Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. calabrica (Poir.) of the Fallistro Biogenetic Natural Reserve: state of “Giant pines” stand after 40 years of observations

• Published in: Forest systems Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 196 - 205
• Main Authors: Avolio, Silvano, Bernardini, Vincenzo, Plutino, Manuela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Biodiversity conservation; Calabrian pine; deadwood; Forest ecology; growth forest; Old; Sustainable forestry
• ISSN: 2171-5068

Aim of study: (1) to assess structural parameters of Giant pines; (2) to compare three several inventories and relative parameters; (3) to assess mechanical stability of Giant pines.
Area of study: Sila National Park, Calabria, Italy.
Material and methods: Mechanical stability assessment and full dendrometric analysis were used.
Main results: 40 years after the first measurements on the Giant pines, the most emblematic trees of the population confirmed the peculiar ecological characteristics of Calabrian pines: their posture, rapidity of growth, productivity and longevity. The pine forest containing 46 healthy monumental trees. The Ht/DBH ratio slightly decreased from first to last inventory. The decrease of the Ht/DBH ratio correspond to the increase of mechanical stability of trees.
Research highlights: the importance of preserving the Fallistro Biogenetic Natural Reserve as a source of biodiversity and to maintain the high ecological stability that characterize this important Italian forest area.