Hydrological Relationships Between Forests and Other Types of Land Use in Italy

Author: Quick, Walter J.

Source: Journal of Forestry, Volume 47, Number 6, 1 June 1949 , pp. 436-442(7)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

Current uses of Italian forest areas do not generally recognize their prime importance as protection forests, in contrast to their other valuable services to mankind. A protection forest has frequently been defined in the technical literature as an area wholly or partly covered by woody growth, managed mainly for its beneficial effects on water or soil movement rather than for wood or forage production. Italian technicians have expertly used reforestation as an effective means for stopping serious soil erosion, for correcting landslides, and for stabilizing steep slopes. However, there has been too little emphasis in Italy upon the need for conserving moisture and water supply through the establishment of new forests, the retention and maintenance of forests following their establishment, and the application of modified management to such forests. The systemization of Italian mountain basins has become a highly developed technique, with expensive engineering works to restrain destructive water and soil movement. Reforestation has played an important part in such undertakings, but generally limited to soil stabilization rather than performed for regulation of the water supply. To function effectively, protection forests require special management which should be applied in all arid mountain areas where increased moisture is needed.

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: American forester in Italy, formerly assigned by the Agriculture Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to assist the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in execution of forestry rehabilitation projects

Publication date: 1949-06-01

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