Selvicoltura nei tipi neoforestali del Trentino

The natural reforestation of the fallow lands, widely documented on the Alps and throughout Europe, has important consequences on the geomorphic and hydro-geological processes, on biodiversity and on the anthropogenic landscape; moreover the post-abandonment woodlands invading past cultivated lands and pastures, acquire several environmental functions. For these reasons, it is advisable to identify the best management techniques. This article deals with a synthesis of the major ecological and biometrical characteristics and accessibility of the neo-forest types of a region of the Eastern Italian Alps (Trentino). The analysis is based on the data surveyed during a two-stage sampling of the entire regional surface, which permitted the field survey of 291 post-abandonment woodlands. The present sylvicultural treatments can be grouped into four categories: a) thinning; b) coppicing with reserve of noble broadleaved species; c) planting of native species in the undercover; d) wildlife habitat improvement. Coppicing and planting follow consuetudinary or experimental techniques, which need to be parameterized. The experience in wildlife habitat improvement is wide and would deserve a large-scale monitoring program of its effects. The ecological analysis showed that the broadleaved species cover is much more higher than that of mature woodlands, and that many post-abandonment woodlands are invading herbaceous communities with high nature value (Festuco-Brometalia and Molinietalia). Finally, the not negligible cover of neophytes is noteworthy and its potential effects on genetic pollution should be studied in details.