Integrated monitoring in alpine forest ecosystems in Tretino and South Tyrol, Italy

Forest decline studies in Trentino and South Tyrol were initiated in the early 80ʹs. In 1992 four permanent stations were selected under the ICP-IM programme of the UN-ECE. Based on an inter-disciplinary approach it is aimed to study pollution effects in relation to anthropogenic stress, climate change, trophic systems and trophic-energy balances of the ecosystem. The Integrated Monitoring programme has made progress in identifying bio-inficators that describe the system, which will also help in sylvicultural management. The programme also has various other topics under study. The results particularly highlight the effect of climate change over the last ten years.