ISHS Acta Horticulturae 815: International Workshop on Chestnut Management in Mediterranean Countries - Problems and Prospects
EVALUATION OF INTER-TREE COMPETITION AND STRUCTURAL DIVERSITY BY SYNTHETIC INDICES IN CHESTNUT COPPICE STANDS |
| Authors: | C. Becagli, M.C. Manetti, E. Amorini |
| Keywords: | Castanea sativa, stand structure, tree density, tree composition |
| Abstract:
Stand structure, tree density as well as tree specific composition patterns define natural dynamics and competition process. They are therefore parameters used to define any silvicultural management type. Relationships between treatments and synthetic descriptive indices in thinned chestnuts coppice stands of different age are analysed in the paper. The main goals are: i) verify the indices ability to differentiate and qualify stand structural complexity; ii) evaluate the evolutive dynamics and competition process vs. past management history. Finally, their effectiveness as for the planning of future thinnings is discussed. The study was carried out in Tuscany (Italy), in two wide chestnut areas: the ‘Altopiano delle Pizzorne (Lucca)’ and ‘Monte Amiata (Siena)’. The stands, in different age, show a high site-index and different cultivation backgrounds, these affecting the present structure and the ongoing competition process as well. Synthetic indices of dimensional (Evenness), structural (Vertical Evenness and Cox), and specific (Shannon) diversity were calculated. Furthermore, a competition index was measured. The stands show a one-storied, monospecific structure, a regular to random tree distribution and a reduced inter-tree competition varying as a function of site-index. The applied thinning determined the simplification of stand structure and the reduction of inter-tree competition. The above mentioned synthetic and easy to calculate indices represent therefore a useful operational instrument in silvicultural planning. | |
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