Defining and mapping typological models at the landscape scale

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the role of plant sociology in the framework of ecology and biodiversity conservation, and to present an experimental approach that promotes the integration of vegetation science with landscape ecology. A new model of deductive plant sociology at the landscape level is proposed, which is rooted in the traditional approach but relates to the landscape ecology of the 'European school' for its emphasis on landscape classification. Using the case study of the Municipality of Rome, a methodological process for defining and mapping vegetation series, geosigmeta and landscape units is proposed, based on the overlay of climatic, lithomorphological, floristic and vegetation information, the latter in its syntaxonomical and dynamical aspects. At the landscape level plant sociology can significantly contribute to formalize ecological models based on complex isofunctional units and helpful in environmental management and planning

The role of plant sociology in the study and management of European forest ecosystems

“…Indeed information about the model of vegetation dynamic (vegetation series) will allow to interpret ecologically and in a dynamic perspective the communities developing after a damage and to define management actions consistent with the current vegetation conditions and with their potential to restore the former community (Blasi et al 2005).…”

“…Indeed, through the plant sociological approach, it is possible to define models of vegetation dynamic (vegetation series) and to relate these to unique combinations of climatic, lithological and morphological conditions. Such a great body of information can be achieved using jointly the inductive methodology of plant sociology (based on field observations and data collection) and the deductive approach of landscape ecology that identifies ecologically homogenous land units through a process of hierarchical classification (Blasi et al 2005).…”

Effects of Disturbance on Sandy Coastal Ecosystems of N-Adriatic Coasts (Italy)

“…The concept of PNV correlates to that of vegetation series which is composed of dynamically linked plant communities developing into the same type of mature vegetation, i.e. the PNV (Biondi, 2011;Blasi et al, 2005).…”

Effects of extreme natural events on the provision of ecosystem services in a mountain environment: The importance of trail design in delivering system resilience and ecosystem service co-benefits

“…Ferrarini et al, 2008;Snyder et al, 2008;Tomczyk and Ewertowski, 2013a;Xiang, 1996). These models can be also extended to incorporate knowledge of local stakeholders, for example by use of the results of map-based interviews (Austin et al, 2009;Irvine et al, 2009) or information about attractiveness of landscape to visitors (Blasi et al, 2005;Daniel, 2001;Goossen and Langers, 2000;Krause, 2001). Apart from proper planning, trails need to be constructed optimally to provide recreation in a sustainable way, and there are several guidelines for trail construction in different environmental settings (Crimmins, 2006;Hesselbarth et al, 2007;Marion and Leung, 2004;Marion and Wimpey, 2007;USDA, 2006;Zeller et al, 2006).…”