ACTION  A.3: Preliminary soil analysis

The Action consists of a series of soil surveys over the whole 50 hectares of Palo woods, and in the priority habitats of Nestos Delta. It is performed on at least 30 sample plots (15 in Palo Laziale and 15 in the Nestos Delta), broadly distributed within the two project areas. Soil samplings are manually performed (manual auger) at a depth of 1 meter. The samples are analysed in the laboratory with the appropriated methodology to evaluate, at the start of the Project, salinity and sodium levels and the clay concentration in the soils. The data are spatialised using GIS to obtain digital maps with relative measurements. The final report includes a protocol reporting the analyses and the results of this Action.

- Salinity and sodium

Past surveys conducted in Palo Laziale have identified high values for both parameters. The soil salinisation is among the hypothesised causes of the Palo Laziale's woodland decline (habitat 91M0) and may also possibly affect 91E0* in Nestos Delta. Such condition in Palo Laziale has favoured the creation of stressful conditions for tree plants, ordinarily susceptible to high salinity and sodium values. These conditions enhance the pathogenicity of the opportunistic fungus such as Biscougnaxia mediterranea. High values of salinity restrict the absorption of nutrients and water radically, weakening plants and favouring the fungal pathogen invasion. The measured values are useful for assessing the extent of the phenomenon at the start of the Project, and the effectiveness of the restoration actions, particularly Action C3, since the increased delivery of water to the soil is expected to contribute to the removal of the excess salts.

- Clay distribution

The presence of a layer of clay in the soil is an indispensable condition for the formation and permanency of temporary ponds (habitat 3170*), considering that in this natural context they are formed following the accumulation and stagnation of rainwater over impermeable surfaces. The knowledge of where the clay layer is present and distributed represents an indispensable baseline for the realisation of the new temporary ponds foreseen under Action C2.

The surveys and the soil data elaboration are carried over the first year of the Project using the same methodology in both sites. The Action is necessary for evaluating the physical-chemical features of the soils within the Wood of Palo Laziale and the SCI of Nestos Delta.

Beneficiary responsible for implementation:

Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome (DEB)

IMFE (DEMETER)

DEB employs:

  • a Soil Technician to formulate a specific protocol of soil analysis and monitor the environmental works, analysis and final report.
  • a qualified and graduated Soil Technician (external) to carry out soil sampling, perform laboratory tests and produce the final report.

 IMFE employs:

  • a Soil Technician to formulate a specific protocol of soil analysis and monitor the environmental works, analysis and final report.
  • a qualified and graduated Soil Technician (external) to carry out soil sampling, perform laboratory tests and produce the final report.

 

 

 

We use Cookies to facilitate the use of this website. Click here for more information. Accept