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Conversion of Mountain Beech Coppices into High Forest: An Example for Ecological Intensification
Walter Mattioli1, Barbara Ferrari2, Diego Giuliarelli3
1Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, via S. Camillo de Lellis, 01100, Viterbo, Italy. walter.mattioli@unitus.it.
Environmental Management
|June 14, 2015
Summary
Converting beech coppices to high forests using gradual thinning accelerates stand development. This ecological intensification method balances wood harvesting with vital environmental services, benefiting both owners and ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Forestry science
- Silviculture
- Ecology
Background:
- Beech coppices are often managed with clearcutting, impacting soil, landscape, and biodiversity.
- Conversion to high forest is a goal to mitigate negative effects of clearcutting.
- Gradual thinning is the primary silvicultural tool for this conversion, allowing continued wood harvesting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term effects of different thinning intensities on beech coppice conversion.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of gradual thinning as a tool for ecological intensification.
- To analyze impacts on stand growth, structure, stem density, and canopy cover.
Main Methods:
- An experimental test initiated over 25 years ago in a central Italian beech coppice.
- Application of three thinning intensities and a control treatment.
- Assessment using successive forest inventories and spatial indices for stem density and canopy cover.
Main Results:
- Thinning treatments resulted in stands with fewer, larger stems compared to the control.
- The conversion process to high forest was accelerated by the thinning regimes.
- Wood harvesting capability and environmental services were maintained throughout the study period.
Conclusions:
- Gradual thinning of beech coppices is an effective strategy for conversion to high forest stands.
- This silvicultural approach promotes ecological intensification, balancing economic and environmental objectives.
- The method supports continuous forest cover management and enhances stand value.
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