This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.

Unclaimed
Emanuele Pintaldi
Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy

Basic Info

Basic Info is private.

Honors and Awards

The user has no records in this section


Career Timeline

The user has no records in this section.


Short Biography

The user biography is not available.
Following
Followers
Co Authors
The list of users this user is following is empty.
Following: 0 users

Feed

Preprint content
Published: 04 March 2021
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In the framework of climate change research, alpine soils may provide excellent paleoenvironmental information, thus representing a powerful tool for paleoclimate reconstruction. However, since Pleistocene glaciations and erosion-related processes erased most of the pre-existing landforms and soils, reconstructing soil and landscape development in high-mountain areas can be a difficult task.

This study was performed in the periglacial environment of the Stolenberg Plateau (LTER site Istituto Mosso), located on the watershed between Valsesia and Lys Valley, at the foot of the southern slope of the Monte Rosa Massif (Western Italian Alps, elevation: ca. 3030 m a.s.l.). The plateau is covered by thick periglacial blockfields and blockstreams, with a plant cover that reaches no more than 3-5% of the surface.

These periglacial landforms unexpectedly revealed well-developed soils below the superficial coarse deposits. In particular, below the stone layer, thick (between 30 and 65 cm) umbric horizons were observed, under which discontinuous cambic Bw ones were developed. In contrast, the surrounding snowbed communities (Salicetum herbaceae) were characterized by Regosols or Cambisols with 10-15 cm thick A horizons and weak signs of cryoturbation.

Despite the sparce plant cover, the organic carbon (C) stocks were surprisingly high (above 5 kg*m-2), comparable to vegetated and even forest soils at lower elevation. In addition, geophysical investigations showed that these soils are widespread under the stony cover, with a thickness ranging between 20 and 90 cm.

Radiocarbon dating (14C) indicated that these soils are paleosols, probably originated during the main warming phases/interstadials occurred between the end of Last Glacial Maximum and the beginning of the Neoglacial. In particular, the ages of the oldest samples were 20.5-20 ka cal. BP (values obtained from two independent and blind datings performed in different moments), others were dated ca. 17.5, 13, 8.5, 6.5, 5.7 ka cal. BP, while the youngest ages were 4.4-4.1 ka cal. BP.

These dates, particularly the oldest ones, show that the Stolenberg Plateau was presumably free of ice at the beginning of the Early Lateglacial, and its summer temperatures were already compatible with some kind of vegetation development. The origin of these unexpected high-elevation soils, below blockstreams and blockfields, is of great relevance for unraveling the climatic history in the Western Alps. The results, including the soil characteristics, the geomorphological framework and the specific local landform setting, aspect, and position, suggest that the plateau may have been a Nunatak, which acted as a refugium for alpine vegetation during the last glacial pulses, serving as a hot-spot for the rapid reoccupation of deglaciated high-elevation landscapes.

ACS Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Michele Eugenio D'Amico; Nicola Colombo; Marco Giardino; Michele Freppaz. Hidden paleosols at high elevation in the Alps (Stolenberg Plateau - NW Italy): evidence for a Lateglacial Nunatak? 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Emanuele Pintaldi, Michele Eugenio D'Amico, Nicola Colombo, Marco Giardino, Michele Freppaz. Hidden paleosols at high elevation in the Alps (Stolenberg Plateau - NW Italy): evidence for a Lateglacial Nunatak? . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Michele Eugenio D'Amico; Nicola Colombo; Marco Giardino; Michele Freppaz. 2021. "Hidden paleosols at high elevation in the Alps (Stolenberg Plateau - NW Italy): evidence for a Lateglacial Nunatak?" , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 12 February 2021 in Sustainability
Reads 0
Downloads 0

We studied the effects of three soil management approaches (permanent grassing, chemical weeding, and buffer strips), and the additional impact of tractor passage on soil erosion in a sloping vineyard located in the inner part of Aosta Valley (N-W Italian Alps). The vineyard rows were equipped with a sediment collection system with channels and barrel tanks. A total of 12 events with sediment production were observed across 6 years, and the collected sediments were weighted and analyzed. Average erosion rates ranged from negligible (mainly in grassed rows) to 1.1 t ha− 1 per event (after weeding). The most erosive event occurred in July 2015, with a total rainfall of 32.2 mm, of which 20.1 were recorded in 1 h. Despite the limited number of erosive events observed, and the low measured erosion rates, permanent grassing reduced soil erosion considerably with respect to weeding; buffering had a comparable effect to grassing. The tractor passage, independent of the soil management approaches adopted, visibly accelerated the erosion process. The collected sediments were highly enriched in organic C, total N, and fine size fractions, indicating a potential loss of fertility over time. Despite the measured erosion rates being low over the experiment’s duration, more severe events are well documented in the recent past, and the number of intense storms is likely to increase due to climate change. Thus, the potential effects of erosion in the medium and long term need to be limited to a minimum rate of soil loss. Our experiment helped to compare soil losses by erosion under different soil management practices, including permanent grassing, i.e., a nature-based erosion mitigation measure. The results of the research can provide useful indications for planners and practitioners in similar regions, for sustainable, cross-sectoral soil management, and the enhancement of soil ecosystem services.

ACS Style

Silvia Stanchi; Odoardo Zecca; Csilla Hudek; Emanuele Pintaldi; Davide Viglietti; Michele E. D’Amico; Nicola Colombo; Davide Goslino; Marilisa Letey; Michele Freppaz. Effect of Soil Management on Erosion in Mountain Vineyards (N-W Italy). Sustainability 2021, 13, 1991 .

AMA Style

Silvia Stanchi, Odoardo Zecca, Csilla Hudek, Emanuele Pintaldi, Davide Viglietti, Michele E. D’Amico, Nicola Colombo, Davide Goslino, Marilisa Letey, Michele Freppaz. Effect of Soil Management on Erosion in Mountain Vineyards (N-W Italy). Sustainability. 2021; 13 (4):1991.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Stanchi; Odoardo Zecca; Csilla Hudek; Emanuele Pintaldi; Davide Viglietti; Michele E. D’Amico; Nicola Colombo; Davide Goslino; Marilisa Letey; Michele Freppaz. 2021. "Effect of Soil Management on Erosion in Mountain Vineyards (N-W Italy)." Sustainability 13, no. 4: 1991.

Journal article
Published: 24 July 2019 in Forests
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Mountain regions are vulnerable to climate change but information about the climate sensitivity of seasonally snow-covered, subalpine ecosystems is still lacking. We investigated the impact of climatic conditions and pedogenesis on the C and N cycling along an elevation gradient under a Larch forest in the northwest (NW) Italian Alps. The environmental gradient that occurs over short distances makes elevation a good proxy for understanding the response of forest soils and nutrient cycling to different climatic conditions. Subalpine forests are located in a sensitive elevation range—the prospected changes in winter precipitation (i.e., shift of snowfalls to higher altitude, reduction of snow cover duration, etc.) could determine strong effects on soil nitrogen and carbon cycling. The work was performed in the western Italian Alps (Long-Term Ecological Research- LTER site Mont Mars, Fontainemore, Aosta Valley Region). Three sites, characterized by similar bedrock lithology and predominance of Larix decidua Mill., were selected along an elevation gradient (1550–1900 m above sea level-a.s.l.). To investigate the effects on soil properties and soil solution C and N forms of changing abiotic factors (e.g., snow cover duration, number of soil freeze/thaw cycles, intensity and duration of soil freezing, etc.) along the elevation gradient, soil profiles were opened in each site and topsoils and soil solutions were periodically collected from 2015 to 2016. The results indicated that the coldest and highest soil (well-developed Podzol) showed the highest content of extractable C and N forms (N-NH4+, DON, DOC, Cmicr) compared to lower-elevation Cambisols. The soil solution C and N forms (except N-NO3−) did not show significant differences among the sites. Independently from elevation, the duration of soil freezing, soil volumetric water content, and snow cover duration (in order of importance) were the main abiotic factors driving soil C and N forms, revealing how little changes in these parameters could considerably influence C and N cycling under this subalpine forest stand.

ACS Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Davide Viglietti; Michele Eugenio D’Amico; Andrea Magnani; Michele Freppaz. Abiotic Parameters and Pedogenesis as Controlling Factors for Soil C and N Cycling Along an Elevational Gradient in a Subalpine Larch Forest (NW Italy). Forests 2019, 10, 614 .

AMA Style

Emanuele Pintaldi, Davide Viglietti, Michele Eugenio D’Amico, Andrea Magnani, Michele Freppaz. Abiotic Parameters and Pedogenesis as Controlling Factors for Soil C and N Cycling Along an Elevational Gradient in a Subalpine Larch Forest (NW Italy). Forests. 2019; 10 (8):614.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Davide Viglietti; Michele Eugenio D’Amico; Andrea Magnani; Michele Freppaz. 2019. "Abiotic Parameters and Pedogenesis as Controlling Factors for Soil C and N Cycling Along an Elevational Gradient in a Subalpine Larch Forest (NW Italy)." Forests 10, no. 8: 614.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2018 in Applied Soil Ecology
Reads 0
Downloads 0
ACS Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Michele E. D’Amico; Silvia Stanchi; Marcella Catoni; Michele Freppaz; Eleonora Bonifacio. Humus forms affect soil susceptibility to water erosion in the Western Italian Alps. Applied Soil Ecology 2018, 123, 478 -483.

AMA Style

Emanuele Pintaldi, Michele E. D’Amico, Silvia Stanchi, Marcella Catoni, Michele Freppaz, Eleonora Bonifacio. Humus forms affect soil susceptibility to water erosion in the Western Italian Alps. Applied Soil Ecology. 2018; 123 ():478-483.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Michele E. D’Amico; Silvia Stanchi; Marcella Catoni; Michele Freppaz; Eleonora Bonifacio. 2018. "Humus forms affect soil susceptibility to water erosion in the Western Italian Alps." Applied Soil Ecology 123, no. : 478-483.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2018 in Applied Soil Ecology
Reads 0
Downloads 0
ACS Style

Michele Freppaz; Emanuele Pintaldi; Andrea Magnani; Davide Viglietti; Mark W. Williams. Topsoil and snow: a continuum system. Applied Soil Ecology 2018, 123, 435 -440.

AMA Style

Michele Freppaz, Emanuele Pintaldi, Andrea Magnani, Davide Viglietti, Mark W. Williams. Topsoil and snow: a continuum system. Applied Soil Ecology. 2018; 123 ():435-440.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele Freppaz; Emanuele Pintaldi; Andrea Magnani; Davide Viglietti; Mark W. Williams. 2018. "Topsoil and snow: a continuum system." Applied Soil Ecology 123, no. : 435-440.

Review
Published: 22 November 2017 in Sustainability
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The skiing industry often represent the main contribution to mountain regions’ economy, by providing several economic benefits and the improvement of services and infrastructure. Ski resorts also play a crucial role as an impacting factor, causing severe changes on Alpine landscape and ecosystems. In particular ski runs construction and operation have considerable impacts on alpine soils, influencing their chemical and physical properties which affecting the establishment and development of plant communities. The work provides a description of the changes in soil properties and the related effects on vegetation. It aims furthermore to investigate the recent best practices applied for a successful soil restoration after ski runs construction, which may contribute to a sustainable use of mountain soils and ecosystems. Based on the current regulatory framework, this review gives a global overview on how, in Europe and specifically in Italy, the sustainable use of soils is considered during the construction and management of ski runs. As the framework is still lacking of specific rules regarding soil protection and management on ski runs, the present work wishes to provide recommendations in order to fill this gap, favoring the effective application of best practices for soil protection during ski run construction and maintenance.

ACS Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Csilla Hudek; Silvia Stanchi; Thomas Spiegelberger; Enrico Rivella; Michele Freppaz. Sustainable Soil Management in Ski Areas: Threats and Challenges. Sustainability 2017, 9, 2150 .

AMA Style

Emanuele Pintaldi, Csilla Hudek, Silvia Stanchi, Thomas Spiegelberger, Enrico Rivella, Michele Freppaz. Sustainable Soil Management in Ski Areas: Threats and Challenges. Sustainability. 2017; 9 (11):2150.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Csilla Hudek; Silvia Stanchi; Thomas Spiegelberger; Enrico Rivella; Michele Freppaz. 2017. "Sustainable Soil Management in Ski Areas: Threats and Challenges." Sustainability 9, no. 11: 2150.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2016 in CATENA
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Earth hummocks are small cryogenic mounds, covered by grass, closely spaced in grassland or wetlands. Hummock microtopography establishes specific microclimatic conditions, with small-scale variations in soil thermal properties and water regimes, which influence biogeochemical cycles. These properties, coupled with different litter decomposability, may cause variations on soil physical and chemical properties and pedogenesis, as well as a selective distribution of plant species. The work has been carried out at the LTER site of Tellinod (Torgnon, Aosta Valley, NW, Italy). The site is characterized by a Nardus stricta subalpine hummocky grassland located at 2100 masl, which shows the dominance of Nardus on hummocks and a prevalence of dicotyledons in interhummocks (i.e. the depressions between consecutive hummocks). Such distribution indicates that earth hummock pattern was reflected in soil properties. In order to confirm this hypothesis, we analyzed and compared soil pedogenesis and topsoil characteristics between hummocks and interhummocks. In addition, litter bags were incubated in hummock and interhummock positions to investigate litter decomposition rate as related to microtopography and plant species and its effects on topsoil edaphic properties. The results confirm that hummocky topography significantly influences topsoil properties, pedogenesis and vegetation distribution, with large differences between hummocks and interhummocks. The hummocky soil can be fully classified as Podzol, based on both the morphological and chemical diagnostic properties; however, morphological and chemical evidences indicate that the degree of podzolization differs significantly under hummocks and interhummocks. In addition, the results verify a faster decomposition of dicotyledons in the nutrient-richer interhummock topsoils compared to the podzolized hummocks positions, and an overall slower decomposition rate of Nardus litter. All these factors contribute to the creation and conservation of a unique pedo-environment in this subalpine grassland.

ACS Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Michele E. D'Amico; Consolata Siniscalco; Edoardo Cremonese; Luisella Celi; Gianluca Filippa; Marco Prati; Michele Freppaz. Hummocks affect soil properties and soil-vegetation relationships in a subalpine grassland (North-Western Italian Alps). CATENA 2016, 145, 214 -226.

AMA Style

Emanuele Pintaldi, Michele E. D'Amico, Consolata Siniscalco, Edoardo Cremonese, Luisella Celi, Gianluca Filippa, Marco Prati, Michele Freppaz. Hummocks affect soil properties and soil-vegetation relationships in a subalpine grassland (North-Western Italian Alps). CATENA. 2016; 145 ():214-226.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emanuele Pintaldi; Michele E. D'Amico; Consolata Siniscalco; Edoardo Cremonese; Luisella Celi; Gianluca Filippa; Marco Prati; Michele Freppaz. 2016. "Hummocks affect soil properties and soil-vegetation relationships in a subalpine grassland (North-Western Italian Alps)." CATENA 145, no. : 214-226.