Papers by Massimiliano Probo
European Journal of Agronomy, 2020
Understanding the agroecological mechanisms that determine forage yield and quality in intensivel... more Understanding the agroecological mechanisms that determine forage yield and quality in intensively managed permanent grasslands is crucial to optimize management and provide environmental and economic benefits to society. In this study, we assessed the relative contribution of climatic, soil and vegetation drivers on forage yield and quality in nine different frequently defoliated and fertilized permanent grasslands used for silage production, that were representative of diverse environmental conditions in Switzerland. Temperature and precipitation, forage yield and quality (i.e., fibers, lignin, carbohydrates, N, P and K contents), relative proportion of plant functional groups, as well as soil nutrient availability and moisture were measured in 2018 (a particularly dry year) during the first three growth cycles. Linear-mixed effect models were performed to test differences among growth cycles on all measured variables and the relationships among them for each cycle. Moreover, a multiple factor analysis (MFA) was performed for each growth cycle to investigate the complex relationships among different sets of variables. Overall, the growth cycle significantly affected all variables, except for forage P content that remained stable over time. Most of the variability in forage yield and quality was explained by climatic conditions and plant functional groups proportion with, however, differences among growth cycles. In the first growth cycle, forage yield and quality were mainly related to the proportion of grasses, precipitation and temperature, then by the proportion of grasses and temperature in the second growth cycle, and finally, by soil nitrogen availability, precipitation and proportion of grasses in the third growth cycle. Overall, in the range of the studied conditions, we found very limited impact of soil nutrient availability on forage yield and quality, except soil N availability during the third growth cycle. Our findings may help prioritize grassland management interventions at specific times during the growing season.
Biodiversity and Conservation , 2020
An agro-environmental payment for the management of the so-called ‘Biodiversity Promotion
Areas’ ... more An agro-environmental payment for the management of the so-called ‘Biodiversity Promotion
Areas’ (BPA) has been used to accomplish biodiversity conservation goals in
Switzerland. These areas have been managed according to specific limitations on mowing
dates and fertilizers. We assessed the regional-scale effectiveness of BPA implementation
within Ticino Canton by answering the following questions: (i) is plant species diversity
higher in BPA than in conventionally managed grasslands (CMG)? (ii) which are the
differences between BPA and CMG in terms of climatic, topographical, ecological, and
vegetation variables? (iii) which vegetation types, functional groups, and plant species are
specifically related to BPA? A total of 242 vegetation surveys (64 in BPA and 178 in
CMG, respectively) was carried out in 55 farms and the main climatic and topographic
features were assessed. Differences in terms of plant diversity, ecological indicator and
pastoral values, species functional groups, vegetation types, and indicator species between
BPA and CMG were assessed. The BPA harboured a higher plant diversity. They were
located in steeper areas, at higher elevations, and characterised by lower soil nutrient
content, mowing tolerance, and pastoral value than CMG. Dry meadow species number
and cover were higher in BPA, while nutrient-rich meadow species number was higher in
CMG. The species associated to BPA belonged to a wider range of functional groups and
38% of them belonged to the national list for biodiversity promotion in agriculture,
whereas no species associated to CMG belonged to that list. Thus, our results confirmed
the effectiveness of BPA for biodiversity conservation for the Southern Swiss Alps.
Journal of Mountain Science, 2020
The study of plant phenology has frequently been used to link phenological events to various fact... more The study of plant phenology has frequently been used to link phenological events to various factors, such as temperature or photoperiod. In the high-alpine environment, proper timing of the phenological cycle has always been crucial to overcome harsh conditions and potential extreme events (i.e. spring frosts) but little is known about the response dynamics of the vegetation, which could shape the alpine landscape in a future of changing climate. Alpine tundra vegetation is composed by an array of species belonging to different phytosociological optima and with various survival strategies, and snowbed communities are a relevant expression of such an extreme-climate adapted flora. We set eight permanent plots with each one in a snowbed located on the Cimalegna plateau in Northwestern Italy and then we selected 10 most recurring species among our plots, all typical of the alpine tundra environment and classified in 3 different pools: snowbed specialists, grassland species and rocky debris species. For 3 years we registered the phenophases of each species during the whole growing season using an adaptation of the BBCH scale. We later focused on the three most biologically relevant phenophases, i.e., flower buds visible, full flowering, and beginning of seed dispersion. Three important season-related variables were chosen to investigate their relationship with the phenological cycle of the studied species: (i) the Day Of Year (DOY), the progressive number of days starting from the 1 st of January, used as a proxy of photoperiod, (ii) Days From Snow Melt (DFSM), selected to include the relevance of the snow dynamics, and (iii) Growing Degree Days (GDD), computed as a thermal sum. Our analysis highlighted that phenological development correlated better with DFSM and GDD than with DOY. Indeed, models showed that DOY was always a worse predictor since it failed to overcome interannual variations, while DFSM and marginally GDD were better suited to predict the phenological development of most of the species, despite differences in Alpine tundra species phenology is mostly driven by climate-related variables rather than by photoperiod
Applied Vegetation Science, 2018
Aim The implementation of Grazing Management Plans (GMP), a specific policy and management tool, ... more Aim The implementation of Grazing Management Plans (GMP), a specific policy and management tool, aimed at enhancing farm productivity, while preserving plant diversity, soil, and landscape. The GMP are based on rotational grazing systems (RGS) with animal stocking rate adjusted to keep it balanced with grassland carrying capacity. The aim was to test the five‐year effects produced by GMP implementation on botanical composition, plant diversity, and soil nutrient content on sub‐alpine and alpine pastures. Location Val Troncea Natural Park, western Italian Alps. Methods A total of 199 vegetation transects was carried out in summer 2011 and repeated in summer 2016. The botanical composition was recorded and plant diversity indexes, i.e. species richness and Shannon diversity (H’ index) were computed. Moreover, the mean soil nutrient content was indirectly estimated through the computation of Landolt N indicator value (N index) for each transect. Pair‐sample statistical tests and PERMANOVA were perfomed at different levels: on the whole vegetation dataset, on vegetation communities (i.e. vegetation types and ecological groups), and considering functional pools of species. Results Considering the whole vegetation dataset, species richness, H’ index, and N index significantly increased from 2011 to 2016. Moreover, species richness significantly increased in almost all the vegetation ecological groups, with the highest increase within mesotrophic one. The H’ index significantly increased in eutrophic, pre‐forest, and thermic groups, while N index increased in all the vegetation groups, except in the eutrophic and snow‐bed ones. A significant difference in botanic composition was detected within oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and thermic groups. The number and cover of nitrogen‐poor high‐elevation species increased in all groups and this result could be probably related to the effects produced by livestock, which promoted seed transportation and increased connectivity amongst different communities. The meso‐eutrophic species number and cover significantly increased within thermic, mesotrophic, and pre‐forest groups, suggesting a greater use of such areas by livestock under RGS than continuous grazing system. Conclusions The implementation of a RGS with stocking rate adjustments proved to be an effective and a sustainable management tool to enhance botanical composition and plant diversity of sub‐alpine and alpine grasslands over a five‐year span. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Journal of Mountain Science, 2019
Over the last decades, the reduction of manpower for herd management has led to an increase of co... more Over the last decades, the reduction of manpower for herd management has led to an increase of continuous grazing systems (CGS) in the Italian Alps, which allow cattle to roam freely. Under CGS, due to high selectivity, livestock exploit grasslands unevenly, over- and under-using specific areas at the same time with negative effects on their conservation. To counteract these effects, a specific policy and management tool (i.e. Grazing Management Plan) has been implemented by Piedmont Region since 2010. The Grazing Management Plans are based on the implementation of rotational grazing systems (RGS), with animal stocking rate adjusted to balance it with grassland carrying capacity. A case study was conducted on alpine summer pastures to test the 5-year effects produced by the implementation of a Grazing Management Plan in grasslands formerly managed under several years of CGS on 1) the selection for different vegetation communities by cattle, 2) the abundance of oligo-, meso-, and eutrophic plant species (defined according to Landolt N indicator value), and 3) forage yield, quality, and palatability. A total of 193 vegetation surveys were carried out in 2011 and repeated in 2016. Cows were tracked yearly with Global Positioning System collars to assess their grazing selectivity, and forage Pastoral Value (PV) was computed to evaluate forage yield, quality, and palatability. Five years after RGS implementation, cow selectivity significantly decreased and the preference for the different vegetation communities was more balanced than under CGS. The abundance of meso- and eutrophic species increased, whereas oligotrophic ones decreased. Moreover, the abundance of moderately to highly palatable plant species increased, whereas non-palatable plant species decreased, with a consequent significant enhancement of the PV. Our findings indicate that the implementation of Grazing Management Plans can be considered a sustainable and effective management tool for improving pasture selection by cattle and forage quality in mountain pastures.
Animal Production Science, 2020
Context. Many tree and shrub species are underestimated fodder resources due to insufficient know... more Context. Many tree and shrub species are underestimated fodder resources due to insufficient knowledge about their potential feeding value, especially for goats. Aims. The present work aimed at assessing productive and nutritional attributes of the foliage of the following four temperate tree species widespread in Europe: Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Salix caprea and Sorbus aucuparia. Methods. Leaf length and biomass, proximate composition, fatty acid profile, phenolic composition and in vitro true dry matter digestibility were determined along the vegetative season. Key results. The leaf length of the four species was significantly related to leaf biomass and can be considered as a proficient proxy for estimating leaf biomass. The differences found among the species were remarkable, although weakly related to temporal changes, especially when considering fatty acid and phenolic compositions. Fraxinus excelsior sprouts were the most productive, with a mean biomass of 13.2 g dry matter (DM) per sprout at the end of the growing season. Its foliage showed also the lowest phenolic concentrations (average total extractable phenols of 11.25 g/kg DM), resulting in the highest digestibility values (average in vitro true dry matter digestibility of 56.5 g/kg DM). Digestibility of S. aucuparia was similar, but its lower polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration (average value of 62.13 g/kg DM) could reduce the interest for this species as a feeding resource for goat dairy products with healthy properties. The lower digestibility found for A. pseudoplatanus and S. caprea (average values of 43.3 and 46.2 g/kg DM, respectively) may be related to their higher phenolic concentrations (average total extractable phenols of 45.9 and 47.3 g/kg DM, respectively). Conclusions. The four species could represent an appealing feedstuff for goat nutrition, due to the valuable and complementary nutritional characteristics of their foliage. Implications. The use of the studied species as fodder resource may be particularly relevant during drought periods and in the late summer when herbage quality decreases, especially in terms of crude protein and fatty acid profile.
In alpine environments, very low and very high amounts of soil nutrients are generally associated... more In alpine environments, very low and very high amounts of soil nutrients are generally associated to the lowest plant diversity and forage quality levels. Both soil nutrient content and forage quality and productivity of a site can be inferred from plant species lists, by attributing each species a nutrient indicator value (N value) and a quality value, and computing respectively average N Value and Pastoral Value (PV) at site scale. We used a wide dataset of vegetation surveys carried out in the pastures of Western Italian Alps to 1) evaluate if N values, PV, and plant diversity (species richness and Shannon diversity index) change along an elevation gradient, from montane/sub-alpine pastures (i.e. the ones located below treeline) to alpine pastures (above treeline), 2) analyze the relationships between N value and plant diversity indexes and between N value and PV, and 3) evaluate whether the N values associated to the highest plant diversity and PV differ.
Plant diversity, PV, and N values were higher in the pastures located at lower elevation. Plant diversity and PV showed a unimodal relation with N values, both in the montane/sub-alpine and alpine belts. Plant diversity indexes peaked at intermediate N indicator values, confirming the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, while PV peaked at higher N values, where higher nutrient availability in the soil increased plant species productivity, growth rate, leaf turnover and nutrient concentration, digestibility, and palatability. The overall shape of the curves as well as the N values at which plant diversity and PV values peaked did not considerably change from montane/sub-alpine to alpine pastures. These results suggest that an extensive pastoral management is recommended when plant diversity conservation is the main goal. Conversely, a more intensive management can produce an overall enhancement of forage quality/productivity of alpine pastures, but only if restricted under certain critical N values.
Background: Species-rich Nardus stricta grasslands are a priority habitat for conservation in Eur... more Background: Species-rich Nardus stricta grasslands are a priority habitat for conservation in Europe. They typically occur on siliceous substrates and less frequently are found on calcareous bedrock.
Aims: The present paper aimed to identify the environmental factors (i.e. bedrock type, topographic, and climatic factors) that are related with community diversity and to assess if differences in plant diversity between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock occur. We hypothesised that Nardus grasslands on calcareous bedrock hosted a higher vascular plant diversity than those on siliceous bedrock.
Methods: Based on 579 vegetation surveys carried out in the south-western Alps, we assessed vascular plant diversity (species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index) of species-rich Nardus grasslands and compared it between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock.
Results: Elevation was identified as the main factor related to species composition, while species diversity was mostly related to mean annual precipitation and bedrock type. Species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index were higher within the communities on calcareous rather than on siliceous bedrock and a total of 89 and 34 indicator species were detected, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on our results, we suggest to protect primarily, as a habitat of priority interest, N. stricta grasslands on calcareous substrates for the higher vascular plant diversity hosted.
Throughout the last decades, Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull heathlands have declined across Europe an... more Throughout the last decades, Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull heathlands have declined across Europe and nowadays their conservation is particularly challenging at the southern edge of their distribution. In the Nature Reserve of Vauda (north-western Italy), six restoration treatments were applied (extensive annual goat browsing, one-off mowing, annual mowing, one-off fire without and with annual browsing, and annual fire) and their effects on plant diversity and the cover of C. vulgaris, its competitor grass Molinia arundinacea Schrank, woody, and alien species were monitored between 2005 and 2011. In the short-term, most of the treatments changed the vegetation community, reducing C. vulgaris cover according to a gradient of increasing biomass removal. In the mid-term, C. vulgaris, M. arundinacea, woody and alien species cover followed different trajectories according to the treatment and functional group. Annual fire shifted the vegetation towards a M. arundinacea-dominated community, while extensive annual browsing did not affect the heathland community and resulted in the lowest increase in M. arundinacea, which showed a remarkable fitness in these environments. Moreover, annual burning and mowing were effective in reducing woody species encroachment (p < 0.05), and fire treatments triggered a peak in alien species cover (mainly Panicum acuminatum Swartz) in the short-term. Six years after treatment, species richness and Shannon index did not differ between treated and control sites (p > 0.05). In conclusion, these results highlight the need and potential benefit of integrating multiple techniques to preserve C. vulgaris heathlands at their southern edge.
Grazing management is an important tool to preserve insect biodiversity. Although literature has ... more Grazing management is an important tool to preserve insect biodiversity. Although literature has discussed the importance of grazing pressure adjustment to support grassland insect communities for the ecosystem services they provide, little has been published on the economic sustainability of such management adjustments to date. This study compared continuous grazing (CG) to an innovative rotational grazing system (the biodiversity-friendly rotation - BR), where a subplot was excluded from grazing for two months during the main flowering period. The effects of grazing two different species (cattle and sheep) within both systems were also evaluated. The aims were to assess the effects on butterfly, bumblebee, and ground beetle assemblages, along with the impact on herbage mass and animal performance. The BR enhanced both the abundance and species richness of flower-visiting insect assemblages and it was observed that cattle provided better results than sheep grazing. A multivariate redundancy analysis highlighted that most of the flower-visiting species (including almost all the endangered and locally rare species) were favoured by BR-cattle treatment, mainly due to the high percentage of flower cover and sward heterogeneity involved in this treatment. However, grazing system and grazer species did not affect ground beetle species richness or abundance. Moreover, herbage mass and animal performance (live weight and body condition score) were comparable between CG and BR throughout the grazing season. The BR could be a useful management system to enhance grassland flower-visiting insect assemblages whilst meeting farm production objectives, especially in protected environments where insect conservation is a major target.
The decline of agro-pastoral activities has led to a widespread tree and shrub-encroachment of fo... more The decline of agro-pastoral activities has led to a widespread tree and shrub-encroachment of former semi-natural meso-eutrophic grasslands in many European mountain regions. Temporary night camp areas (TNCA) and mineral mix supplements for targeted cattle were arranged over shrub-encroached areas to restore grassland vegetation within the Val Troncea Natural Park (Italy). From 2011 to 2015, their effects on vegetation structure and pastoral value of forage were assessed along permanent transects. Four years after treatments, both practices were effective in reducing the shrub cover and increasing the cover and average height of the herbaceous layer, but changes were more remarkable within TNCA. Moreover, the arrangement of TNCA decreased the cover of nanophanerophytes and increased the cover of graminoids and high quality species, as well as the overall forage pastoral value. In conclusion, TNCA were the most effective pastoral practice to contrast shrub-encroachment and increase herbage mass and forage quality of sub-alpine grasslands.
Effects of traditional salt placement (TS) and strategically placed mineral mix supplements (MMS)... more Effects of traditional salt placement (TS) and strategically placed mineral mix supplements (MMS) on cattle distribution were compared in the Italian Alps. Salt was placed within flat and herbaceous sites following the traditional method of farmers, whereas MMS blocks were placed on steep and shrub-encroached sites within three large pastures (44 ha on average). Each TS and MMS site was paired with a control site and eleven cows were tracked with GPS collars. Within 10 and 50 m of TS and MMS, treatment sites were used more than control sites (P < 0.05). No differences were detected (P > 0.05) in the number of visits by cows within 10 and 50 m of TS and MMS placements. No differences were detected in time spent within 10 m of TS and MMS placements, but cows spent more time (P < 0.05) within 50 m of TS. With either TS or MMS, cattle preferred areas with gentler terrain, higher forage pastoral value and closer to water (P < 0.001). When MMS was available cattle also preferred areas near MMS (P < 0.001). Shrub and herbaceous cover decreased near MMS placements (P < 0.05) from cattle grazing and trampling. Placement of MMS is a promising tool to enhance cattle distribution and potentially reduce shrub-encroachment in rugged mountain pastures.
Questions: The reduction of agro-pastoral activities in most of the European mountain areas has l... more Questions: The reduction of agro-pastoral activities in most of the European mountain areas has led to a widespread shrub-encroachment of former grasslands in recent decades, with a loss of many ecosystem services provided by open habitats. To reverse this process and restore grassland vegetation, two pastoral practices were implemented over shrub-encroached areas: the arrangement of temporary night camp areas (TNCA) and the strategic placement of mineral mix supplements (MMS) for cattle. The aim was to assess the effects produced on i) vegetation structure and ii) botanical composition by both pastoral practices, in order to identify their potential to reverse shrub-encroachment and restore semi-natural grassland vegetation.
Location: Shrub-encroached sites, predominantly composed of Juniperus nana Willd. and Rhododendron ferrugineum L., in Val Troncea Natural Park, south-western Italian Alps.
Methods: We measured the effects produced by both practices on vegetation cover and height, cover of the species belonging to different vegetation units, biodiversity indices (species richness and Shannon diversity index), forage pastoral value, and average indicator value for soil nutrient content, from 2011 to 2014, along permanent linear transects. Data were analyzed with Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), Multiple Response Permutational Procedure (MRPP) and Principal Response Curve (PRC).
Results: Both practices were effective in reducing shrub cover and increasing the average height of the herbaceous layer, but within TNCA a marked increase in herbaceous cover was also evident. Moreover, the arrangement of TNCA increased the cover of meso-eutrophic grassland and fringe and tall herb plant species and decreased the cover of boreal-like shrubland and woodland species. The main effect produced by the placement of MMS on botanical composition was the increase in the cover of fringe and tall herb species. Plant biodiversity was enhanced by the arrangement of TNCA but not by the placement of MMS, and the implementation of both practices increased forage pastoral value and the average indicator value for soil nutrient content.
Conclusions: The arrangement of TNCA was the most effective pastoral practice to reverse shrub-encroachment, restore semi-natural meso-eutrophic grassland vegetation and increase plant diversity, herbage mass and forage quality.
Agro-pastoral decline in European mountain areas has recently caused changes to traditional lands... more Agro-pastoral decline in European mountain areas has recently caused changes to traditional landscapes with negative consequences on semi-natural grassland conservation and the associated biodiversity and ecosystem services. In the Italian Alps, grassland patches enclosed in a forest matrix are progressively disappearing. Two alpine valleys (Pesio and Pejo), having similar land-use history, were chosen as representative of management conditions of western and eastern Italian Alps, respectively. This study aims at interpreting the effect of abandonment on grassland patch plant diversity, considering land cover changes of the last 60 years, and assessing the role of ecological, topographic, management and landscape configuration on current grassland species richness. The total area of grassland patches has declined by 54% and 91% at Pesio and at Pejo, respectively. Actual grassland patch species richness was mostly influenced by ecological factors, such as quantity of light, soil moisture and reaction, then by topographic features, especially slope, and finally by management intensity. Landscape factors exerted a slightly significant effect on plant diversity. In the two valleys, differences on management practices were detected. Even though in the western valley the conservation of several grazing activities contributed to slow down the process of patch reduction, many species-rich grasslands were generally under-grazed. Conversely, in the eastern valley, despite a denser road network, the stronger decline of grassland patch extension was linked to the hay making decline. At the same time, overuse of grassland patches near farms reduced plant species richness. As a conclusion, plant species richness was weakly related to the area of grassland patches and current and historical landscape configuration were of relatively lower importance than ecological, topographic and management factors, when evaluated at patch-level.
BACKGROUND: Plant composition of species-rich mountain grasslands can affect the sensorial and ch... more BACKGROUND: Plant composition of species-rich mountain grasslands can affect the sensorial and chemical attributes of dairy and meat products, with implications for human health. A multivariate approach was used to analyse the complex relationships between vegetation characteristics (botanical composition and plant community variables) and chemical composition (proximate constituent and fatty acid profile) in mesophilic and dry vegetation ecological groups,
comprising six different semi-natural grassland types in the Western Italian Alps.
RESULTS: Mesophilic and dry grasslands were comparable in terms of phenology, biodiversity indices and proportion of botanical families. The content of total fatty acids and that of the most abundant fatty acids (alpha-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acids) were mainly associated to nutrient-rich plant species, belonging to the mesophilic grassland ecological group. Mesophilic grasslands showed also higher values of crude protein, lower values of fibre content and they were related to higher pastoral values of vegetation compared to dry grasslands. The proximate composition and fatty acid profile appeared mainly single species dependent rather than botanical family dependent.
CONCLUSION: These findings highlight that forage from mesophilic grasslands can provide higher nutritive value for ruminants and may be associated to ruminant-derived food products with a healthier fatty acid profile.
Semi-natural grasslands cover a large area in Piedmont mountains (south-western Alps). They are e... more Semi-natural grasslands cover a large area in Piedmont mountains (south-western Alps). They are exploited mainly by farms that yearly move about 70,000 heads from the valley-floors or the plain to the summer pastures, playing an important role in nature conservation. In the framework of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, axis II -measure 214 (agrienvironmental payments), Piedmont regional offices have implemented measure 214.6 that contains specific actions for the conservation of biodiversity, soil, landscape, and water by extensive grazing. The basic actions (measure 214.6.1) aim at boosting extensive farming systems for their positive environmental effects on marginal areas. The additional measure 214.6.2 has introduced Pastoral Plans as a tool aimed at enhancing farm productivity, system sustainability, and environmental aspects by identifying specific management actions. In this paper Pastoral Plan contents and the state of the art of measure 214.6.2 after two years are summarised, discussing the measure start-up problems.
The Rangeland Journal, 2013
Throughout the last decades, agricultural abandonment in European mountain areas has caused chang... more Throughout the last decades, agricultural abandonment in European mountain areas has caused changes in traditional livestock management with consequences for semi-natural grassland use and vegetation. In the Western Italian Alps, continuous extensive grazing has become the simplest and the most common system for managing large cattle herds. As a result, limited grazing in many rugged locations has led to an extensive shrub-encroachment of semi-natural grasslands in the subalpine and alpine belts. A study was conducted to assess if the provision of mineral mix supplements (MMS): 1) increases the use of steep and shrub-encroached locations by beef cows, and 2) helps restore meso-eutrophic grassland vegetation around supplement-deployment sites. During the summer grazing season, MMS were placed within 10 steep and shrub-encroached areas in two adjacent pastures (364 ha and 366 ha), and 12 cows were tracked with GPS collars. For each supplement site, a paired control site was identified, and vegetation surveys were performed in the surrounding areas of both sites. Placement of MMS increased the use of areas within 12 m of supplement locations compared to corresponding control areas. Cattle use of areas within 100 m of the MMS sites was also greater than expected by chance. The use by cattle, associated with trampling, grazing and faecal deposition, reduced the cover of shrubs and oligotrophic herbaceous species and increased the average nutrient N value and forage pastoral value of the new vegetation types established around MMS sites two years after their use by cattle. Strategic placement of MMS appears to be a sustainable practice to restore sub-alpine and alpine shrub-encroached grasslands. Nevertheless these results must be considered preliminary as a longer period is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this practice for the restoration of semi-natural grasslands.
Alain Peeters (FAO-CIHEAM Pasture and Fodder Crops Research Network) Eric Mosimann (FAO-CIHEAM Mo... more Alain Peeters (FAO-CIHEAM Pasture and Fodder Crops Research Network) Eric Mosimann (FAO-CIHEAM Montain Pasture Sub-Network)
The chain of "Noble Milk" in Piedmont: livestock farms characteristics and nutraceutica... more The chain of "Noble Milk" in Piedmont: livestock farms characteristics and nutraceutical and sensory quality of the product The project "Làit Real - High quality drinking milk (Latte Nobile) to improve the competitiveness of mountain dairy farms" is funded by Regione Piemonte under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. Its primary objective is to define the Production Regulations for drinking milk produced by cows mainly fed with local fresh grass and hay. The experimental trials set up within the project aim at obtaining data on all stages of the production chain, from the characteristics of the forage resources to those of the herds, up to the chemical, microbiological and sensory qualities of milk. Four farms, located in the provinces of Torino and Vercelli, are involved in the project. In these farms 15 to 35 lactating cows are bred; the cows belong to Valdostana Pezzata Rossa, Grigio Alpina, Bruna Alpina, Montbéliarde and Abondance breeds and yield, o...
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Papers by Massimiliano Probo
Areas’ (BPA) has been used to accomplish biodiversity conservation goals in
Switzerland. These areas have been managed according to specific limitations on mowing
dates and fertilizers. We assessed the regional-scale effectiveness of BPA implementation
within Ticino Canton by answering the following questions: (i) is plant species diversity
higher in BPA than in conventionally managed grasslands (CMG)? (ii) which are the
differences between BPA and CMG in terms of climatic, topographical, ecological, and
vegetation variables? (iii) which vegetation types, functional groups, and plant species are
specifically related to BPA? A total of 242 vegetation surveys (64 in BPA and 178 in
CMG, respectively) was carried out in 55 farms and the main climatic and topographic
features were assessed. Differences in terms of plant diversity, ecological indicator and
pastoral values, species functional groups, vegetation types, and indicator species between
BPA and CMG were assessed. The BPA harboured a higher plant diversity. They were
located in steeper areas, at higher elevations, and characterised by lower soil nutrient
content, mowing tolerance, and pastoral value than CMG. Dry meadow species number
and cover were higher in BPA, while nutrient-rich meadow species number was higher in
CMG. The species associated to BPA belonged to a wider range of functional groups and
38% of them belonged to the national list for biodiversity promotion in agriculture,
whereas no species associated to CMG belonged to that list. Thus, our results confirmed
the effectiveness of BPA for biodiversity conservation for the Southern Swiss Alps.
Plant diversity, PV, and N values were higher in the pastures located at lower elevation. Plant diversity and PV showed a unimodal relation with N values, both in the montane/sub-alpine and alpine belts. Plant diversity indexes peaked at intermediate N indicator values, confirming the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, while PV peaked at higher N values, where higher nutrient availability in the soil increased plant species productivity, growth rate, leaf turnover and nutrient concentration, digestibility, and palatability. The overall shape of the curves as well as the N values at which plant diversity and PV values peaked did not considerably change from montane/sub-alpine to alpine pastures. These results suggest that an extensive pastoral management is recommended when plant diversity conservation is the main goal. Conversely, a more intensive management can produce an overall enhancement of forage quality/productivity of alpine pastures, but only if restricted under certain critical N values.
Aims: The present paper aimed to identify the environmental factors (i.e. bedrock type, topographic, and climatic factors) that are related with community diversity and to assess if differences in plant diversity between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock occur. We hypothesised that Nardus grasslands on calcareous bedrock hosted a higher vascular plant diversity than those on siliceous bedrock.
Methods: Based on 579 vegetation surveys carried out in the south-western Alps, we assessed vascular plant diversity (species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index) of species-rich Nardus grasslands and compared it between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock.
Results: Elevation was identified as the main factor related to species composition, while species diversity was mostly related to mean annual precipitation and bedrock type. Species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index were higher within the communities on calcareous rather than on siliceous bedrock and a total of 89 and 34 indicator species were detected, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on our results, we suggest to protect primarily, as a habitat of priority interest, N. stricta grasslands on calcareous substrates for the higher vascular plant diversity hosted.
Location: Shrub-encroached sites, predominantly composed of Juniperus nana Willd. and Rhododendron ferrugineum L., in Val Troncea Natural Park, south-western Italian Alps.
Methods: We measured the effects produced by both practices on vegetation cover and height, cover of the species belonging to different vegetation units, biodiversity indices (species richness and Shannon diversity index), forage pastoral value, and average indicator value for soil nutrient content, from 2011 to 2014, along permanent linear transects. Data were analyzed with Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), Multiple Response Permutational Procedure (MRPP) and Principal Response Curve (PRC).
Results: Both practices were effective in reducing shrub cover and increasing the average height of the herbaceous layer, but within TNCA a marked increase in herbaceous cover was also evident. Moreover, the arrangement of TNCA increased the cover of meso-eutrophic grassland and fringe and tall herb plant species and decreased the cover of boreal-like shrubland and woodland species. The main effect produced by the placement of MMS on botanical composition was the increase in the cover of fringe and tall herb species. Plant biodiversity was enhanced by the arrangement of TNCA but not by the placement of MMS, and the implementation of both practices increased forage pastoral value and the average indicator value for soil nutrient content.
Conclusions: The arrangement of TNCA was the most effective pastoral practice to reverse shrub-encroachment, restore semi-natural meso-eutrophic grassland vegetation and increase plant diversity, herbage mass and forage quality.
comprising six different semi-natural grassland types in the Western Italian Alps.
RESULTS: Mesophilic and dry grasslands were comparable in terms of phenology, biodiversity indices and proportion of botanical families. The content of total fatty acids and that of the most abundant fatty acids (alpha-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acids) were mainly associated to nutrient-rich plant species, belonging to the mesophilic grassland ecological group. Mesophilic grasslands showed also higher values of crude protein, lower values of fibre content and they were related to higher pastoral values of vegetation compared to dry grasslands. The proximate composition and fatty acid profile appeared mainly single species dependent rather than botanical family dependent.
CONCLUSION: These findings highlight that forage from mesophilic grasslands can provide higher nutritive value for ruminants and may be associated to ruminant-derived food products with a healthier fatty acid profile.
Areas’ (BPA) has been used to accomplish biodiversity conservation goals in
Switzerland. These areas have been managed according to specific limitations on mowing
dates and fertilizers. We assessed the regional-scale effectiveness of BPA implementation
within Ticino Canton by answering the following questions: (i) is plant species diversity
higher in BPA than in conventionally managed grasslands (CMG)? (ii) which are the
differences between BPA and CMG in terms of climatic, topographical, ecological, and
vegetation variables? (iii) which vegetation types, functional groups, and plant species are
specifically related to BPA? A total of 242 vegetation surveys (64 in BPA and 178 in
CMG, respectively) was carried out in 55 farms and the main climatic and topographic
features were assessed. Differences in terms of plant diversity, ecological indicator and
pastoral values, species functional groups, vegetation types, and indicator species between
BPA and CMG were assessed. The BPA harboured a higher plant diversity. They were
located in steeper areas, at higher elevations, and characterised by lower soil nutrient
content, mowing tolerance, and pastoral value than CMG. Dry meadow species number
and cover were higher in BPA, while nutrient-rich meadow species number was higher in
CMG. The species associated to BPA belonged to a wider range of functional groups and
38% of them belonged to the national list for biodiversity promotion in agriculture,
whereas no species associated to CMG belonged to that list. Thus, our results confirmed
the effectiveness of BPA for biodiversity conservation for the Southern Swiss Alps.
Plant diversity, PV, and N values were higher in the pastures located at lower elevation. Plant diversity and PV showed a unimodal relation with N values, both in the montane/sub-alpine and alpine belts. Plant diversity indexes peaked at intermediate N indicator values, confirming the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, while PV peaked at higher N values, where higher nutrient availability in the soil increased plant species productivity, growth rate, leaf turnover and nutrient concentration, digestibility, and palatability. The overall shape of the curves as well as the N values at which plant diversity and PV values peaked did not considerably change from montane/sub-alpine to alpine pastures. These results suggest that an extensive pastoral management is recommended when plant diversity conservation is the main goal. Conversely, a more intensive management can produce an overall enhancement of forage quality/productivity of alpine pastures, but only if restricted under certain critical N values.
Aims: The present paper aimed to identify the environmental factors (i.e. bedrock type, topographic, and climatic factors) that are related with community diversity and to assess if differences in plant diversity between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock occur. We hypothesised that Nardus grasslands on calcareous bedrock hosted a higher vascular plant diversity than those on siliceous bedrock.
Methods: Based on 579 vegetation surveys carried out in the south-western Alps, we assessed vascular plant diversity (species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index) of species-rich Nardus grasslands and compared it between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock.
Results: Elevation was identified as the main factor related to species composition, while species diversity was mostly related to mean annual precipitation and bedrock type. Species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index were higher within the communities on calcareous rather than on siliceous bedrock and a total of 89 and 34 indicator species were detected, respectively.
Conclusions: Based on our results, we suggest to protect primarily, as a habitat of priority interest, N. stricta grasslands on calcareous substrates for the higher vascular plant diversity hosted.
Location: Shrub-encroached sites, predominantly composed of Juniperus nana Willd. and Rhododendron ferrugineum L., in Val Troncea Natural Park, south-western Italian Alps.
Methods: We measured the effects produced by both practices on vegetation cover and height, cover of the species belonging to different vegetation units, biodiversity indices (species richness and Shannon diversity index), forage pastoral value, and average indicator value for soil nutrient content, from 2011 to 2014, along permanent linear transects. Data were analyzed with Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), Multiple Response Permutational Procedure (MRPP) and Principal Response Curve (PRC).
Results: Both practices were effective in reducing shrub cover and increasing the average height of the herbaceous layer, but within TNCA a marked increase in herbaceous cover was also evident. Moreover, the arrangement of TNCA increased the cover of meso-eutrophic grassland and fringe and tall herb plant species and decreased the cover of boreal-like shrubland and woodland species. The main effect produced by the placement of MMS on botanical composition was the increase in the cover of fringe and tall herb species. Plant biodiversity was enhanced by the arrangement of TNCA but not by the placement of MMS, and the implementation of both practices increased forage pastoral value and the average indicator value for soil nutrient content.
Conclusions: The arrangement of TNCA was the most effective pastoral practice to reverse shrub-encroachment, restore semi-natural meso-eutrophic grassland vegetation and increase plant diversity, herbage mass and forage quality.
comprising six different semi-natural grassland types in the Western Italian Alps.
RESULTS: Mesophilic and dry grasslands were comparable in terms of phenology, biodiversity indices and proportion of botanical families. The content of total fatty acids and that of the most abundant fatty acids (alpha-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acids) were mainly associated to nutrient-rich plant species, belonging to the mesophilic grassland ecological group. Mesophilic grasslands showed also higher values of crude protein, lower values of fibre content and they were related to higher pastoral values of vegetation compared to dry grasslands. The proximate composition and fatty acid profile appeared mainly single species dependent rather than botanical family dependent.
CONCLUSION: These findings highlight that forage from mesophilic grasslands can provide higher nutritive value for ruminants and may be associated to ruminant-derived food products with a healthier fatty acid profile.