospettive: Verso l’istituzione dell’Albo nazionale delle “Foreste vetuste”: la prospettiva della diversità vegetale del sottobosco

Chelli S, Cervellini M — 2022-06-16

Abstract: The publication of the Decree that has established the Italian network of old-growth forests opens new opportunities for nature conservation and new challenges for scientists. A fundamental criterion for the identification of old-growth forests is related to a “characteristic biodiversity” due to the absence of disturbances for at least sixty years. In this contribution we mainly discuss shortcomings, potential interpretation and perspectives related to the application of this criterion for the vascular plants living in the understorey. We show that the understorey diversity (both taxonomic and functional) patterns with forest maturity are strongly context-dependent and stand structural features are fundamental drivers. As a consequence, considering the impressive heterogeneity of Italian forests, the strict threshold included in the Decree (sixty years since the last disturbance) can hardly be used to distinguish a “characteristic biodiversity”. Finally, we invite all the Italian scientists dealing with forest ecosystems to strongly collaborate in order to accept the challenge introduced by the Decree.

Keywords: Forest Policy, Forest Specialist Species, Functional Diversity, Plant Diversity, Species Richness

Forest@ 19 (3): 63-66 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4142-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4142-019

Articoli Scientifici: Valutazione dei fattori di vulnerabilità della riserva naturale Bosco Pantano di Policoro: l’approccio dinamico SWOT - AHP

2022-06-16

Abstract: The Regional Oriented Reserve “Bosco Pantano”, in the Policoro territory, preserves the testimony of what was one of the most interesting lowland forest formations in Southern Italy, "a fossil" that survived to the uncontrolled land drainage and intensive agriculture occurred in the last century. Therefore, for several millennia, floodplain forests were indiscriminately exploited according to economical demands, even though the risks of biodiversity and habitat losses. The richness of species and ecosystems constitutes a major attribute of our planet, as well as an essential component of the stability of the Earth’ diverse environment. In this context, the aim of our work was to detect, on the basis of data collected through questionnaire, the most relevant factors that might impact on the ecosystem vulnerability of the reserve, either now or in the future, and thus undermine its survival. Once a brief overview of the historical, social and economic background, the hybrid method SWOT - AHP (A’WOT) was implemented. So, the implementation of such method, consisting of four analysis steps, allowed us to categorie the different SWOT factors. Our outcomes highlighted the stakeholders’ common interest in pointing to the unique traits of “Bosco Pantano” lowland forest, in order to ensure preservation and to protect biodiversity. Nevertheless, the findings revealed some critical points, i.e., the poor attention to the weaknesses factors, that may compromise the reserve’ survival. In addition, the results showed a general poor ability to appreciate and benefit from all the positive feedbacks, coming out of research and monitoring activities on the habitat. Hence, we were able to define measures and/or strategies geared to the preservation and valorization of the "Bosco Pantano" of Policoro. Specifically, the focus on multiple intervention lines could be encouranged, by exploiting the biotype’s peculiarity and uniqueness in order to promote the development of sustainable forms of tourism. It may also be advisable to implement projects aiming at the study of the the forest dynamics, as well as to institute control and monitoring organs. Lastly, we should also encourage all dissemination channels and tools in order to improve people’ s environmental awareness.

Keywords: SWOT-AHP Analysis, Biodiversity, Bosco Pantano, Climate Change, Forest Vulnerability, Management, Stakeholders

Forest@ 19 (3): 67-73 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4133-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4133-019

Commenti & Prospettive: Un nuovo paradigma per la gestione forestale sostenibile: la selvicoltura “più” prossima alla natura

Motta R, Larsen JB — 2022-05-22

Abstract: Closer-to-Nature Forest Management is a new concept proposed both in the EU Forest Strategy for 2030 and in the EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030. Closer-to-Nature Forest Management aims to improve the conservation values and climate resilience of multifunctional, managed forests in Europe. We present the concept based on a set of seven guiding principles and discuss main problems and opportunities of its application at continental scale and in Italy.

Keywords: Silviculture, Forest Management, Biodiversity, European Union, Strategy, Ecosystem Services

Forest@ 19 (3): 52-62 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4124-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4124-019

Editoriali: Prendersi cura dei boschi italiani, se ne parla al prossimo congresso SISEF

Borghetti M — 2022-05-17

Abstract: Italian forests have expanded considerably in recent decades and accumulated much woody biomass. It opens up new horizons in silviculture and forest management. Recently, we heard some calls for an increase in harvests in Italian forests. However, there are some cautions to be considered. In many cases (large areas in the centre-south of the Italian peninsula, for example), Italian forests start from conditions in which the woody biomass stock was very low due to over-exploitation, which lasted many centuries. This makes the path towards ecosystem functionality and safety long and uncertain. The climate crisis also advises against considering the current dynamics of growth and carbon uptake as granted. We recognize that the Italian furniture industry needs wood and that currently almost 80% of this wood is imported from abroad, involving environmental and ethical issues. However, for various reasons (composition, structure, cultivation methods, etc.), the type of wood asked for by furniture manufacturers is scarcely present in Italian forests, and it is unlikely that this will change in the next few years. Therefore, the forecasted increase in harvesting to replace the wood that industries import today from abroad is by no means sure it will be effective. In general, it is necessary to avoid the most simple solutions, which in Italy are often coppice cutting and coppice wood for energy purposes. The recovery from a condition of past degradation and the accumulation of biomass in Italian forests is an opportunity and opens up a vast horizon for innovative forest management and silviculture. Provided we know how to orient ourselves within this horizon and implement a true culture and care of the forest (extensive closeR-to-nature silviculture towards continuity in forest cover, above all), in full respect of the “rights” of the forest, the safeguarding of which guarantees the major benefits that the forest provides to the society.

Keywords: Italy, Forest, Wood, Harvest, Coppice, High-forest, Silviculture

Forest@ 19 (3): 49-51 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor0048-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0048-019

Articoli Scientifici: La ricerca italiana ed il ruolo della comunità scientifica nella realizzazione dell’Albo nazionale delle “Foreste vetuste”

Motta R, Garbarino M, Lingua E, Lombardi F, Tognetti R — 2022-04-28

Abstract: With the publication of a Decree that has established a List of the Italian old-growth forests, we have analyzed, using text mining software, the state of the art of Italian research in this field. We have analyzed 188 ISI and 72 non-indexed papers or reports. The analysis has identified 165 locations of which more than 50% are on pure beech or mixed beech and silver fir stands. The analysis was focused mainly on structural characteristics and bio-indicators. The current knowledge represents reliable support for the establishment of an Italian network of old-growth forests and this green infrastructure offers important opportunities for research and collaboration between research, natural resource management, and local, regional, and state administrations.

Keywords: Forest Structure, Biodiversity Indicators, Monitoring, Climate Change Impacts, Resilience, Closer To Nature Forest Management

Forest@ 19 (2): 36-48 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4110-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4110-019

Commenti & Prospettive: Strategia Forestale Nazionale italiana e governo integrato degli incendi boschivi

Ascoli D, Ferlazzo S, Marchetti M, Motta R, Pompei E, Stefani A — 2022-03-20

Abstract: Since February 2022, the National Forestry Strategy (NFS) for the forest sector and its supply chains is public. The NFS addresses in an innovative and science-based way key issues related to forest fire governance such as the integrated fire risk management, the convergence of forest, agro-pastoral and nature conservation policies with fire governance strategies, the regulatory update and the roadmap to open-access wildfire data.

Keywords: Forest Policy, Wildfire Risk Management, Climate Change, Sustainability, Rural Development

Forest@ 19 (2): 31-35 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4093-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4093-019

Articoli Scientifici: Indagine sulla produzione vivaistica forestale pubblica in Italia

2022-03-17

Abstract: In the upcoming years, the challenge of the exponential growth in tree planting activities matching climate crisis, which requires the use of targeted and adapted plant material, calls for creating an updated framework of the Italian forest nursery sector, for both basic materials (BM) and for forest reproductive materials (FRM). The present paper aims at highlighting pros and cons of the public nursery system and, at the same time, characterizing the current organization and production capacity in quantitative and qualitative terms. Our effort was focused on recovering information, topic for the development of the sector, which has been gradually weakened in the last decades. The research was carried out in two steps: (a) analysis of the online available sources; (b) diagnostic analysis by questionnaire to the nursery sector managers. The specific objectives were: (i) describing the state of the art of the available MBs; (ii) qualifying and quantifying the seedlings production (active nurseries, management of nurseries in the regions, typology and types of FRM produced and species); (iii) understanding the real and potential users of BM and FRM; and (iv) assessing the usability of information related to the nursery chain. The picture at national scale is definitively fragmented from all points of view: availability of BM, usability of available information, production capacity of FRM, rationalization and innovation of growing systems, computerization. Although virtuous cases were found, the Italian forest nursery sector generally needs a profound revitalization to cope with the imminent increasing demand for target material.

Keywords: Forest Seedlings Production, Forest Reproductive Material, Basic Material, Public Forest Nurseries, Forest Nursery Stock Production

Forest@ 19 (2): 18-30 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4083-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4083-019

Articoli Scientifici: Progetto didattico ambientale per la salvaguardia della biodiversità e la prevenzione degli incendi boschivi: “Giovani sentinelle della pineta costiera”

Agneta R, Greco M — 2022-03-06

Abstract: The vegetation of the coastal areas is closely linked to the back-dune habitat, generally occupied by coniferous forests of great naturalistic and landscape interest, where the floristic composition and vegetation are subject to deep transformations immediately after fire occurrence. School represents the ideal community for environmental and sustainability education projects aimed to raise the knowledge and awareness of the common cultural and natural heritage. This paper describes the work carried out by a third-year class of the Lower Secondary School of the I.C. “Q.O. Flacco” of Marconia (Matera, Italy) within the frame of the project “Young sentinels of the coastal pine forest”. The project aims to describe and safeguard the vegetation of the dune and back-dune habitat in the SIC area located in Marina di Pisticci, in order to prevent the occurrence of wildfires that can threaten the coastal pine forest. The results of this work can contribute to increase the knowledge of the local vegetation and to rise the awareness of new generations for the relevant role they should play in safeguarding the environment.

Keywords: Environmental Education, Biodiversity, School Scouting Activities, Coastal Pine Forest, Fire Prevention

Forest@ 19 (2): 12-17 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4061-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor4061-019

Recensioni: Investire nel bosco dà buoni risultati: da un’esperienza del passato un insegnamento per il presente

Portoghesi L — 2022-02-06

Abstract: It is good that it remains a testimony of a job well done. This is useful for the younger generation and for those who face similar problems albeit in different times and contexts. For this reason the book on reforestation carried out in Calabria almost seventy years ago is important, not only for the numerous information it provides on the subject, but above all because it helps understanding that behind what we see today in the landscape of many areas of that region there are enlightened political choices, good science and technology, the hard work of many people; all in collaboration with nature.

Keywords: Reforestation, Southern Italy, Soil conservation, Book review

Forest@ 19 (1): 10-11 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor0049-019
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0049-019

Rapporti Tecnici: Gestione forestale e biodiversità: un nuovo indicatore qualitativo per valutare la naturalità degli ambienti forestali

Casella Mariola G, Tagliaferri L — 2022-01-10

Abstract: In recent years, the loss of biodiversity occurred worldwide has called for the creation of various indicators aimed to assess the health status of the environment. Due to the increase of forest areas throughout Europe, different ecological indicators for the assessment of naturalness and health of forest ecosystems are being theorized and modelled, with relevant implications both for planning current and future management of forest ecosystems and to control their evolution over time. In this study, a new indicator of the ecological naturalness of forest habitats is proposed with the aim of providing an intuitive and straightforward tool for the harmonization and optimization of sampling efforts in similar projects (such as those proposed by Forest Europe). To this end, a limited number of variables concerning deadwood, climate, fauna, forest typology, and biotic and abiotic stress of trees have been combined into an indicator which reflects the overall health status and naturalness of forest ecosystems. Future studies and the collaboration between different research groups are desirable in order to validate the theorethical indicator proposed here and test its effectiveness and ease-of-use in projects focused on assessing the naturalness of forest ecosystems.

Keywords: Forests, Biodiversity, Wildlife, Insects, Saproxylic Fauna, Deadwood

Forest@ 19 (1): 1-9 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor3933-018
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor3933-018

Articoli Scientifici: Piantagioni clonali di eucalitto fertirrigate con reflui urbani depurati (sistema semplificato SI-UNIBAS): una opportunità da considerare

Mughini G, Masi S — 2021-10-27

Abstract: The development of a “wood waste” supply chain using treated urban waste is proposed for fertirrigation of eucalypt clonal plantations. We used the simplified SI-UNIBAS urban waste water purification system, a modification of the conventional activated sludge system which allows for the production of water with variable loads of organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), thus adapting the treated water to the crop requirements. A prototype of this system already exists since more than a decade in the municipality of Ferrandina, near Matera (southern Italy), where the purified wastewater is used to fertirrigate olive trees in an extensive experimentation with excellent results. We hypothesized the use of the SI-UNIBAS system to fertirrigate plantations of fast-growing eucalyptus clones in order to evaluate the obtainable wood production and the surfaces to be planted in areas of central and southern Italy characterized by evergreen and deciduous oak forests. In summary, the development of the “wood waste” chain could result in: (i) a reduction of up to 50% in waste treatment costs and CO2 emissions, compared to the conventional activated sludge system; (ii) a high and constant wood production (8 million m3 per year) over a short time (8-15 years rotation) on limited surfaces (about 400.000 ha) to be used as timber and/or biomass for energy use; (iii) savings on the cost of irrigation water, fertilizers or organic matter for wood production, while maintaining the soil fertility; (iv) savings on the use of chemical fertilizers and therefore no CO2 emissions from their production; (v) a lower logging from national forests and/or imports from abroad; (vi) the possibility of managing parts of forests currently subject to logging in a more efficient way in terms of absorption and conservation of atmospheric CO2 and biodiversity conservation. However, before large-scale applications of the SI-UNIBAS system, pilot studies need to be implemented in sites with soil, climatic and socio-economic conditions typical of central and southern Italy. We concluded that the SI-UNIBAS system has the potential to be applied in large-scale projects at the national level.

Keywords: Eucalyptus, Clone, Timber, Biomass, Fertigation, Urban Wastewater, Purification

Forest@ 18 (5): 85-92 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3802-018
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor3802-018

Corrigendum: In ricordo di Ezio Magini: una doverosa rettifica

Borghetti M — 2021-10-21

Abstract: We recognize in this note a mistake in the reconstruction of a tragic episode during the Second World War, reported in the article “Remembering a leading forest scientist: Ezio Magini” (https://doi.org/10.3832/efor0060-017).

Keywords: Silviculture, Forest Genetics, Forest Tree Breeding, University of Florence, Italy

Forest@ 18 (5): 84 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0050-018
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0050-018

Rapporti di Progetto: SilvaCuore: un’App per monitorare lo stato di salute delle foreste italiane

Castellaneta M, Borghetti M, Colangelo M, Lapolla A, Rita A, Ripullone F — 2021-10-14

Abstract: Several forest dieback and mortality phenomena reported across the Italian Peninsula over the last years underline an enhanced forest vulnerability in response to climate extremes, mainly heat waves and dry spells. Hundreds or even thousands hectares of forests completely die out over few years, causing considerable negative impacts on ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Thus, there is a compelling need to monitor these phenomena for understanding the future dynamics of forest stands: these crucial assumptions have led to SilvaCuore’s development, the first App designed in Italy to report the forests health status. The support of an active users’ community can not only allow researchers to survey declining forest sites, but also to better plan research activities and management measures. Silvacuore is an App designed with the willingness to strenghten the link between the citizens and the scientific community, contributing to the development of a valuable scientific database, available on a website and linked to the App. Through a user-friendly interface, the App leads the users throughout a simplified reporting procedure. SilvaCuore may therefore be perceived by a dual aspect: a resource for the scientific community and a unique opportunity for citizens to play an active role in research activities.

Keywords: Active Citizenship, Census, Climate Change, Forest Disturbance, Mediterranean Forests, Scientific Database

Forest@ 18 (5): 74-78 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3993-018
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor3993-018

Rapporti di Progetto: Digitalizzazione e tracciabilità: i principali risultati del Living Lab sulla filiera legno-energia in Italia

Ciliberti S, Brunori A, Mariano E, Frascarelli A — 2021-10-14

Abstract: Italy is the first importer of wood-energy biomass worldwide, with tons of timber illegally imported every year and significant negative socio-economic and environmental consequences. A Living Lab was established involving 25 among stakeholders and key informants of the wood-energy supply chain in order to foster a participatory and open assessment of the impact of digital technology on traceability. A Socio-Cyber-Physical System (SCPS) approach was adopted to map entities, activities and relationships at stake in the wood-energy sector, aimed to analyse impacts of the introduction of digital technologies. Participatory activities allowed to identify both positive and negative impacts of the digitalisation process in the wood-energy sector. What emerged from the analysis is that, to orient digitalisation towards a real path to sustainability in the Italian wood-energy sector, a holistic approach taking into account all the social, geographical and environmental elements at stake is strongly needed.

Keywords: Digitalisation, Traceability, Wood Energy, Living Lab, Italy

Forest@ 18 (5): 79-83 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3982-018
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor3982-018

Editoriali: In ricordo di Klaus Hellrigl

Minerbi S, Battisti A — 2021-10-13

Abstract: Dr. Klausjörg Hellrigl (1935-2021) passed away few weeks ago. For decades Dr. Hellrigl was a reference for Italian and foreign entomologists. Among his many articles and investigations, Dr. Hellrigl was probably best known for his studies on xylophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae and Cerambycidae). Here, two former pupils of Dr. Hellrigl remember his life and scientific works.

Keywords: Entomology, Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae

Forest@ 18 (5): 72-73 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0051-018
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0051-018

Rapporti di Progetto: La filiera corta del legno: un’opportunità per la bio-economia forestale in Italia

2021-08-26

Abstract: The motivations for the National Research Project on the Short Wood Supply Chain stem from the recognition of the great importance of the wood-based bio-economy for the future carbon-free society. In addition to the essential ecological benefits provided by forests, natural wood resources are expected to play a significant role due to the increasing wood demand for structural and non-structural uses. However, in Italy most industrial wood products are made from imported timber, which results in poor attention to local forestry, loss of traditional silvicultural know-how and reduced forest employment in most mountain areas. The project specifically aims: (i) to assess the feasability and sustainability of wood short supply chains; (ii) to promote new models of environmental certification and energy efficiency analysis; (iii) to create innovative products for bio-building (CrossLam, laminated timber, wood panels) using wood assortments from sustainable forest management in Italy; (iv) to characterise the functionality of wood products (with attention paid to architectural issues), predict wood degradation rate and assess conservation methods. Attention is specifically devoted to most common forest species in Italy, such as beech, pines, chestnut, deciduous oaks and poplar and to test thermal and surface treatments with natural substances and nano-materials.

Keywords: Sustainable Forestry, Forest Circular Bio-Economy, Wood Technology and Engineering, Wood Industry and Construction

Forest@ 18 (4): 64-71 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0052-018
https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/?id=efor0052-018