engleski

The impact of Aleppo pine afforestation on the structure and dynamics of landscape in Mediterranean Croatia

Unlike the rest of Europe, the Mediterranean region is characterized by large biodiversity of floral species. Due to intensive human influences forest cover of autochthonous Holm oak (Quercus ilex) is reduced to small dislocated patches of stands. This deforestation has led to massive erosion and loss of soil which prompted widespread afforestation efforts throughout the Mediterranean region. Because of its resistance to drought and capability to grow on highly degraded soils, as well as its fast growing and the ability to gradually rejuvenate soil on which it grows, Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), a pine species native to western Mediterranean, was the most commonly used specie. Rejuvenation of soil on which it grows is one of the main goals of afforestation in order to create the conditions for the growth of autochthonous Holm oak. However, the invasive spreading of Aleppo pine, its negative effects on floral biodiversity and susceptibility to fires have started to raise questions regarding the possibility of success. The case study in Dalmatia, the littoral part of Croatia, has shown that Aleppo pine is becoming the most dominant element of littoral landscape due to combined effects of afforestation and natural rejuvenation. Still, its ecological effects are yet to be truly understood.

Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), afforestation, Mediterranean, Geographical Information System - GIS

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