Aim of this paper is to apply the Cocktail method, using formal definitions, to a vegetation data set from Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy. Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest lake of Italy and a highly valuable ecosystem. It is included in the Natura 2000 Network as a Site of Community Importance and a Special Protection Area. In this framework, by applying a new methodology for the Italian scene, the authors intend also to summarize and increase the knowledge about hydrophytic vegetation of this important conservation site. For the vegetation classification, 171 phytosociologic relevés, 147 of which unpublished, were analyzed and assigned to 26 communities from the classes Charetea, Lemnetea and Potametea. Results suggest a great phytocoenotic diversity. Nevertheless this diversity should not be considered as an index of good water quality. It is most likely a result of the trophic conditions of the lake, which are strongly affected by the intense human activities in the surrounding areas, inducing a continuous alteration of the habitats. In fact, all the investigated communities are typical for mesotrophic or eutrophic waters. Some associations are newly reported for Lake Trasimeno, in particular those belonging to the Charetea class.
An application of the Cocktail Method for the characterization of the hydrophytic vegetation at Lake Trasimeno (Central Italy).
LANDUCCI, FLAVIA;GIGANTE, Daniela;VENANZONI, Roberto
2011
Abstract
Aim of this paper is to apply the Cocktail method, using formal definitions, to a vegetation data set from Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy. Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest lake of Italy and a highly valuable ecosystem. It is included in the Natura 2000 Network as a Site of Community Importance and a Special Protection Area. In this framework, by applying a new methodology for the Italian scene, the authors intend also to summarize and increase the knowledge about hydrophytic vegetation of this important conservation site. For the vegetation classification, 171 phytosociologic relevés, 147 of which unpublished, were analyzed and assigned to 26 communities from the classes Charetea, Lemnetea and Potametea. Results suggest a great phytocoenotic diversity. Nevertheless this diversity should not be considered as an index of good water quality. It is most likely a result of the trophic conditions of the lake, which are strongly affected by the intense human activities in the surrounding areas, inducing a continuous alteration of the habitats. In fact, all the investigated communities are typical for mesotrophic or eutrophic waters. Some associations are newly reported for Lake Trasimeno, in particular those belonging to the Charetea class.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
