Alberto Cozzi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Alberto Cozzi
be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The secon... more be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The second UN/ECE ICP-Forests Intercalibration Course on the Assessment of Ozone Injury on European Tree Species was carried out in August 2001 at Lattecaldo (Canton Ticino, CH) and Moggio (Lombardy, I). Forty-eight experts from several European countries participated in the exercises and assessed visible symptoms of ozone injury both in open-top chambers (OTC)
Forest Ecology and Management, 2003
Litterfall (leaves,¯owers, fruits, twigs) was collected every month in two mixed Mediterranean fo... more Litterfall (leaves,¯owers, fruits, twigs) was collected every month in two mixed Mediterranean forests of Quercus ilex (holm oak) in central Italy differing for their ecological features: a mesic site (Colognole, CL) and a xeric one (Cala Violina, CV). The survey period lasted 8 years (1992±2000) at CL and 4 years at CV. Chemical analysis of the litterfall was performed in 1997 and 1998. In these 2 years living leaves were also collected for chemical analysis. The main ®ndings were: (i) the litter production was lower and the leaf percentage in the total litterfall was smaller at CV than at CL; (ii) the phenological behavior differed in the two sites and the leaves had greater longevity at CV, whereas at CL trees renewed their crown almost completely each spring; (iii) the chemical composition of the living leaves re¯ected the edaphic differences between the two sites; (iv) the chemical composition of the senescent leaves and the litter in the two sites was very different; (v) crown transparency and defoliation followed the same pattern of the leaf shedding; (vi) transparency was greater at CL, where the litter production was higher, because of the different shape of the crowns. The differences between the two study areas have been discussed in the light of the different ecology of the two sites, since leaf lifespan is greater in dry and infertile soils. #
Environmental Pollution, 2006
The quality of foliar ozone-symptom assessment depends on the experience of the surveyor, the sym... more The quality of foliar ozone-symptom assessment depends on the experience of the surveyor, the symptom specificity, and the symptom variability within the same species.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 2009
Water Air and Soil Pollution, 1995
In order to study the possible interactions between air pollution and climate conditions in Medit... more In order to study the possible interactions between air pollution and climate conditions in Mediterranean evergreen broadleaf species, since 1987 we have been monitoring the annual and infra-annual variations in crown density of Quercus ilex L. (holm oak) in a permanent sample plot. The behaviour of crown density has been compared with litterfall pattern and aging processes in leaves. The results of this study confirm the important impact of climate on crown condition in Mediterranean broadleaves, so that even the role of nonacute pollution can be disguised. Xeromorph adaptations in holm oak leaves are also a mechanism providing a greater protection against pollutants.
Since 1987 the Region of Tuscany has been actively monitoring crown status in its forests, in ord... more Since 1987 the Region of Tuscany has been actively monitoring crown status in its forests, in order to protect them from atmospheric pollution, biotic factors and environmental change. Over this period the Region has performed periodical inventories on crown condition in publicly-owned forests (Level I network) and established a network of permanent plots (MON.I.TO., Level II -III) to study long-term changes occurring in forest ecosystems. Some of these permanent plots were later included in the national programme CONECOFOR, managed by the Ministry for Policy in Agriculture and Forest. Currently a further development of MON.I.TO. is being implemented, called MONITO III -TOpModel, the aim of which is to broaden the information potential of the monitoring system to include carbon stocks and biodiversity evaluation. This paper provides an up-to-date report on the status of the various surveys and recommends a closer connection between MON.I.TO. and the other regional information systems, especially the Regional Forest Inventory, in order to produce information that may be useful in forest planning and in Sustainable Forest Management.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2003
This study examines defoliation and discoloration findings collected throughout the Italian Level... more This study examines defoliation and discoloration findings collected throughout the Italian Level I network between 1997 and 2000. Prior to this period no Quality Assurance procedures had been implemented, so that earlier findings cannot be considered reliable. The aim of the study is to compare differentindices used in reporting findings, in order to determine the full potential and limitations of each. In international surveys,findings are normally expressed in terms of individual trees presenting a defoliation level greater than 2 %; this criterion,however, has been challenged since it is not based on scientificevidence. By analysing the distribution of defoliation values(grouped in 5% classes) relating to the main species (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus pubescens, Quercus cerris, Picea abies), the study examines the behaviour of statistical indices such as the median, the mode and the mean. Instead of using the traditional 25% threshold to determine the part of the population with the highest defoliation values, a procedureis suggested whereby a different threshold can be determined foreach species. It is established based on the 90° percentile of cumulative defoliation values recorded over the four-year period. Each index used to report findings possessesits own information potential, and the findings may at times appear contradictory. The use of a combined defoliation and discoloration index (Ilce = Lacking Crown Equivalent Index) is also proposed, but the results obtained do not differin substance from the results relating to defoliation alone. Thefunctional limitations of this index are due mainly to the way the data are collected: for this reason suggestions are made onhow to improve the procedure in future surveys.
A detailed crown condition assessment is currently being carried out at the CONECOFOR (CONtrollo ... more A detailed crown condition assessment is currently being carried out at the CONECOFOR (CONtrollo ECOsistemi FORestali, Control of Forest Ecosystems) plots. The assessment began in 1996, and during the first two years (1996 and 1997) an assessment form based on previous regional experience was used; in 1998 the new official EU form was adopted. The resulting loss of comparability means that only a few indices can be used in the temporal series 1996-1999. Much effort was devoted to Quality Assurance (QA) procedures. The QA program is structured as follows: (i) specific field manuals have been adopted and are continuously updated; (ii) a national training and intercalibration course (NT&IC) is undertaken yearly before beginning the assessment campaign;(iii) field checks are carried out yearly on a large number of plots. The results of the QA program have shown that for several indices the quality objectives were not reached, but the quality of the data is improving with time. To express the change in crown conditions in each area, a complex index (CCI = Crown Condition Index) was adopted. This index is the result of the sum of the relativized values of all the common indices used during the four years. The following parameters were used: transparency, ramification type, leaf colour alteration extension, leaf damage extension, alteration of leaf distension extension. The range within which the CCI fluctuates was evaluated taking into account all the observations carried out at a given plot throughout the years. The number of cases over a given threshold (outliers) was calculated for each year. The threshold for outliers was calculated as the median value plus 2 times the range of the interquartile value. All individual cases exceeding this value are considered outliers. The results are presented for all the areas in which the data set is complete for the four years. The yearly fluctuations are discussed and related to possible causes.
Environmental Pollution, 2003
be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The secon... more be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The second UN/ECE ICP-Forests Intercalibration Course on the Assessment of Ozone Injury on European Tree Species was carried out in August 2001 at Lattecaldo (Canton Ticino, CH) and Moggio (Lombardy, I). Forty-eight experts from several European countries participated in the exercises and assessed visible symptoms of ozone injury both in open-top chambers (OTC)
Water Air and Soil Pollution, 1999
In 1996 the assessment of tree condition in Italy was subjected to a Quality Assurance (QA) progr... more In 1996 the assessment of tree condition in Italy was subjected to a Quality Assurance (QA) program. The QA program consisted in (i) the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the set of Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs) expressed by Data Quality Limits (DQLs), (iii) a national training and intercalibration course, and (iv) field checks, performed on a number of areas spread over the country. In general, DQLs were achieved for a number of tree condition indices. However, problems were identified with crown transparency, the most used index in the international reports. Additional problems arose when considering the data quality at plot level as a result of the combined achievement of DQLs for the different tree condition indices.
Water Air and Soil Pollution, 1999
The status of different response indicators of forest condition were measured and assessed betwee... more The status of different response indicators of forest condition were measured and assessed between 1995 and 1997 at 6 Permanent Monitoring Plots (PMPs) in Tuscany (central Italy), where beech, holm oak and Turkey oak are the most frequent tree species. Foliage transparency, leaf damage and crown dieback have changed significantly over the monitoring period. Leaf area, length of the current year shoots, and total leaf area changed as well, but only for Turkey oak. Changes were consistent between and within the plots. Different indices of plant diversity showed marked changes, apparently linked to natural dynamics within individual ecosystems. These rapid and contrasting fluctuations in the various indicators of forest ecosystem make it difficult to derive a synthesis about the general condition of ecosystems and - especially - about the effects of air pollution.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 1997
A survey of the crown status of Turkey oak Quercus cerris L.) trees in the boron-rich area atTrav... more A survey of the crown status of Turkey oak Quercus cerris L.) trees in the boron-rich area atTravale (Southern Tuscany, Italy) was carried outin order to evaluate the impact ofgeothermal power plants. Crown thinness was assessed andmorphological and chemical tests werecarried out on leaf samples. Leaf area and dry weight weredetermined as morphological parameters;while the chemical measurements performed included nitrogenand potassium (among the nutrients),and sulphur, boron, arsenic and mercury (among the elements ofgeothermal origin). Acute damagewas found only in the area immediately adjacent to the outletsand is the result of the action of boron;crown thinness, on the other hand, is affected by the natureof the geological substrate. High quantitiesof sulphur were found in leaves throughout the survey area,due both to the availability of this elementin the geopedological substrate and to the atmospheric inputof geothermal H2S. The leafcontent of this element correlates negatively with thedistance from the power plants. Boron andarsenic are the other geothermal origin elements most commonlyfound in plant matrices. The presenceof these two elements is associated with leaf area reductionand/or an increase of specific dry weight.The most significant impact on the environment appears to beexerted by the southernmost powerplant, where there is an unfavourable ratio between quantityof emissions and height of the chimneys.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2006
Within the European intensive forest monitoring programme, the native vegetation on permanent Lev... more Within the European intensive forest monitoring programme, the native vegetation on permanent Level II plots has been monitored for visible ozone injuries. The main purpose of the programme is to assess the potential risks for the forest vegetation and the natural ecosystems at the intensive monitoring plots. During the first years of the programme the surveys were qualitative, reporting only the number and the name of the symptomatic species in selected Light Exposed Sampling Site. In 2003 a new plot design was tested, based on the distribution of a number of miniplots along the edge of the forest, so as to obtain quantitative findings about the occurrence and distribution of the symptoms. The problems that still persist are related to: (i) the forest edge assessed for ozone symptoms may have a different floristic composition from the Level II plot itself; (ii) the anthropic pressure and the disturbances affecting the forest edge alters the floristic composition; (iii) the variability of the plant composition in the forest edge, which makes comparability difficult between different sites; and (iv) the evaluation of symptoms in several species that have not yet been experimentally tested. Further difficulties are due to the fact that symptoms observed in the field are often aspecific and cannot, therefore, be attributed solely to the phytotoxic action of ozone. To improve the effectiveness of the European programme, it is necessary: (i) to individualise and select common sensitive plant species for homogeneous ecological regions; (ii) to enhance experimental activities to test the sensitivity of a large number of plant species.
be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The secon... more be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The second UN/ECE ICP-Forests Intercalibration Course on the Assessment of Ozone Injury on European Tree Species was carried out in August 2001 at Lattecaldo (Canton Ticino, CH) and Moggio (Lombardy, I). Forty-eight experts from several European countries participated in the exercises and assessed visible symptoms of ozone injury both in open-top chambers (OTC)
Forest Ecology and Management, 2003
Litterfall (leaves,¯owers, fruits, twigs) was collected every month in two mixed Mediterranean fo... more Litterfall (leaves,¯owers, fruits, twigs) was collected every month in two mixed Mediterranean forests of Quercus ilex (holm oak) in central Italy differing for their ecological features: a mesic site (Colognole, CL) and a xeric one (Cala Violina, CV). The survey period lasted 8 years (1992±2000) at CL and 4 years at CV. Chemical analysis of the litterfall was performed in 1997 and 1998. In these 2 years living leaves were also collected for chemical analysis. The main ®ndings were: (i) the litter production was lower and the leaf percentage in the total litterfall was smaller at CV than at CL; (ii) the phenological behavior differed in the two sites and the leaves had greater longevity at CV, whereas at CL trees renewed their crown almost completely each spring; (iii) the chemical composition of the living leaves re¯ected the edaphic differences between the two sites; (iv) the chemical composition of the senescent leaves and the litter in the two sites was very different; (v) crown transparency and defoliation followed the same pattern of the leaf shedding; (vi) transparency was greater at CL, where the litter production was higher, because of the different shape of the crowns. The differences between the two study areas have been discussed in the light of the different ecology of the two sites, since leaf lifespan is greater in dry and infertile soils. #
Environmental Pollution, 2006
The quality of foliar ozone-symptom assessment depends on the experience of the surveyor, the sym... more The quality of foliar ozone-symptom assessment depends on the experience of the surveyor, the symptom specificity, and the symptom variability within the same species.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 2009
Water Air and Soil Pollution, 1995
In order to study the possible interactions between air pollution and climate conditions in Medit... more In order to study the possible interactions between air pollution and climate conditions in Mediterranean evergreen broadleaf species, since 1987 we have been monitoring the annual and infra-annual variations in crown density of Quercus ilex L. (holm oak) in a permanent sample plot. The behaviour of crown density has been compared with litterfall pattern and aging processes in leaves. The results of this study confirm the important impact of climate on crown condition in Mediterranean broadleaves, so that even the role of nonacute pollution can be disguised. Xeromorph adaptations in holm oak leaves are also a mechanism providing a greater protection against pollutants.
Since 1987 the Region of Tuscany has been actively monitoring crown status in its forests, in ord... more Since 1987 the Region of Tuscany has been actively monitoring crown status in its forests, in order to protect them from atmospheric pollution, biotic factors and environmental change. Over this period the Region has performed periodical inventories on crown condition in publicly-owned forests (Level I network) and established a network of permanent plots (MON.I.TO., Level II -III) to study long-term changes occurring in forest ecosystems. Some of these permanent plots were later included in the national programme CONECOFOR, managed by the Ministry for Policy in Agriculture and Forest. Currently a further development of MON.I.TO. is being implemented, called MONITO III -TOpModel, the aim of which is to broaden the information potential of the monitoring system to include carbon stocks and biodiversity evaluation. This paper provides an up-to-date report on the status of the various surveys and recommends a closer connection between MON.I.TO. and the other regional information systems, especially the Regional Forest Inventory, in order to produce information that may be useful in forest planning and in Sustainable Forest Management.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2003
This study examines defoliation and discoloration findings collected throughout the Italian Level... more This study examines defoliation and discoloration findings collected throughout the Italian Level I network between 1997 and 2000. Prior to this period no Quality Assurance procedures had been implemented, so that earlier findings cannot be considered reliable. The aim of the study is to compare differentindices used in reporting findings, in order to determine the full potential and limitations of each. In international surveys,findings are normally expressed in terms of individual trees presenting a defoliation level greater than 2 %; this criterion,however, has been challenged since it is not based on scientificevidence. By analysing the distribution of defoliation values(grouped in 5% classes) relating to the main species (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus pubescens, Quercus cerris, Picea abies), the study examines the behaviour of statistical indices such as the median, the mode and the mean. Instead of using the traditional 25% threshold to determine the part of the population with the highest defoliation values, a procedureis suggested whereby a different threshold can be determined foreach species. It is established based on the 90° percentile of cumulative defoliation values recorded over the four-year period. Each index used to report findings possessesits own information potential, and the findings may at times appear contradictory. The use of a combined defoliation and discoloration index (Ilce = Lacking Crown Equivalent Index) is also proposed, but the results obtained do not differin substance from the results relating to defoliation alone. Thefunctional limitations of this index are due mainly to the way the data are collected: for this reason suggestions are made onhow to improve the procedure in future surveys.
A detailed crown condition assessment is currently being carried out at the CONECOFOR (CONtrollo ... more A detailed crown condition assessment is currently being carried out at the CONECOFOR (CONtrollo ECOsistemi FORestali, Control of Forest Ecosystems) plots. The assessment began in 1996, and during the first two years (1996 and 1997) an assessment form based on previous regional experience was used; in 1998 the new official EU form was adopted. The resulting loss of comparability means that only a few indices can be used in the temporal series 1996-1999. Much effort was devoted to Quality Assurance (QA) procedures. The QA program is structured as follows: (i) specific field manuals have been adopted and are continuously updated; (ii) a national training and intercalibration course (NT&IC) is undertaken yearly before beginning the assessment campaign;(iii) field checks are carried out yearly on a large number of plots. The results of the QA program have shown that for several indices the quality objectives were not reached, but the quality of the data is improving with time. To express the change in crown conditions in each area, a complex index (CCI = Crown Condition Index) was adopted. This index is the result of the sum of the relativized values of all the common indices used during the four years. The following parameters were used: transparency, ramification type, leaf colour alteration extension, leaf damage extension, alteration of leaf distension extension. The range within which the CCI fluctuates was evaluated taking into account all the observations carried out at a given plot throughout the years. The number of cases over a given threshold (outliers) was calculated for each year. The threshold for outliers was calculated as the median value plus 2 times the range of the interquartile value. All individual cases exceeding this value are considered outliers. The results are presented for all the areas in which the data set is complete for the four years. The yearly fluctuations are discussed and related to possible causes.
Environmental Pollution, 2003
be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The secon... more be trained in how to assess ozone symptoms before field surveys are conducted. Abstract The second UN/ECE ICP-Forests Intercalibration Course on the Assessment of Ozone Injury on European Tree Species was carried out in August 2001 at Lattecaldo (Canton Ticino, CH) and Moggio (Lombardy, I). Forty-eight experts from several European countries participated in the exercises and assessed visible symptoms of ozone injury both in open-top chambers (OTC)
Water Air and Soil Pollution, 1999
In 1996 the assessment of tree condition in Italy was subjected to a Quality Assurance (QA) progr... more In 1996 the assessment of tree condition in Italy was subjected to a Quality Assurance (QA) program. The QA program consisted in (i) the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the set of Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs) expressed by Data Quality Limits (DQLs), (iii) a national training and intercalibration course, and (iv) field checks, performed on a number of areas spread over the country. In general, DQLs were achieved for a number of tree condition indices. However, problems were identified with crown transparency, the most used index in the international reports. Additional problems arose when considering the data quality at plot level as a result of the combined achievement of DQLs for the different tree condition indices.
Water Air and Soil Pollution, 1999
The status of different response indicators of forest condition were measured and assessed betwee... more The status of different response indicators of forest condition were measured and assessed between 1995 and 1997 at 6 Permanent Monitoring Plots (PMPs) in Tuscany (central Italy), where beech, holm oak and Turkey oak are the most frequent tree species. Foliage transparency, leaf damage and crown dieback have changed significantly over the monitoring period. Leaf area, length of the current year shoots, and total leaf area changed as well, but only for Turkey oak. Changes were consistent between and within the plots. Different indices of plant diversity showed marked changes, apparently linked to natural dynamics within individual ecosystems. These rapid and contrasting fluctuations in the various indicators of forest ecosystem make it difficult to derive a synthesis about the general condition of ecosystems and - especially - about the effects of air pollution.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 1997
A survey of the crown status of Turkey oak Quercus cerris L.) trees in the boron-rich area atTrav... more A survey of the crown status of Turkey oak Quercus cerris L.) trees in the boron-rich area atTravale (Southern Tuscany, Italy) was carried outin order to evaluate the impact ofgeothermal power plants. Crown thinness was assessed andmorphological and chemical tests werecarried out on leaf samples. Leaf area and dry weight weredetermined as morphological parameters;while the chemical measurements performed included nitrogenand potassium (among the nutrients),and sulphur, boron, arsenic and mercury (among the elements ofgeothermal origin). Acute damagewas found only in the area immediately adjacent to the outletsand is the result of the action of boron;crown thinness, on the other hand, is affected by the natureof the geological substrate. High quantitiesof sulphur were found in leaves throughout the survey area,due both to the availability of this elementin the geopedological substrate and to the atmospheric inputof geothermal H2S. The leafcontent of this element correlates negatively with thedistance from the power plants. Boron andarsenic are the other geothermal origin elements most commonlyfound in plant matrices. The presenceof these two elements is associated with leaf area reductionand/or an increase of specific dry weight.The most significant impact on the environment appears to beexerted by the southernmost powerplant, where there is an unfavourable ratio between quantityof emissions and height of the chimneys.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2006
Within the European intensive forest monitoring programme, the native vegetation on permanent Lev... more Within the European intensive forest monitoring programme, the native vegetation on permanent Level II plots has been monitored for visible ozone injuries. The main purpose of the programme is to assess the potential risks for the forest vegetation and the natural ecosystems at the intensive monitoring plots. During the first years of the programme the surveys were qualitative, reporting only the number and the name of the symptomatic species in selected Light Exposed Sampling Site. In 2003 a new plot design was tested, based on the distribution of a number of miniplots along the edge of the forest, so as to obtain quantitative findings about the occurrence and distribution of the symptoms. The problems that still persist are related to: (i) the forest edge assessed for ozone symptoms may have a different floristic composition from the Level II plot itself; (ii) the anthropic pressure and the disturbances affecting the forest edge alters the floristic composition; (iii) the variability of the plant composition in the forest edge, which makes comparability difficult between different sites; and (iv) the evaluation of symptoms in several species that have not yet been experimentally tested. Further difficulties are due to the fact that symptoms observed in the field are often aspecific and cannot, therefore, be attributed solely to the phytotoxic action of ozone. To improve the effectiveness of the European programme, it is necessary: (i) to individualise and select common sensitive plant species for homogeneous ecological regions; (ii) to enhance experimental activities to test the sensitivity of a large number of plant species.