The aim of the research is to produce a syntaxonomical framework of Karst dry grasslands (habitat of Natura 2000 network) and provide cognitive tools that can be used for their restoration through good management practices. The methodological approach is based both on a definition of the optimum state of reference of flora and of vegetation (using phytosociological models) and on the association between phytosociological and agronomic information. The research was conducted in two steps: a. Update of taxonomic nomenclature and definition of a theoretical syntaxonomical reference framework; b. study of the relationships between the agronomic aspects and aspects of the flora and vegetation for meadows and pastures for specific sampling sites in the Italian and Slovenian Karst. a. The unpublished (Poldini; Zanatta e schedis) and published relevés of the dry grasslands (class Festuco-Brometea, ordo Scorzonero-Chrysopogonetalia) of the Karst were classified along with similar but more thermophilic (alliance Chrysopogono grylli- Koelerion splendentis) and more mesophilic coenoses (class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea). The indicator species indices calculated for associations have permitted the objective identification of groups of character and differential species for association. The distribution of dry grasslands in the Karst landscape is outlined and the taxonomic framework is updated via a nomenclatural and phytogeographical revision. The standard parameters (chorotype and life form spectrum) were calculated. The conservation value is defined by the calculation of standard indices of diversity. b. This floristic-vegetation information represents the baseline for the assessment of changes in the vegetation and the status of the habitat. For each site phytosociological mrelevés were repeated in the years 2012- 13. In order to define their syntaxonomic affiliation, the collected data was compared with the phytosociological models. Almost all the sites fall within the Danthonio- Scorzoneretum. For each site the standard parameters are calculated, in order to assess the degree of deviation from the theoretical models and analyze the relationships between the community, management and productivity. The study highlights the trend towards a significant change in structure and function of the karst lands and the ,negative correlation between floristic richness and productivity. This raises the need to implement new strategies to bring the system moor towards the desired state.

The technical and scientific management of the steppe grasslands of Italian and Slovenian Karst for the conservation of biodiversity and habitats

ALTOBELLI, ALFREDO;GANIS, PAOLA;POLDINI, LIVIO;ZANATTA, KATIA
2014-01-01

Abstract

The aim of the research is to produce a syntaxonomical framework of Karst dry grasslands (habitat of Natura 2000 network) and provide cognitive tools that can be used for their restoration through good management practices. The methodological approach is based both on a definition of the optimum state of reference of flora and of vegetation (using phytosociological models) and on the association between phytosociological and agronomic information. The research was conducted in two steps: a. Update of taxonomic nomenclature and definition of a theoretical syntaxonomical reference framework; b. study of the relationships between the agronomic aspects and aspects of the flora and vegetation for meadows and pastures for specific sampling sites in the Italian and Slovenian Karst. a. The unpublished (Poldini; Zanatta e schedis) and published relevés of the dry grasslands (class Festuco-Brometea, ordo Scorzonero-Chrysopogonetalia) of the Karst were classified along with similar but more thermophilic (alliance Chrysopogono grylli- Koelerion splendentis) and more mesophilic coenoses (class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea). The indicator species indices calculated for associations have permitted the objective identification of groups of character and differential species for association. The distribution of dry grasslands in the Karst landscape is outlined and the taxonomic framework is updated via a nomenclatural and phytogeographical revision. The standard parameters (chorotype and life form spectrum) were calculated. The conservation value is defined by the calculation of standard indices of diversity. b. This floristic-vegetation information represents the baseline for the assessment of changes in the vegetation and the status of the habitat. For each site phytosociological mrelevés were repeated in the years 2012- 13. In order to define their syntaxonomic affiliation, the collected data was compared with the phytosociological models. Almost all the sites fall within the Danthonio- Scorzoneretum. For each site the standard parameters are calculated, in order to assess the degree of deviation from the theoretical models and analyze the relationships between the community, management and productivity. The study highlights the trend towards a significant change in structure and function of the karst lands and the ,negative correlation between floristic richness and productivity. This raises the need to implement new strategies to bring the system moor towards the desired state.
2014
978-88-6938-006-8
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11368/2835587
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