The role of Alnus glutinosa (l.) Gaertner in the secondary succession on wet meadows in the Piné High Plain (North Italy)

Abstract

Four rnain successional stages in the abandoned rnowed meadows belonging to Junco Molinietum association are evidenced by means of a structural study of the colonizing tree species, and especially far the black alder. The graduai decrease in soil humidity and the forrnation of high tufts of Molinia make possible only the vegetative propagation of the black alder and the penetration of rnesophilous tree species. Under the alder wood, corresponding to the third stage of the succession, natural renovation is totally lacking. However, the abundance of maple, ash and oak seedlings preludes an evident dynamism towards an Aceri-Tilietum forest association.