Agro-environmental structures and their multiple roles at a local scale: a case study of the River Sile Natural Park (Italy)

摘要

In the framework of the National Research Program "Ecological networks and agriculture" started in the 2004, a pilot area was established in the Sile River Natural Park, in Veneto Region, North-East Italy. An analysis of aerial photos was carried outon images collected in 1954, 1983 and 1990 and, to complete the historical series, a field survey was then carried out in 2004-2005. Data on landscape structure were collected to identify the presence of agro-environmental elements that might contributeto the establishment of a small scale ecological network. Three zones with different complexity were identified in the study area. In each of them, the time pattern analysis shows a progressive disappearance of hedgerows and increased field size, due tothe diffusion of intensive agriculture. Further study will focus on understanding whether the complexity of the landscape gives higher agro-ecological values when compared to more simplified landscape structures.