The vegetation of a relict salt marsh area in the Pisan coast in the context of brackish wetlands of Tuscany

Abstract

The paper presents the results of phytosociological surveys carried out in Galanchio-Cornacchiaia, a salt marsh area on the Pisan coast (northern Tuscany), which survived the agricultural reclamation. The vegetation surveys confirm the brackish features of the site, while highlighting three substantially different subareas in terms of prevailing vegetation. The phytosociological study allowed the identification of 11 marsh phytocoenoses attributable to 12 associations (Crypsidetum aculeatae; Parapholidetum filiformis; Suaedo maritimae-Salicornietum patulae; Suaedetum maritimae; Puccinellio festuciformis-Halimionetum portulacoidis; Puccinellio festuciformis-Sarcocornietum perennis; Elytrigio elongatae-Inuletum crithmoidis; Limonio narbonensis-Juncetum gerardi; Puccinellio festuciformis-Aeluropetum litoralis, Junco maritimi-Spartinetum junceae; Juncetum maritimi-acuti; Phragmitetum australis). These plant communities are referable to 3 brackish habitats and related subtypes, reported in 92/43 ECC Directive habitats. This biotope, although part of the neighboring area of the Regional Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, is currently in an extremely precarious balance and threatened by the surrounding agricultural activities. The knowledge of its naturalistic peculiarities and remarkable biodiversity, can contribute to its increased protection and conservation. This study add new data to the knowledge of the brackish vegetation of Tuscany.