The conditions of forests in Italy. Results from the extensive surveys of Level I (1997-2010)

Abstract

The conditions of forests in Italy. Results from the extensive surveys of Level I (1997-2010). Monitoring of tree crown defoliation is carried out in Italy since the ’80, and in 1996 a comprehensive program of quality assurance has been implemented. Currently the monitoring network includes about 260 permanent plots and 7000 sample trees. The most representative tree species are: Fagus sylvatica (European beech), Quercus pubescens (downy oak), Quercus cerris (Turkey oak), Quercus ilex (holm oah), Castanea sativa (chestnut), Ostrya carpinifolia (hop hornbeam), Picea abies (spruce), Larix decidua (larch), Pinus nigra (black pine) e Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine). These species represent the 80% of the whole sample, but only European beech is evenly distributed in Italy. The most important trends at national level concern the critical sanitary conditions of Castanea sativa and Quercus pubescens, as well as the high defoliation levels of Pinus sylvestris. The importance of this program in the context of climate change studies is discussed.

Keywords

• CON.ECO.FOR.
• Crown Conditions
• Defoliation
• Level I