INVENTORY OF FOREST DAMAGE IN TUSCANY (1987-1990) - PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS

Stratification of sampling with the consequent reduction of variables and the separation of samples by single species and homogeneous areas have been used for inventory of forest damage in Tuscany. The principal elements which resulted are: (1) a large increase in the percentile of damaged trees, especially in the classes of moderate and severe damage, following a trend which seems to be confirmed throughout a great part of Europe (the damage appears severe both in the montane and Mediterranean areas, with high peaks in Pinus pinea, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus pubescens); (2) the worrisome situation of F. sylvatica and Ostrya carpinifolia with respect to the symptomatology; (3) the intense decline of P. pinea in the Mediterranean area; (4) the serious situation of Q. pubescens; (5) a particular forest decline in the Mediterranean area; (6) the lessening of damage at the rise of altitude. The decline seems to be increased in the montane areas by the worst site conditions while in the Mediterranean zones it appears to be influenced by environmental factors of coastal origin.