Analisi spazio-temporale della produzione di praterie secondarie nell'Appennino umbro-marchigiano (Italia)

The paper shows the results of a study conducted in the Apennine region of Umbria and Marche (central Italy), to assess the forage production of native pastureland and grazed meadows analysing its space-time variations. The ultimate objective of the study was to gain useful information to promote a sustainable management of these pastureland. The grassland production was low, due to the rainfall distribution during the growing season. The space-time analysis of grass heights showed that the grazing intensity was high. However, the current management allowed the maintenance of the grassland and of its potential production, which could be constrained by the abandonment. The weighted plate meter proved to be effective in estimating grass production and its space-time variations in wide areas.