Ecosystem Classification and Mapping: A Proposal for Italian Landscapes

Author(s): Carlo Blasi, Maria Laura Carranza, Raffaella Frondoni and Leonardo Rosati
Source: Applied Vegetation Science, Vol. 3, No. 2 (Dec., 2000), pp. 233-242
Published by: Wiley
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1479002
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Applied Vegetation Science 3: 233-242, 2000
? IAVS; Opulus Press Uppsala. Printed in Sweden
233

Ecosystem classification and mapping:

a proposal for Italian landscapes

Blasi, Carlo; Carranza, Maria Laura*; Frondoni, Raffaella & Rosati, Leonardo

Department of Plant Biology, University 'La Sapienza', P le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
*Fax +39064463865; E-mail laura.carranza@uniromal.it

Abstract. This paper deals with the development of a hierar-
chical land classification for describing and mapping land-
scapes at different scales. After a brief overview of the theo-
retical background, an integrative framework is proposed which
incorporates different hierarchical levels from plant sociology
as diagnostic attributes. The feasibility of this proposal has been
tested in different sample landscapes in central Italy. This
system has a potential for applications to Italian landscapes
from national to local scales, because it is based on solid theory
and on information which is generally available in Italy.
Within this context, this paper presents a hierarchi-
cal approach which has been specifically designed for
describing and mapping Italian landscapes at different
scales, on behalf of environmental policy and design
(Blasi & Paolella 1992; Blasi et al. 1997). This system
integrates existing information from well-developed
environmental disciplines, such as geology, bioclimato-
logy, vegetation science and soil science (Blasi 1995).
In particular, it incorporates concepts from plant sociol-
ogy and its latest developments (Rivas-Martinez 1976;

Keywords: Environmental policy; Land classification; Plant G6hu 1986).

sociology. Plant sociology has formalized the approach for
sampling and hierarchically classifying vegetation, and
is widely developed in most European countries, where
Nomenclature: Pignatti (1982) for taxa; Scoppola et al. (1993)
it is commonly used also for vegetation-based descrip-
for plant communities.
tions of landscapes (Vos & Stortelder 1992). In a land-
scape-ecological context dynamically related vegeta-
Introduction tion types are grouped into vegetation series while mo-
saics of vegetation series occurring in homogeneous
Ecosystem classification and mapping has recentlybiogeographical and geomorphologic units are united in
received renewed attention, either from a theoreticalcatena or geosigmeta (Loidi 1994; Biondi 1996).
viewpoint or in case-specific applications (Klijn & Udo Although in a holistic land classification vegetation
de Haes 1994; Zonneveld 1995; Bailey 1996; Matson et represents merely one of the ecologically relevant as-
al. 1996; Smalley et al. 1996; Bredenkamp et al. 1998; pects, the hierarchical approach of plant sociology al-
Chytry 1998). This is due to the fact that, as a precursorlows us to integrate different types of vegetation infor-
to land management and biodiversity conservation, eco- mation into a wider, hierarchical environmental frame-
systems need to be described, characterised and spa- work.
tially located (Sims et al. 1996).
Most classifications rely on a scale-independent con-A proposal for classifying and mapping ecosystems
cept of ecosystem as 'a volume of land and air plus
organic content extended areally over a particular part Ecosystems are usually recognizable because of their
of the Earth's surface for a certain time' (Rowe 1961). relative homogeneity when compared with their sur-
In this view, the whole Earth can be conceived as a roundings. This homogeneity is a function of the scale
unified functional ecosystem, which can be categorizedof observation. The key problem in organising an eco-
into similar or dissimilar ecosystems at progressivelysystem classification is thus to develop the criteria for
smaller ecological scales. This enables to create a hier-identifying homogeneity at different spatial scales.
archical framework, in which the pattern and function of Whereas all ecological components are relevant,
their relative importance varies with different scales. As
ecosystems at each level depend on both the potentiality
of lower levels and the constraints imposed by highera general guideline, classification characteristics at any
levels (O'Neill et al. 1989). The recognition of such spatial
a scale can be derived from those factors which
hierarchy of nested ecosystems provides a rational basebecome ecologically relevant by causing the observed
for many-scaled problems in the fields of nature conser-environmental mosaic (Klijn & Udo de Haes 1994).
vation and sustainable development (Rowe 1996). However, the factors controlling the pattern might not

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 234 Blasi, C. et al.

be the most vegetation

suitable series, major
for groupings of soil and main land
mapping. In
produce useful cover types.
and Land cover is defined and mapped in detail.
comprehensive
cally relevant Vegetation series
factors which are named after are
the association which
easily
scopically can be represents
used, the final successional stage (head) in the
whether the
dynamic sequence. or simply re
pattern of ecosystems
Finally, at detailed scales (1: 10 000 - 1 : 5000),
1994; Klijn et al. 1995).
attention
Furthermore, ecosystem focuses on the individual components of the
classifica
dynamic pattern
be hierarchical with respectof land units. Land to
elementstime
can be
temporal scales exist
distinguished, whichfor
correspond tonatural
the individual suc-
(Klijn & Udo de cessional
Haes stages of 1994). This m
the vegetation series characterising
should be the higher hierarchical
characterised so level.that
These units are the
described v
within systems by syntaxonomical units
becomes (associations) and further
higher atchar-
inc
Typically, the acterized by soil, landform
relevant land and substrate.
attribut
landscapes are climate, lithology, g
man activities, soil, vegetation
Applications: case studies from central Italy and
Godron 1986; Zonneveld 1995). This
reflects their This scheme for landboth
hierarchy classification and
inmapping has
tim
it moves from been tested in three study
relatively areas in central Italy
stable (Fig. 1):
factor
ecological scales to1. An area of 476 000 ha,
more which lies between the
dynamic f
local levels. Tyrrhenian shoreline (0 m above sea level) and the
Following these guidelines for ecosystem classi- Apennine mountains (up to 2156 m a.s.l.). Within this
fication and integrating plant sociology, we have de- area, land facets, systems and regions have been mapped.
signed a hierarchical framework for land classification 2. The Monti Lepini. They represent the northern
and mapping, whose nomenclature refers mainly to portion of the Volsci range, a wide, calcareous complex
Christian & Stewart (1968) and Dent & Young (1981). in the southern Lazio region. The Monti Lepini extend
From a higher to a lower level of abstraction, land over around 60 000 ha and feature two different ranges,
regions, land systems, land facets, land units and land which are aligned NW to SE and are separated by an
elements are identified. internal valley. In this study only the eastern chain,
Land regions are defined at broad ecological scales, which extends over 24 300 ha (from 50 to 1536 m a.s.1.),
> 1:250000. They are determined by macroclimatic has been considered.
features. This is because macroclimate is the main factor 3. The Circeo National Park, which covers 8484 ha.
which influences landform processes as well as vegeta- This area is mostly flat, apart from a calcareous promon-
tion and soil distributions at smaller scales (Walter 1984). tory (at the southern end) which rises up to 541 m a.s.l.
Within each land region, land systems are delimited Three spatial scales have been employed, respec-
according to significant lithological and geographical tively:
differences. * 1:250000 to describe and map land facets, systems
Land facets are separated at intermediate scales (1 : and regions;
250 000 - 1: 50 000). They are delimited according to * 1: 50 000 to describe and map the land units of the
morphology and bioclimatic types (precipitation and Monti Lepini;
temperature regimes). These units are then further char- * 1: 10000 to define and map land units, and possibly
acterized by main vegetation series and most wide- elements, in the Circeo National Park.
spread land cover types. We mainly used an intuitive, divisive approach based
Since the diagnostic abiotic factors are too coarse for on generally available data with superimposed maps.
a more detailed discrimination, at these scales different However, agglomerative techniques and multivariate
forest types represent the final stages (potential vege- statistics have been employed for the analysis of origi-
tation) of the natural dynamics of vegetation. Thus, nal vegetation data at the lower levels. The divisive
different vegetation series may occur contiguously within approach has been chosen to develop a classification
the same climatic and geomorphologic context, as in scheme which limits the requirements for field data
catena or geosigmeta units (Grhu 1986). Forests are collection and yet is applicable to most Italian case
named with reference to syntaxonomical alliances, since studies. As for the intuitive approach, the use of sub-
at these scales different individual associations may jective techniques against objective, numerical proce-
correspond to the same general type of forest. dures represents a common methodological dilemma.
Land units are defined at medium to small ecological However, Klijn et al. (1995) found that an a priori
scales (1: 50000 - 1: 10000). They are determined by integrated approach based on existing maps and an

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 - Ecosystem classification and mapping: a proposal for Italian landscapes - 235

Land Units Diagnostic land attributes References (maps)

s.l. and scale

Land regions Bioclimate Blasi, 1994

>1:250,000

Land systems
1:250,000 Main
geographical lithological
features land Almagi, 1976
Brondi, 1996

Land facets Lithomorphology, climatic Bigi et al, 1988

150,000 / types, vegetation (alliances) Blasi, 1994; CORINE
1:250,000 and main land uses Land Cover, 1992
CORSE #Roma
Land units Land use, vegetation, unpublished and original
1-10,000 / (associations), lithology, Land-cover/vegetation
1: 50,000 physiography and main map, Regione Lazio;
groups of soils Sevink et al, 1984

Elements Detailed vegetation-land Unpublished soil data and

:5,000 cover, soils and morphology original vegetation map
1:10B000
ra

Fig. 2. Proposed hierarchy of land classification and reference

data for the case studies.

ogy and topography were available. A soil map was

available for the Monti Lepini, whereas detailed soil
data for the Circeo National Park were collected during
field surveys by Dr. Dowgiallo (Universith degli Studi
'La Sapienza'). Information about land cover and land
use in the eastern range of the Monti Lepini has been
newly derived (Carranza 1998). Mapping of vegetation

. ) }.e ". unc,.. - physiognomies have been achieved by visual interpreta-

n ?ia tion of 1:38000 stereoscopic, black and white aerial
photographs. The various physiognomical types were
sampled by 138 phytosociological relev6s, and plant
communities were identified using multivariate analy-
sis of data. Potential vegetation was extrapolated from
National " the examination of correlation between environmental

parameters and land cover, and from literature (Biondi

1989; Scoppola et al. 1993).
Fig. 1. An original 1:10000 vegetation map of the Circeo
Location of
from Rivas-Martin
National Park (also derived by photo-interpretation)
ate region, diagona
was available for defining land units and elements within
The zoomed area
this area. Detailed descriptions sh
of vegetation groupings
the Monti Lepini
and their syntaxonomy and dynamics can be found in
Circeo National Pa
Filesi et al. 1998; Acosta et al. 1998; Milanese et al.
1998; Presti et al. 1998; Frondoni & Iberite 1998; Stanisci
automated classification of the same characteristics from et al. 1998.
a national data base produced similar maps for large The legend of the vegetation maps refers to the EU-
ecological units. Furthermore, both procedures seem to CORINE land cover project. However, a more detailed
include arbitrary elements, because, even in the objec- level of information has been added for natural and
tive approach, a certain subjectivity is retained when semi-natural vegetation, according to the larger scale
choosing the initial variables and various aspects of considered. Finally, the geomorphologic characteristics
samples (Bunce et al. 1996). of elements have been derived from literature and field
Land regions, systems and facets have been derived observations.
from the combination of a phytoclimatic map (which All maps were digitized as vector files, rasterized
also provides data about potential vegetation), a land with a 5-m pixel size and then overlain using the grid
cover map, lithomorphological maps and the distribu- based GIS Ilwis 2.1.
tion of geographical regions (see Fig. 2 for detailed data
references). Since information was quite easy to handle
at this scale, maps have been redrawn on transparencies.
For land units, 1:50000 maps of hydrology, lithol-

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 236 Blasi, C. et al.

Preliminary results
example, whereas the soil map for the Monti
the FAO nomenclature, the soil data for t
Overall, facets,41 land
belonging
National Park refers to
to the USDA classificatio
tems and land three
regions
However, heterogeneity (Mediterr
of map legends dep
and Transitional), upon
have been
environmental recognis
variability between cas
250 000 sample area (Fig.
The occurrence 3a).
of azonal Withi
vegetation in the
tional Park, 33 landbrackish habitats of the Circeo
elements, National Par
which
eight land units (Fig.
stance, 3c),
causes landhave been
units to be defined bym fin
of individual associations (this
different scale of observation, only is the land
case fo
units in Table 2). identified
levels have been presently On the other hand, thein zona
of the Monti Lepini. 10 land
of vegetation units
in the Monti hav
Lepini enables to
(Fig. 3b). unique potential vegetation for most land units
A detailed presentation of
exception is Unit the
2.2.2.1 result
in Table 3). Actually
scope of this paper. isIn
still order
under phytosociological
to show investiga
th
and the
environmental variability
syntaxonomical of
references still need to be pr
fined. Nevertheless,
land facets of the whole Circeo a preliminary
Nationalland clas
described in Table has
1;been
the land
presented to showunits
the generalan
valid
ring along a transect are
classification summarized
system when considering diffe
shown in Fig. 3c and
scapes. d, respectively. T
the eastern range of Finally,
the Monti
the map Lepini,
overlay methodology caused prob- a
ships with the higher levels, are show
lems which were solved on the basis of subjective
Fig. 3b. judgement. For instance, when overlaying different maps
Implementation of the proposed land classification at the same scale, patches too small to be considered as
showed a few shortcomings. mapping units can be generated. This problem was
First, information may exist neither as maps nor as solved by assigning those patches to the most similar of
spatially located data, especially when considering large the neighbouring classes. Furthermore, when maps at
geographical scales. Thus, one cannot rely exclusively different scales are superimposed, boundaries of the
on existing maps. In our case, for instance, field data on same attribute might not coincide on the different maps.
vegetation needed to be collected for the Monti Lepini When this was the case, the map at the scale under
area.
investigation has been used to adjust the boundaries of
Secondly, descriptions of units are quite hetero-
the higher units (at smaller geographical scales) for that
attribute.
geneous when comparing different case studies. This is
due partly to the heterogeneity of map legends. For

Table 1. Land facets of the Circeo National Park.

Region Systems Facets

1.1. Alluvial, lacustrine

1.1.1 Plain area and
of ancient (Pleistocene) dunes under meso-Mediterranean-subhumid climate. Non-irrig
coastal sediments of the
arable land, complex cultivation patterns, broad-leaved forest, discontinuous urban fabric. Quercus cerrisfo
'Regione Pontina' and 'Pi-(Teucrio siculi- Quercion cerridis), Q. suber and Q. frainetto forests (Teucrio siculi- Quercion cerridis), Q.
ana di Fondi' plains. and Q. suber woodland (Quercion ilicis), Fraxinus oxycarpa woodland (Populion albae), Alnus glut
riparian formations (Osmundo-Alnion).
1.1.2 Plain area with coastal lakes under meso-Mediterranean-subhumid climate. Pastures, non-irrigated a
land. Mosaic of salt-marsh vegetation, Quercus ilex woodland (Quercion ilicis), Fraxinus oxycarpa wood
(Populion albae), Alnus glutinosa riparian formations (Osmundo-Alnion).
1.1.3 Recent coastal dunes under meso-Mediterranean-subhumid climate. Coastal sand dune vegetati
sclerophyllous vegetation. Mosaic of chamaephytic and herbaceous vegetation (Ammophilion arenar
Crucianelletum maritimae, Linarion pedunculatae),dune thickets with Juniperus (Juniperion lyciae), Quer
ilex woodland (Quercion ilicis).

1.2.Calcareous promontories1.2.1 Calcareous promontories under thermo-Mediterranean-humid climate. Broad-leaved forest, sclerophy
of the 'Regione Pontina'vegetation, sparsely vegetated areas, discontinuous urban fabric. Juniperus phoenicea arborescent mat
and 'Piana di Fondi' plains.(Oleo-Ceratonion), Quercus ilex woodland (Quercion ilicis).
1.2.2 Calcareous promontories under meso-Mediterranean-subhumid climate. Broad-leaved forest. Quercus
and Q. suber woodland (Quercion ilicis), Q. ilex woodland (Quercion ilicis).

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 - Ecosystem classification and mapping: a proposal for Italian landscapes - 237

A)

&1.21

1 1.3

.2
3.11 1
31.7 1.3

2.. . 1
.1. 3
23

.3 3.1
.2 1i

3Z23

33.2

1.111 2.2
1. 1.2.12

.1.16.2

.m2312.3.22 13.
010 Km
121.21

2. 2.11

23.2.1 I 2/3 2ENE. .2 1 112

2,13.2..3.Z2.2 1. .2.2

3.2.1.1

.1.2.2 2 .2.1 2 Km
.2. 2.1.2. 1.1.3

2 .1

2.1.2.2

1 .1.2

WSW

.1,2.1.1N

Fig. 3. Schematic mapping of spatial units at different scales within the selected study areas.
A. 1:250000 map of land facets within a transect area lying between the Tyrrhenian shoreline and the Apennine mountains.
B. 1:50000 map of land units in the eastern range of the Monti Lepini.
C. 1: 10000 map of land units in the Circeo National Park.
D. Land elements occurring along a sample transect in the Circeo National Park.

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 238 Blasi, C. et al.

Table 2. Land units and elements along a s

UNIT 1.1.3.1 Mobile and fixed dunes (seaward slo
vegetation mosaic: Echinophoro spinosae-Elymetumf
Linarion pedunculatae annual herb-communities, A

ELEMENTS Vegetation Substrate Geomorphology Soil type

1.1.3.1.1 Herbaceous and chamaephytic Calcareous sands Embryonic and Weakly developed sandy soils
vegetation mosaic: Echinophoro mobile dunes (xeropsamment)
spinosae-Elymetum farcti
Echinophoro spinosae-Ammophiletum
arundinaceae
Pycnocomo rutifoliae-Crucianelletum
maritimae
Linarion pedunculatae annual herb-
communities.

1.1.3.1.2 Dune thickets with Juniperus: Asparago Calcareous sands Fixed dune Weakly developed sandy soils
acutifolii-Juniperetum macrocarpae slopes (xeropsamment)

UNIT 1.1.3.2 Fixed dune (landward slopes) exposed to medium impact. Tree plantations (mostly
phanerophytic vegetation. Phillyreo angustifoliae-Juniperetum turbinatae, Asplenio onopteridis-
(entisols and inceptisols).

ELEMENTS Vegetation Substrate Geomorphology Soil type

1.1.3.2.1 Dune thickets with Juniperus: Phillyreo Calcareous sands Fixed dune Weakly developed sandy soils
angustifoliae-Juniperetum turbinatae slopes (xeropsamment)
1.1.3.2.2 Quercus ilex woodland :
Asplenio onopteridis-Quercetum ilicis Calcareous sands Landward dune Moderately developed soils
slopes with ochric epipedon
(xerochrept)

UNIT 1.1.2.1 Lakes and coastal plains exposed to strong human impact. Field crops and improved grasslands, tr
Eucalyptus ssp.). Ruppia cirrhosa and Cymodocea nodosa communities, mosaic of halophytic vegetation (Salicor
Salicornietum patulae, Puccinelliofestuciformis-Halimonietum portulacoidis, Scirpetum compacto-littoralis), Fraxinus
Fraxinetum oxycarpae). Surface-water and groundwater gley soils (entisols), peat soils (histosols).

ELEMENTS Vegetation Substrate Geomorphology Soil type

1.1.2.1.1 Fraxinus oxycarpa formations: Clays Small terraces with Weakly developed soils with
Cladio marisci-Fraxinetum oxycarpae high water table sulfides, permanently saturated
caricetosum otrubae level with water
(sulfaquent)

Table 3. Land units of the eastern range of the Monti Lepini and their relationships with higher levels (facets, systems and regions).

Regions Systems Facets Units

2.1. Calcareous mountain 2.1.1 Basins containing pyroclastic materials un-
ranges of the Volsci sys- der meso-Mediterranean-humid climate. Broad-
tem leaved forest, complex cultivation patterns, land
principally occupied by agriculture with signifi-
cant areas of natural vegetation. Quercus cerris
forests (Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis).

2.1.2 Calcareous ranges of the Lepini and Ausoni 2.1.2.1 Piedmont on colluvial deposits. Anthropic and
Mountains, under meso-Mediterranean-humid cli- semi natural land use: complex cultivation patterns and
mate. Broad-leaved forest, transitional woodland/ chestnut woods. PV': Roso-Quercetum pubescentis. Chro-
shrub, olive groves, fruit trees and berry planta- mic luvisols (terra rossa).
?u tions, land principally occupied by agriculture with
significant areas of natural vegetation. Quercus 2.1.2.2 Steep calcareous slopes with high anthropic influ-
2
pubescens and Ostrya carpinifolia woodland ence. Mainly semi-natural land use: Ampelodesmos
(Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis), Quercus ilex wood- mauritanicus garrigues (predominant), therophytic
Cu
Cu land (Quercion ilicis). grasslands, Q. ilex woodland, olive groves. PV: Orno-
Quercetum ilicis. Lithosols and rendzinas.
Cu
2.1.2.3 Steep calcareous slopes of the Carpineto Valley.
Mainly natural and seminatural land use. Q. ilex forest,
0
grasslands , olive groves. PV: Orno-Quercetum ilicis.
Lithosols and rendzinas.
om

2.2. Alluvial valleys and 2.2.1 Valleys with pyroclastic materials, under
',i floodplains of the Cio- collinar-humid climate. Non-irrigated arable land.
ciaria region Quercus cerris forests (Teucrio siculi-Quercion
cerridis).

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 - Ecosystem classification and mapping: a proposal for Italian landscapes - 239

Table 3. (cont.)

Regions Systems Facets Units

2.2.2. Recent floodplains under collinar-humid cli-
mate. Non-irrigated arable land, broad-leaved for-
est, discontinuous urban fabric, industrial or com-
mercial units. Quercus cerris forests (Teucrio siculi-
Quercion cerridis), Alnus glutinosa riparian for-
mations (Alno-Ulmion), Salix alba gallery forma-
tions (Salicion albae).
ou
2.2.2.1 Alluvial valley of the River Sacco. High anthropic
impact. Land use: mainly arable land, (rarely) riparian
forest. PV: Salicetum albae fragm., associations of Alno-
Ulmion and Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis. Luvisols
and cambisols.
2.2.2.2 Alluvial valley of the River Amaseno, exposed to
high anthropic influence. Land use: mainly arable land and
complex cultivation patterns. PV: association within the
Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis. Chromic luvisols (terra
rossa).

2.2.3 Recent floodplains under meso-Mediterra-

2
Cu
nean-humid climate. Complex cultivation patterns,
E
land principally occupied by agriculture with sig-
nificant areas of natural vegetation, olive groves,
fruit trees and berry plantations, broad-leaved for-
Cu
ests. Quercus cerris and Q. pubescens woodland
ou (Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis).

Cu
2.2.4 Plains with fluvial and lake deposits under
0
collinar-humid climate. Complex cultivation pat-
terns, broad-leaved forests. Quercus cerris forests
(Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis), Q. cerris and
Q. pubescens woodland (Ostryo-Carpinion
orientalis), Alnus glutinosa riparian formations
(Alno-Ulmion), Salix alba gallery formations
(Salicion albae).

2.3. Sandstone and pyro- 2.3.1 Hills formed by turbidites in arenaceous

clastic hills and pediments
of the Ciociaria region
facies, under collinar-humid climate. Non-irrigated
arable land, complex cultivation patterns, vine-
yards, olive groves, broad-leaved forests, indus-
trial or commercial units. Quercus cerris forests
(Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis).

2.3.2 Hills and pediments formed by pyroclastic
materials, under collinar-humid climate. Non-irri-
gated arable land, complex cultivation patterns,
land principally occupied by agriculture with
significant areas of natural vegetation, broad-
leaved forest, fruit trees and berry plantations.
Quercus cerris forests (Teucrio siculi-Quercion
cerridis), Q. cerris and Q. pubescens forest
(Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis).
2.3.3 Calcareous hills under collinar-humid cli-
mate. Non-irrigated arable land, complex cultiva-
tion patterns, broad-leaved forest. Quercus
pubescens and Ostrya carpinifolia woodland
(Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis).
2.3.2.1 Piedmont formed mainly by clayey sandstones.
High anthropic use, mainly as complex cultivation pat-
terns. PV: association of the Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis.
Rendzinas and calcic cambisols.
2.3.2.2 Piedmont and plain areas mainly covered by
pyroclastic deposits. Anthropic and semi natural land use:
arable land and chestnut woods. PV: subacidophilous
Quercus cerris forests (Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis).
Andosols, chromic luvisols.

3.2.1 Calcareous ranges of the Lepini Mountains 3.2.1.1 Calcareous peaks of the Lepini Mountains with
under montane-humid climate. Broad-leaved for- seminatural and natural land use: beech forest, grassland.
est, transitional woodland/shrub, bare rocks. Fagus PV: Aquifolio-Fagetum. Complex of lithosols and
sylvatica forests (Aquifolio-Fagion). rendzinas.

3.2. Calcareous mountain
ranges of the Volsci system
**
3.2.2 Calcareous ranges of the Lepini Mountains
under submontane-hyperhumid climate. Broad-
leaved forest, transitional woodland/shrub. Ostrya
carpinifolia woodland (Ostryo-Carpinion orien-
talis), Quercus cerris and Q. pubescens woodland
(Quercion pubescentis-petraeae).
3.2.2.1 Intramontane valleys on terra rossa and tuffs.
Seminatural land use: pastures (Arrhenateretea).
PV: subacidophylous Quercus cerris forests (Teucrio siculi-
Quercion cerridis). Calcaricphaeozems, chromic luvisols,
rendzinas and calcic cambisols.
3.2.2.2 Calcareous range with semi natural and natural
land use: forests and pastures. PV: Melittio-Ostryetum and
Phleo-Bromion. Lithosols and rendzinas.

IPV = Potential vegetation.

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 240 Blasi, C. et al.

Discussion distance between the actual and potential situation, a

basic element for assessing environmental quality
Although refinements are needed to create a uni- (Blasi et al. 1998). This can also help to identify areas
form language for descriptions and limit subjective to be surveyed under implementation of the EU Habi-
elements in mapping, the proposed land classifica- tat Directive (92/43), which establishes that a site of
tion is very effective in dealing with different land- scientific interest can be proposed where no floristic
scapes and spatial scales, and is important in several or faunistic priority presently occurs, but the poten-
ways. tial for a spontaneous restoration of such characteris-
First, it contributes to create a landscape per- tics exists.
spective for policy making and planning issues which Since based on information generally available in
is rarely employed in Italy (Anon. 1994) and for Italy, the proposed classification has a potential for
which no uniform methodology exists. application to Italian landscapes at scales ranging
Secondly, it incorporates successfully different from national to local. However, the same applies to
levels of vegetation description, with special empha- most European landscapes. This is particularly im-
sis on the dynamic and spatial relationships between portant, because conservation of landscapes across
plant communities. This vegetation approach to land- Europe requires a common approach to define and
scape studies is widely used in Italy, France and classify units.
Spain, where plant sociology is largely employed and With this in mind we hope that several case studies
developed. However, its systematic integration with will be analysed in the next future to properly test and
abiotic and biotic parameters at different scales is refine the proposed ecological classification and, at the
something original, which has proved especially help- same time, to provide integrated information for in-
ful in separating units at intermediate and small eco- creasingly larger areas.
logical scales.
Finally, the land classification scheme fulfils the
requirements of policy making and environmental Acknowledgements. We wish to thank Prof. J. Rodwell for
assessment by providing descriptive units with dif- useful discussions, Dr G. Dowgiallo for providing soil data
ferent potential for applications, according to the for the Circeo National Park and Dr. G. Presti for helping
scale of problems under investigation and the de- with the illustrations. This research has been supported by
the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) and by the
sired accuracy of results (Klijn & Udo de Haes
Italian Ministry of University and Research (MURST).
1994). In this respect, land systems and facets repre-
sent geographical units which are usually easily
recognisable and comprehensible, and that can be
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Received 22 March 1999;

Revision received 21 June 2000;
Accepted 25 October 2000.
Coordinating Editor: J.P. Bakker.

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