Il faggio (Fagus sylvatica L.) al limite meridionale dell'areale: studi dendroecologici sul monte Etna e monti Peloritani
Author(s)
Merlino, Angelo
Date Issued
June 28, 2016
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to understand, through dendroecological analysis, beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) growth in Sicily (Italy). The investigated sites are located on Mount Etna and Peloritani and were chosen based on their particular stational characteristics. The research plots are situated at the southern limit of it’s distributional area and we tried to understand how this species responds to the current phase of global warming. The results obtained through calculation of BAI (Basal Area Increment), shows that beech growth at these latitudes have a certain specificity in ecological response to climate change. The study has shown that the Sicilian beech woods anticipated all physiological processes in the month of May of the growing season, in order to better contrast the drought periods which have become more marked in recent times. Analyzing the growth trend, using specific drought indices (SPI - Standardized Precipitation Index), it was noted that there is an ongoing worrying decline synchronized to the increase of water stress. These conditions were found mostly in sites placed in altitudinal and/or latitudinal limits, in agreement with other similar studies carried around the Mediterranean Basin, confirming beeche’s role of ecological sentinel that plays in these ecosystems.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze e tecnologie per la gestione forestale e ambientale
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