Some observations on geology, soil characters and stand structure of a Montpellier maple forest located on the Tolfa Mountains (Central Italy)

Abstract

Montpelier maple (Acer monspessulanum L.) woods are one of the most singular forest types which can be found on the southern slopes of the Tolfa Mountains (Northwestern Latium, Central Italy). The prevalence of this
xerophytic and frugal species within the stands can be viewed as the consequence of frequent coppicing and wild
grazing which caused intensive soil erosion accentuating the effects of summer drought. However, it has been also favoured by the high content of calcium carbonate in the soil derived from the sedimentary lithotypes – late cretaceous-eocene Tolfa flysch – which an characterize the southern part of the Tolfa Mountains. This study showed that in such environment, Montpellier maple can reach the same size as oaks and ashes. The use of this species in restoring degraded stands on calcareous, arid sites should be promoted also considering the effect of climate change.