http://http://dspace.unitus.it:80 The DSpace digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. 2013-05-21T09:38:54Z http://hdl.handle.net/2067/2213 Title: Stand structure attributes in potential Old-Growth Forests in the Apennines, Italy Authors: Calamini, Gianfranco; Maltoni, Alberto; Travaglini, Davide; Iovino, Francesco; Nicolaci, Antonino; Menguzzato, Giuliano; Corona, Piermaria; Ferrari, Barbara; Di Santo, Daniele; Chirici, Gherardo; Lombardi, Fabio Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide early feedback on stand structure attributes in Italian Apennines forests that could be considered Old Growth Forests in the Mediterranean Eco-Region. Few data are nowadays available relating to this Region. 10 forest reserves across the Apennines were selected and a census of trees and structural parameters was conducted in permanent plots (0.16-1.0 ha), one plot for each selected forest stand. Dimensional and structural characters indicate a large variability among the investigated forest stands. The considered parameters are compared with those reported for other European countries. Old growth features and characteristics of each indicator should be revised and referred to the particular climatic and biogeographic context. The chosen forest study sites are to be considered old if related to common Apennine stands but, in some cases, their development stage is not so close to “truly” Old Growth Forest. Permanent plots allow future investigations on dynamic processes leading to real Old Growth Mediterranean Forests in Italian Apennines. 2010-12-31T23:00:00Z