Vegetation study in a coastal pine forest.

摘要

As part of an integrated project for the conversion of an abandoned naval site near Livorno, central Italy, for tourist and recreation purposes, a vegetation survey was conducted in order to assess future management options. A transect across the area indicated a succession of plant communities located at varying distances from the beach: herbaceous dune vegetation; sclerophyllous shrub vegetation dominated by Juniperus oxycedrus on the first consolidated dune; plantations of Pinus pinaster, P. pinea and P. halepensis; and Quercus ilex scrub forest, previously coppiced. Recommendations focus on the need to stabilize the dunes closest to the beach, particularly after demolition of some of the buildings, and should utilize 'dead hedges' or fencing to encourage natural regeneration and spread of dune plants. Damaged, leaning or dying pine trees should be pruned or removed, and much of the site can be replanted with pines and macchia shrubs.