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Michele Freppaz
Department of Agriculture, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy

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Original article
Published: 16 June 2021 in Journal of Mountain Science
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In the summer of 2003 and 2004, characterized by a rapid glacier retreat, a stony surface covered by well-structured organic-rich mineral debris was observed very close to the Indren glacier terminus (Monte Rosa Massif, NW Italy, 3100 m ASL), on an area covered by the glacier tongue till the year before. The origin and type of this organic-rich material were investigated, in order to detect their characteristics, potential sources and fate within the foreland system. The deposits were dated using Carbon-14 and analyzed for the chemical characteristics of the organic component, the elemental composition of the mineral fraction and presence of microbial markers. The material, granular and dark in color, had a total organic carbon (TOC) content ranging between 17.4 ± 0.39 and 28.1 ± 0.63 g kg−1 dry weight (dw), significantly higher than the surrounding glacial till (~ 1.4 g kg−1 dw), although only 0.33% of it was in water soluble form. Microbial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) accounted for 10.6% and 3.13% of TOC and total N, respectively. Dissolved nitrogen (N), mainly present as ammonium, represented 2.40% of the total N. The low aromatic component and large presence of nitrogen (N)-derived compounds suggested that most of the organic carbon (OC) in these organic-rich mineral deposits was derived from microbial cells, although the high average radiocarbon age of about 2900 years may also point to the contribution of aeolian depositions of anthropogenic or natural origin. Elemental composition and the crustal enrichment factor of trace elements in the mineral fraction of the aggregates corroborated the hypothesis that most part of the accumulated material derived from ice meltwater. Some indicators of the colonization of these deposits by microbial communities were also reported, from the abundance of DNA and phylogenetic markers, to the presence of bacterial taxa commonly able to thrive in similar habitats. All these elements suggested that such kind of deposits may have a potential role as energy and nutrient sources in recently deglaciated areas, highlighting the necessity to better understand the processes underlying their formation and their evolution.

ACS Style

Michele Freppaz; Mark W. Williams; Jacopo Gabrieli; Roberta Gorra; Ilaria Mania; Judith Ascher-Jenull; Markus Egli; Luisella Celi. Characterization of organic-rich mineral debris revealed by rapid glacier retreat, Indren Glacier, European Alps. Journal of Mountain Science 2021, 18, 1521 -1536.

AMA Style

Michele Freppaz, Mark W. Williams, Jacopo Gabrieli, Roberta Gorra, Ilaria Mania, Judith Ascher-Jenull, Markus Egli, Luisella Celi. Characterization of organic-rich mineral debris revealed by rapid glacier retreat, Indren Glacier, European Alps. Journal of Mountain Science. 2021; 18 (6):1521-1536.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele Freppaz; Mark W. Williams; Jacopo Gabrieli; Roberta Gorra; Ilaria Mania; Judith Ascher-Jenull; Markus Egli; Luisella Celi. 2021. "Characterization of organic-rich mineral debris revealed by rapid glacier retreat, Indren Glacier, European Alps." Journal of Mountain Science 18, no. 6: 1521-1536.

Journal article
Published: 12 February 2021 in Sustainability
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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: 29 May 2020 in Sustainability
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Mid- and long-term monitoring of restoration projects have to be performed, as short-term evaluations do not give comprehensive information about their outcomes. In this study, we assessed the results of a forest restoration project, implemented in former road builder’s yards. We evaluated the recovery of the soil’s physical and chemical properties, the effectiveness and naturalness of sward restoration, and the success of woody species planting. Our hypotheses were that soil–plant interaction strongly influenced the restoration dynamics. The areas were restored in 2016. In 2014, we collected data from 28 restored areas. Eight years after the restoration, the physical and chemical properties of the soil indicated good quality. Suitable soil conditions were reflected in the herbaceous vegetation cover, which was higher than 60% in all the areas. The sown mixture successfully contained spontaneous species, and perennials prevailed over annuals, indicating stability in the composition of the sward. Alien species cover (generally < 10%) was controlled by sown species. Sown species also outcompeted ruderal and typical grassland species, reducing the naturalness of the herbaceous layer. Tree and shrub growth was low, and soil properties did not affect their height. Our results underline the importance of sowing an herbaceous species mixture in degraded areas in order to efficiently restore the soil cover and to reduce the colonization of alien species. Moreover, in our study, we showed how soil properties differently affected plant species groups.

ACS Style

Sara Martelletti; Fabio Meloni; Michele Freppaz; Andrea Paone; Michele Lonati; Marco Pittarello; Massimiliano Ferrarato; Renzo Motta; Antonio Nosenzo. Soil and Plant Characteristics in a Restored Area under Mid-Term Site Management. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4433 .

AMA Style

Sara Martelletti, Fabio Meloni, Michele Freppaz, Andrea Paone, Michele Lonati, Marco Pittarello, Massimiliano Ferrarato, Renzo Motta, Antonio Nosenzo. Soil and Plant Characteristics in a Restored Area under Mid-Term Site Management. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (11):4433.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sara Martelletti; Fabio Meloni; Michele Freppaz; Andrea Paone; Michele Lonati; Marco Pittarello; Massimiliano Ferrarato; Renzo Motta; Antonio Nosenzo. 2020. "Soil and Plant Characteristics in a Restored Area under Mid-Term Site Management." Sustainability 12, no. 11: 4433.

Journal article
Published: 07 November 2019 in Geosciences
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In full-scale snow avalanche test sites, structures such as pylons, plates, or dams have been used to measure impact forces and pressures from avalanches. Impact pressures are of extreme importance when dealing with issues such as hazard mapping and the design of buildings exposed to avalanches. In this paper, we present the force measurements recorded for five selected avalanches that occurred at the Seehore test site in Aosta Valley (NW Italian Alps). The five avalanches were small to medium-sized and cover a wide range in terms of snow characteristics and flow dynamics. Our aim was to analyze the force and pressure measurements with respect to the avalanche characteristics. We measured pressures in the range of 2 to 30 kPa. Though without exhaustive measurements of the avalanche flows, we found indications of different flow regimes. For example, we could appreciate some differences in the vertical profile of the pressures recorded for wet dense avalanches and powder ones. Being aware of the fact that more complete measurements are necessary to fully describe the avalanche flows, we think that the data of the five avalanches triggered at the Seehore test site might add some useful information to the ongoing scientific discussion on avalanche flow regimes and impact pressure.

ACS Style

Margherita Maggioni; Monica Barbero; Fabrizio Barpi; Mauro Borri-Brunetto; Valerio De Biagi; Michele Freppaz; Barbara Frigo; Oronzo Pallara; Bernardino Chiaia. Snow Avalanche Impact Measurements at the Seehore Test Site in Aosta Valley (NW Italian Alps). Geosciences 2019, 9, 471 .

AMA Style

Margherita Maggioni, Monica Barbero, Fabrizio Barpi, Mauro Borri-Brunetto, Valerio De Biagi, Michele Freppaz, Barbara Frigo, Oronzo Pallara, Bernardino Chiaia. Snow Avalanche Impact Measurements at the Seehore Test Site in Aosta Valley (NW Italian Alps). Geosciences. 2019; 9 (11):471.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Margherita Maggioni; Monica Barbero; Fabrizio Barpi; Mauro Borri-Brunetto; Valerio De Biagi; Michele Freppaz; Barbara Frigo; Oronzo Pallara; Bernardino Chiaia. 2019. "Snow Avalanche Impact Measurements at the Seehore Test Site in Aosta Valley (NW Italian Alps)." Geosciences 9, no. 11: 471.

Journal article
Published: 24 July 2019 in Forests
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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: 25 March 2019 in Ecological Engineering
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Zeolitites, rocks with a content of zeolite group minerals greater than 50%, can serve as support for plant nutrients uptake, by enabling the slow release of macro- and micronutrients over time. Zeolitites equally improve soil cation exchange and water holding capacity. We analyzed the effect of zeolitite addition to the soil in forest restoration. We hypothesized that zeolitite ameliorated soil quality and consequently improved sward restoration and seedling establishment. Soil treatments were applied in 2014 and consist of: ploughed and ripped soil (non-amended) and ploughed, ripped and amended with zeolitite soil (amended). After application of the soil treatments, a herbaceous mixture was hand sown. Oak (Quercus robur L.), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) and elm (Ulmus minor Mill.) seedlings were planted twice in the area, in autumn 2014 and autumn 2015. We monitored soil, sward and seedlings from 2015 to 2017. Seedling survival, which was generally above 50%, was never affected by zeolitite addition. The effect on seedling growth was significant only for hawthorn planted in 2015 that was approximately 5 cm taller in the amended soil. Herbaceous vegetation was also slightly affected by zeolitite addition. The zeolitite increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) Olsen in 2015, and exchangeable potassium (K) during the whole study period. Other parameters, such as year and growing season had significant effects on soil, sward and seedling dynamics. Time since restoration, plant-plant interactions, mechanical site preparation and meteorological conditions all together influenced the restoration dynamics more than zeolitite application.

ACS Style

Sara Martelletti; Fabio Meloni; Michele Freppaz; Davide Viglietti; Michele Lonati; Simone Ravetto Enri; Renzo Motta; Antonio Nosenzo. Effect of zeolitite addition on soil properties and plant establishment during forest restoration. Ecological Engineering 2019, 132, 13 -22.

AMA Style

Sara Martelletti, Fabio Meloni, Michele Freppaz, Davide Viglietti, Michele Lonati, Simone Ravetto Enri, Renzo Motta, Antonio Nosenzo. Effect of zeolitite addition on soil properties and plant establishment during forest restoration. Ecological Engineering. 2019; 132 ():13-22.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sara Martelletti; Fabio Meloni; Michele Freppaz; Davide Viglietti; Michele Lonati; Simone Ravetto Enri; Renzo Motta; Antonio Nosenzo. 2019. "Effect of zeolitite addition on soil properties and plant establishment during forest restoration." Ecological Engineering 132, no. : 13-22.

Review
Published: 22 November 2017 in Sustainability
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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
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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.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2015 in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
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ACS Style

Fabienne Curtaz; Silvia Stanchi; Michele D'Amico; Gianluca Filippa; Ermanno Zanini; Michele Freppaz. Soil evolution after land-reshaping in mountains areas (Aosta Valley, NW Italy). Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 2015, 199, 238 -248.

AMA Style

Fabienne Curtaz, Silvia Stanchi, Michele D'Amico, Gianluca Filippa, Ermanno Zanini, Michele Freppaz. Soil evolution after land-reshaping in mountains areas (Aosta Valley, NW Italy). Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 2015; 199 ():238-248.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fabienne Curtaz; Silvia Stanchi; Michele D'Amico; Gianluca Filippa; Ermanno Zanini; Michele Freppaz. 2015. "Soil evolution after land-reshaping in mountains areas (Aosta Valley, NW Italy)." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 199, no. : 238-248.

Journal article
Published: 01 November 2014 in Soil Biology and Biochemistry
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ACS Style

Michele Freppaz; Daniel Said-Pullicino; Gianluca Filippa; Fabienne Curtaz; Luisella Roberta Celi; Ermanno Zanini. Winter–spring transition induces changes in nutrients and microbial biomass in mid-alpine forest soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 2014, 78, 54 -57.

AMA Style

Michele Freppaz, Daniel Said-Pullicino, Gianluca Filippa, Fabienne Curtaz, Luisella Roberta Celi, Ermanno Zanini. Winter–spring transition induces changes in nutrients and microbial biomass in mid-alpine forest soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 2014; 78 ():54-57.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele Freppaz; Daniel Said-Pullicino; Gianluca Filippa; Fabienne Curtaz; Luisella Roberta Celi; Ermanno Zanini. 2014. "Winter–spring transition induces changes in nutrients and microbial biomass in mid-alpine forest soils." Soil Biology and Biochemistry 78, no. : 54-57.

Journal article
Published: 11 April 2014 in Journal of Soils and Sediments
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Climate change is driving strong variations in mountain habitats, such as glacier retreat, which is releasing large surfaces soon colonized by vegetation and attacked by weathering and pedogenesis. Many proglacial soil chronosequences have been studied in different parts of the world, but no study is available on early soil development and pedogenesis on serpentinite. We analysed the development of the main chemical (pH, organic matter, nutrients and exchangeable cations) and morphological properties in three soil chronosequences in the Verra Grande Glacier forefield (Italian side of the Monte Rosa Group, Western Alps), characterized by slightly different parent materials (pure serpentinite or serpentinite with small gneiss inclusions) and topography (steep lateral moraines or flat basal till). Organic matter accumulation, acidification and base and metal leaching are the most important pedogenetic processes active during early stages of soil formation on serpentinite in the upper subalpine altitudinal belt. These processes are associated with minor changes in color and structure showing weak mineral weathering. Biocycling of nutrients is limited on pure serpentinite because of weak primary productivity of the plant community. Pedogenesis is quite slow throughout the forefield, and it is slowest on pure serpentinite. On flat surfaces, where slow erosion permits a fast colonization by Ericaceae, the podzolization process begins after few centuries since moraine deposition, while on steep slopes more time is required. Pedogenesis on serpentinite is extremely slow. The fast colonization by grassland species increases the speed of pedogenetic trends where serpentinitic till is enriched by small quantities of P-rich gneiss. The encroachment of forest-shrub species increases the speed of pedogenetic trends thanks to a strong nutrient biocycling.

ACS Style

Michele E. D’Amico; Michele Freppaz; Giovanni Leonelli; Eleonora Bonifacio; Ermanno Zanini. Early stages of soil development on serpentinite: the proglacial area of the Verra Grande Glacier, Western Italian Alps. Journal of Soils and Sediments 2014, 15, 1292 -1310.

AMA Style

Michele E. D’Amico, Michele Freppaz, Giovanni Leonelli, Eleonora Bonifacio, Ermanno Zanini. Early stages of soil development on serpentinite: the proglacial area of the Verra Grande Glacier, Western Italian Alps. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 2014; 15 (6):1292-1310.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele E. D’Amico; Michele Freppaz; Giovanni Leonelli; Eleonora Bonifacio; Ermanno Zanini. 2014. "Early stages of soil development on serpentinite: the proglacial area of the Verra Grande Glacier, Western Italian Alps." Journal of Soils and Sediments 15, no. 6: 1292-1310.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2014 in CATENA
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ACS Style

Michele E. D'Amico; Michele Freppaz; Gianluca Filippa; Ermanno Zanini. Vegetation influence on soil formation rate in a proglacial chronosequence (Lys Glacier, NW Italian Alps). CATENA 2014, 113, 122 -137.

AMA Style

Michele E. D'Amico, Michele Freppaz, Gianluca Filippa, Ermanno Zanini. Vegetation influence on soil formation rate in a proglacial chronosequence (Lys Glacier, NW Italian Alps). CATENA. 2014; 113 ():122-137.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele E. D'Amico; Michele Freppaz; Gianluca Filippa; Ermanno Zanini. 2014. "Vegetation influence on soil formation rate in a proglacial chronosequence (Lys Glacier, NW Italian Alps)." CATENA 113, no. : 122-137.

Journal article
Published: 09 November 2013 in Journal of Forestry Research
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The presence of a thick snowpack could interfere with forest stability, especially on steep slopes with potential damages for young and old stands. The study of snow gliding in forests is rather complex because this phenomenon could be influenced not only by forest features, but also by snow/soil interface characteristics, site morphology, meteorological conditions and snow physical properties. Our starting hypothesis is that different forest stands have an influence on the snowpack evolution and on the temperature and moisture at the snow/soil interface, which subsequently could affect snow gliding processes and snow forces. The aim of this work is therefore to analyse the snowpack evolution and snow gliding movements under different forest covers, in order to determine the snow forces acting on single trees. The study site is located in a subalpine forest in Aosta Valley (NW-Italy) and includes two plots at the same altitude, inclination and aspect but with different tree composition: Larch (Larix decidua) and Spruce (Picea abies). The plots were equipped with moisture and temperature sensors placed at the snow/soil interface and glide shoes for continuous monitoring of snow gliding. The recorded data were related to periodically monitored snowpack and snow/soil interface properties. Data were collected during two winter seasons (2009–10 and 2010–11). The snow forces on trees were analytically calculated either from snowpack data and site morphology or also from measured snow gliding rates. Different snow accumulations were observed under the two different forest stands, with a significant effect on temperature and moisture at the snow/soil interface. The highest snow gliding rates were observed under Larch and were related to rapid increases in moisture at the snow/soil interface. The calculated snow forces were generally lower than the threshold values reported for tree uprooting due to snow gliding, as confirmed by the absence of tree damages in the study areas.

ACS Style

Davide Viglietti; Margherita Maggioni; Enrico Bruno; Ermanno Zanini; Michele Freppaz. Snow gliding and loading under two different forest stands: a case study in the north-western Italian Alps. Journal of Forestry Research 2013, 24, 633 -642.

AMA Style

Davide Viglietti, Margherita Maggioni, Enrico Bruno, Ermanno Zanini, Michele Freppaz. Snow gliding and loading under two different forest stands: a case study in the north-western Italian Alps. Journal of Forestry Research. 2013; 24 (4):633-642.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Davide Viglietti; Margherita Maggioni; Enrico Bruno; Ermanno Zanini; Michele Freppaz. 2013. "Snow gliding and loading under two different forest stands: a case study in the north-western Italian Alps." Journal of Forestry Research 24, no. 4: 633-642.

Journal article
Published: 10 September 2013 in Hydrological Processes
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Davide Viglietti; Michele Freppaz; Gianluca Filippa; Ermanno Zanini. Soil C and N response to changes in winter precipitation in a subalpine forest ecosystem, NW Italy. Hydrological Processes 2013, 28, 5309 -5321.

AMA Style

Davide Viglietti, Michele Freppaz, Gianluca Filippa, Ermanno Zanini. Soil C and N response to changes in winter precipitation in a subalpine forest ecosystem, NW Italy. Hydrological Processes. 2013; 28 (21):5309-5321.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Davide Viglietti; Michele Freppaz; Gianluca Filippa; Ermanno Zanini. 2013. "Soil C and N response to changes in winter precipitation in a subalpine forest ecosystem, NW Italy." Hydrological Processes 28, no. 21: 5309-5321.

Journal article
Published: 07 February 2011 in Italian Journal of Agronomy
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In Alpine sites snow is present on the ground from six to eight months per year in relation to elevation and exposure. Water is therefore immobilized into the solid state for the greater part of the winter season and released to the ground in a short period during spring snowmelt. In these areas, snow distribution exercises a fundamental role in influencing soil temperature and nutrient dynamics, in particular of nitrogen, with great consequences on plant nutrition. The dormant vegetation period, the low temperatures and the persistent snow cover suggest that soil biological activity is only concentrated during summer. As a matter of fact, soils covered with a consistent snow cover are isolated from the air temperature and can not freeze during winter. A snowpack of sufficient thickness, accumulated early in winter, insulates the ground from the surrounding atmosphere maintaining soil temperature closed to 0 °C during the whole winter season. The elevation of the snow line and the shorter permanence of snow on the ground, as a result of global warming (IPCC, 1996, 2001), might reduce the insulation effect of the snowpack, exposing soils of the mountain belt to lower temperatures and to a greater frequency of freeze/thaw cycles, which might alter organic matter dynamics and soil nutrient availability. Such thermal stresses may determine the lysis of microbial cells and the consequent increase of nitrogen and carbon mineralization by the survived microorganisms. Moreover, the freeze/thaw cycles can determine the exposure of exchange surfaces not available before, with release of organic matter of non-microbial origin, which may become available to surviving microorganisms for respiration. The reduced or absent microbial immobilization may cause the accumulation of remarkable amounts of inorganic nitrogen in soil, potentially leachable during spring snowmelt, when plants have not still started the growing season. Changes of snow distribution in alpine sites can consequently have a great impact on the thermal regime and nutrient cycle of soils. The environmental implications have to be estimated for a long time, through specific studies that aim to evidence the indirect effects of climatic change on characteristics of alpine pedoenvironments.

ACS Style

Ermanno Zanini; Michele Freppaz. Influence of snow cover distribution on soil temperature and nutrient dynamics in alpine pedoenvironments. Italian Journal of Agronomy 2011, 1, 577-586 .

AMA Style

Ermanno Zanini, Michele Freppaz. Influence of snow cover distribution on soil temperature and nutrient dynamics in alpine pedoenvironments. Italian Journal of Agronomy. 2011; 1 (3s):577-586.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ermanno Zanini; Michele Freppaz. 2011. "Influence of snow cover distribution on soil temperature and nutrient dynamics in alpine pedoenvironments." Italian Journal of Agronomy 1, no. 3s: 577-586.

Journal article
Published: 01 November 2010 in Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
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ACS Style

Michele Freppaz; Danilo Godone; Gianluca Filippa; Margherita Maggioni; Stefano Lunardi; Mark W. Williams; Ermanno Zanini. Soil Erosion Caused by Snow Avalanches: a Case Study in the Aosta Valley (NW Italy). Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 2010, 42, 412 -421.

AMA Style

Michele Freppaz, Danilo Godone, Gianluca Filippa, Margherita Maggioni, Stefano Lunardi, Mark W. Williams, Ermanno Zanini. Soil Erosion Caused by Snow Avalanches: a Case Study in the Aosta Valley (NW Italy). Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. 2010; 42 (4):412-421.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele Freppaz; Danilo Godone; Gianluca Filippa; Margherita Maggioni; Stefano Lunardi; Mark W. Williams; Ermanno Zanini. 2010. "Soil Erosion Caused by Snow Avalanches: a Case Study in the Aosta Valley (NW Italy)." Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 42, no. 4: 412-421.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2010 in Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
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ACS Style

Luisella Roberta Celi; Fulvia Rosso; Michele Freppaz; Alberto Agnelli; Ermanno Zanini. Soil Organic Matter Characteristics in Sporadic Permafrost-affected Environment (Creux du Van, Switzerland). Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 2010, 42, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Luisella Roberta Celi, Fulvia Rosso, Michele Freppaz, Alberto Agnelli, Ermanno Zanini. Soil Organic Matter Characteristics in Sporadic Permafrost-affected Environment (Creux du Van, Switzerland). Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. 2010; 42 (1):1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luisella Roberta Celi; Fulvia Rosso; Michele Freppaz; Alberto Agnelli; Ermanno Zanini. 2010. "Soil Organic Matter Characteristics in Sporadic Permafrost-affected Environment (Creux du Van, Switzerland)." Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 42, no. 1: 1-8.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2009 in Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
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Margherita Maggioni; Michele Freppaz; Paolo Piccini; Mark W. Williams; Ermanno Zanini. Snow Cover Effects on Glacier Ice Surface Temperature. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 2009, 41, 323 -329.

AMA Style

Margherita Maggioni, Michele Freppaz, Paolo Piccini, Mark W. Williams, Ermanno Zanini. Snow Cover Effects on Glacier Ice Surface Temperature. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. 2009; 41 (3):323-329.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Margherita Maggioni; Michele Freppaz; Paolo Piccini; Mark W. Williams; Ermanno Zanini. 2009. "Snow Cover Effects on Glacier Ice Surface Temperature." Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 41, no. 3: 323-329.

Journal article
Published: 30 September 2008 in Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science
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Michele Freppaz; Luisella Roberta Celi; Marco Marchelli; Ermanno Zanini. Snow removal and its influence on temperature and N dynamics in alpine soils (Vallée d'Aoste, northwest Italy). Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 2008, 171, 672 -680.

AMA Style

Michele Freppaz, Luisella Roberta Celi, Marco Marchelli, Ermanno Zanini. Snow removal and its influence on temperature and N dynamics in alpine soils (Vallée d'Aoste, northwest Italy). Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 2008; 171 (5):672-680.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele Freppaz; Luisella Roberta Celi; Marco Marchelli; Ermanno Zanini. 2008. "Snow removal and its influence on temperature and N dynamics in alpine soils (Vallée d'Aoste, northwest Italy)." Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 171, no. 5: 672-680.

Journal article
Published: 31 January 2007 in Applied Soil Ecology
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Seasonally snow-covered alpine soils may be subjected to freeze/thaw cycles, particularly during years having little snow and during the late winter and early spring periods. Freeze/thaw cycles can stimulate soil mineralization and could therefore be one factor regulating nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability and cycling. In this study laboratory incubation experiments using four soils having contrasting properties have been used to characterize the change in N and P forms (microbial and soluble inorganic/organic) that occur after simulated freeze/thaw cycles. Soil samples were collected from locations representing extreme examples of either direct human management (grazed meadow (site M) and extensive grazing beneath larch (site L)) or those disturbed by more natural events (recent avalanche and colonisation by alder (site A)) and from beneath the expected forest climax vegetation beneath fir (site F). Topsoil from these sites, maintained at two different water contents (20 and 30%, w/w), were exposed to either a single (SF) or four sequential (4SF) freeze/thaw cycles. Each cycle consisted of 12 h at -9 °C and 12 h at +4 °C mimicking a diurnal pattern. A SF cycle reduced microbial N for soils from sites F and A and was accompanied by a significant increase in dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) at both moisture contents. In contrast, the microbial N of soils from M and L was not affected by the freeze/thaw cycles, suggesting a particular adaptation of soil microbes to these extremes in temperature. Freeze/thaw cycles resulted in a significant increase in the net ammonification in all soils. Extractable total dissolved N (TDN) and total dissolved P (TDP) increased in all soils after a SF cycle, however, the relative importance of the different N and P forms differed. At the lower soil moisture content, NO3 - concentrations remained constant or slightly decreased in all soils, except that from site M. In all other soils DON appeared to replace NO3 - as the potentially mobile N source after the freeze/thaw cycles. The relative contribution of dissolved organic P to TDP after freeze/thaw remained significant, and greater than 50% in all soils. Freeze/thaw cycles, in seasonally snow covered soils, are likely to have a selective effect on the microbial biomass. Freezing and thawing resulted in a pulse of net ammonification and DON release, which represent an important influence upon N cycling in these alpine systems

ACS Style

Michele Freppaz; Berwyn L. Williams; Anthony C. Edwards; Riccardo Scalenghe; Ermanno Zanini. Simulating soil freeze/thaw cycles typical of winter alpine conditions: Implications for N and P availability. Applied Soil Ecology 2007, 35, 247 -255.

AMA Style

Michele Freppaz, Berwyn L. Williams, Anthony C. Edwards, Riccardo Scalenghe, Ermanno Zanini. Simulating soil freeze/thaw cycles typical of winter alpine conditions: Implications for N and P availability. Applied Soil Ecology. 2007; 35 (1):247-255.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michele Freppaz; Berwyn L. Williams; Anthony C. Edwards; Riccardo Scalenghe; Ermanno Zanini. 2007. "Simulating soil freeze/thaw cycles typical of winter alpine conditions: Implications for N and P availability." Applied Soil Ecology 35, no. 1: 247-255.