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Abstract:Characterization of an abandoned pastoral area in the Northern Apennines, Italy. This paper reports the first results of an investigation carried out within the research project "Study and improvement of woods and shrubbery derived from abandoned agricultural areas" (RiSelvItalia Project). Changes occurred in the past 50 years in the pastoral area of S. Paolo in Alpe (Appennino Romagnolo, Northern Apennines, Italy) were described on the grounds of photo-interpretation of three sets of aerial photos (1955, 1976, 1997). A high reduction of the surface of sowable lands and pastures (from 80% to 33%) was pointed out, together with an increase of shrubbery (from 5% to 18%) and woods (from 0 to 42%). The characterization of woods, shrubbery and pastures was performed through structural transects and phyto-sociological investigations. Thus it was possible to reconstruct the dynamic series of vegetation, from grasslands belonging to the association Centaureo bracteatae-Brometum erecti (Festuco-Brometea) to woods referable to the association Aceri obtusati-quercetum cerridis (Querco-Fagetea). Investigations on meadows revealed also a good quality of pastures, not only in open grasslands (mean pastoral value -VP -of 30), but even in partially shrubby areas (VP 21). Some guidelines for a multi-purpose exploitation of the site are suggested, taking into account not only economic aspects, but also the conservation of environment and landscape.

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