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The cultivation of hybrid poplar clones is increasing worldwide. Hundreds of hectares of plantations now occur across Europe and other continents such as North America, using tested clones and novel genotypes. Research effort aims are to develop fast growing disease- and pest-resistant clones to improve production quality and quantity. In this study the phenotypic plasticity of poplar clones was tested across environmental and temporal gradients. The growth performance of 49 hybrid poplar clones recorded between 1980 and 2021 was analysed using a mixed-effects model with climatic data as a predictor variable. Clones were aggregated into two groups according to their breeding protocol (i.e., standard clone, and improved material) and their growth modelled for future climate scenarios of RCPs 2.6 and 8.5 using a downscaled version of the variants 01 and 21 of UKCP18 climate projections dataset for three 30-year normal period time-slices: 2030s, 2040s, 2050s. The fitted growth models showed highly significant results, explaining more than 85% of the variance, with a mean relative absolute error of approximately 2%. Improved material showed more resistance to warmer and drier climates and less sensitivity to the changing climate. While no unique pattern was found when comparing growth performances, new improved clones were more productive than older clones (e.g., 'I-214') with an additional benefit of resistance to rust and pests. Spatial predictions confirmed the Po valley as the most important geographic area for poplar cultivation in Italy, but zones in Central and Southern Italy show potential. However, the Po Valley is also where poplars are predicted to be suitable in the next decades with large uncertainties. The analysis identified the need for more research on the topic of poplar breeding. For example, models using the most extreme (warm and dry) climate projection, variant 01 of RCP8.5 of the UKCP18, exceeded the historic climate threshold, and predictions used model extrapolation, with associated statistical uncertainty. Therefore, predictions should be considered with care and more research effort is required to test clones over wider environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between soil, topography, and climatic site factors can exacerbate and/ or alleviate the vulnerability of oak woodland to climate change. Reducing climaterelated impacts on oak woodland habitats and ecosystems through adaptation management requires knowledge of different site interactions in relation to species tolerance. In Britain, the required thematic detail of woodland type is unavailable from digital maps. A species distribution model (SDM) ensemble, using biomod2 algorithms, was used to predict oak woodland. The model was cross-validated (50%:50% - training:testing) 30 times, with each of 15 random sets of absence data, matching the size of presence data, to maximize environmental variation while maintaining data prevalence. Four biomod2 algorithms provided stable and consistent TSS-weighted ensemble mean results predicting oak woodland as a probability raster. Biophysical data from the Ecological Site Classification (forest site classification) for Britain were used to characterize oak woodland sites. Several forest datasets were used, each with merits and weaknesses: public forest estate subcompartment database map (PFE map) for oak-stand locations as a training dataset; the national forest inventory (NFI) "published regional reports" of oak woodland area; and an "NFI map" of indicative forest type broad habitat. Broadleaved woodland polygons of the NFI map were filled with the biomod2 oak woodland probability raster. Ranked pixels were selected up to the published NFI regional area estimate of oak woodland and matched to the elevation distribution of oak woodland stands, from "NFI survey" sample squares. Validation using separate oak woodland data showed that the elevation filter significantly improved the accuracy of predictions from 55% (p = .53) to 83% coincidence success rate (p < .0001). The biomod2 ensemble, with masking and filtering, produced a predicted oak woodland map, from which site characteristics will be used in climate change interaction studies, supporting adaptation management recommendations for forest policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between soil, topography, and climatic site factors can exacerbate and/ or alleviate the vulnerability of oak woodland to climate change. Reducing climate- related impacts on oak woodland habitats and ecosystems through adaptation management requires knowledge of different site interactions in relation to species tolerance. In Britain, the required thematic detail of woodland type is unavailable from digital maps. A species distribution model (SDM) ensemble, using biomod2 algorithms, was used to predict oak woodland. The model was cross- validated (50%:50% - training:testing) 30 times, with each of 15 random sets of absence data, matching the size of presence data, to maximize environmental variation while maintaining data prevalence. Four biomod2 algorithms provided stable and consistent TSS- weighted ensemble mean results predicting oak woodland as a probability raster. Biophysical data from the Ecological Site Classification (forest site classification) for Britain were used to characterize oak woodland sites. Several forest datasets were used, each with merits and weaknesses: public forest estate subcompartment database map (PFE map) for oak- stand locations as a training dataset; the national forest inventory (NFI) “published regional reports” of oak woodland area; and an “NFI map” of indicative forest type broad habitat. Broadleaved woodland polygons of the NFI map were filled with the biomod2 oak woodland probability raster. Ranked pixels were selected up to the published NFI regional area estimate of oak woodland and matched to the elevation distribution of oak woodland stands, from “NFI survey” sample squares. Validation using separate oak woodland data showed that the elevation filter significantly improved the accuracy of predictions from 55% (p = .53) to 83% coincidence success rate (p < .0001). The biomod2 ensemble, with masking and filtering, produced a predicted oak woodland map, from which site characteristics will be used in climate change interaction studies, supporting adaptation management recommendations for forest policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future dynamics of forest species and ecosystems depend on the effects of climate change and are related to forest management strategies. The expected impacts of climate change are linked to forest growth and productivity. An increase in the length of the growing season and greater productivity are likely as well as shifts in average climatic values and more variable frequencies, intensities, durations and timings of extreme events. The main aim of this work is to assess and describe the climatic requirements for Italian forest tree species. We used 7,272 field observations from Italian National Forest Inventory plots and average annual temperatures and precipitation as interpolated from raster maps with 1 km spatial resolution. On this basis we evaluated the current observed distributions of the 19 most important tree species in Italy with respect to potential climatic limits based on expert knowledge and the available literature. We found that only 46% of the observations fall within the potential joint temperature and precipitation limits as defined by expert knowledge. For precipitation alone, 70% of observations were within the potential limits, and for temperature alone, 80% of observations were within the potential limits. Similarity between current observed and potential limits differ from species-to-species with broadleaves in general more frequently distributed within the potential climatic limits than conifers. We found that ecological requirements and potential information should be revised for some species, particularly for the Pinus genus and more frequently for precipitation. The results of the study are particularly relevant given the threat of climate change effects for Italian forests which are broadly acknowledged to be a biodiversity hotspot. Further investigations should be aimed at modelling the effects of climate changes on Italian forests as a basis for development of mitigation and adaptation forest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality data and long-term time series are the basis of any research activity dealing with natural resources analysis. Adequate sampling designs are fundamental to allow a robust statistical analysis to be representative of a relevant set of target variables. In this work, the sampling strategy of ICP-Forests Level II European network has been proposed to define more efficient and cost-effective procedures under the hypothesis that the average value of single-tree growth (increment) is a proxy of forest health. ICP plots have a fixed spatial structure consisting of a square of 50 × 50 m framed into 25 squared sub-plots. To estimate basal area (G) and increase over time (ΔG), two different sub-sampling methods have been implemented based on a measure of (i) the dominant layer only (i.e. a subset of the highest trees in the plot), and (ii) a random sample of squared sub-plots. While the vertical sampling procedure was performed using a progressive threshold, the horizontal sampling followed a bootstrapping procedure with random extraction without replacement. The mean absolute relative error (MARE) was used to evaluate quality of the two sub-sampling methods. Results highlighted a low predictive power with both methodologies, preventing the possibility to reduce the sampling efforts when estimating ΔG directly. In this context, the vertical sampling was strictly related to species-specific ecology, spatial structure and forest age, being influenced by vertical distribution of trees. The use of horizontal sampling for direct ΔG estimation led to systematically high errors. However, the use of horizontal sampling for total G estimation and indirect estimation of ΔG may reveal as a more effective procedure for a coherent representation of horizontal distribution of trees. Estimate ΔG as the difference between G values at time t and t + Δt finally allows for a sensible reduction of costs with a controlled estimation error. An adequate level of MARE should be decided a-priori to select the number of sub-squares to be randomly sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ecological studies require long-term time series of high quality. Missing data may represent a serious problem since they can affect the reliability of measured variables in specific locations. To which extent and according to which methodology a gap in time series should be filled is a major research challenge. In this study, the time-series of meteorological data relative to 13 monitoring sites from the ICP-Forest network in Italy were analysed with the aim to define the minimum number of site-specific observations, which can be considered adequate for further analysis on forest resource management. Three main climatic variables were taken into account in the analysis: air temperature, relative humidity and total precipitation. By using an increasing proportion of available data, descriptive and inferential statistic methods were applied to evaluate the amount of variability along the period of analysis (1998-2013) and associated error of estimation at seasonal level. The relative importance of each factor accounted in our analysis (season, year, variable, plot, sampling proportion) was investigated fitting a Random Forest model on the results of the bootstrapping procedure. Air temperature was the variable with a marked seasonal profile and the easiest to be represented at monthly level on a specific time period. Humidity and precipitation were more stable across the analysed time period. Trends in precipitation showed that a high amount of variability could be detected only when > 80% of valid observations were available. Humidity showed an intermediate pattern, with an exponential increase in the amount of explained variability when using an increased proportion of sampled observations. Random Forest Regression models indicated sampling proportion (i.e., number of available observations) as an important factor for trend analysis of relative air humidity and precipitation. We conclude that monthly or seasonal statistics can be proficiently estimated for both air temperature and relative humidity with a proportion of missing values higher than 50%. Conversely, a reliable analysis of intra-seasonal or intramonthly precipitation variability requires a much higher amount of observations. In the latter case gap filling represents the only feasible solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regions of provenance of reproductive materials are a mandatory tool for the management of forest genetic resources in Europe. Italian regulation (D. Lgs. 386/2003), in contrast with other European countries, gives this role to regional administrations. Here we present a map of the Regions of Provenance for Abruzzi in central Italy. Three environmental zones were identified according to climatic variability using a spatial clustering procedure and the three main forest species for the region were mapped: European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.), European black pine (Pinus nigraJ.F. Arnold) and Turkey oak (Quercus cerrisL.). The results show that the main driving factors for clustering are temperature regimes reflecting the contrast between the continental climate of the interior of the region versus the Mediterranean climate on the coast. This effect was also evident in the delineation of the Regions of Provenance for the three main species where elevation plays a key role in the selection of seed stands. The Regions of Provenance of the three species will be used for the correct management of forest reproductive materials collected from the six seed stands of the Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Marginal and peripheral forest populations are key genetic resources. • Expert knowledge on marginality shows subjective perception. • Quantitative indices were developed to identify marginal populations. • The developed indices are applicable to any species whose distribution is known. Marginal and peripheral populations are important for biodiversity conservation. Their original situation in a species' geographic and ecological space often confers them genetic diversity and traits of high adaptive value. Yet theoretical hypotheses related to marginality are difficult to test because of confounding factors that influence marginality, namely environment, geography, and history. There is an urgent need to develop metrics to disentangle these confounding factors. We designed nine quantitative indices of marginality and peripherality that define where margins lie within species distributions, from a geographical, an environmental and a historical perspective. Using the distribution maps of eight European forest tree species, we assessed whether these indices were idiosyncratic or whether they conveyed redundant information. Using a database on marginal and peripheral populations based on expert knowledge, we assessed the capacity of the indices to predict the marginality status of a population. There was no consistent pattern of correlation between indices across species, confirming that the indices conveyed different information related to the specific geometry of the species distributions. Contrasting with this heterogeneity of correlation patterns across species, the relative importance of the indices to predict the marginality status of populations was consistent across species. However, there was still a significant country effect in the marginality status, showing a variation in expert opinion of marginality vis-á-vis the species distribution. The marginality indices that we developed are entirely based on distribution maps and can be used for any species. They pave the way for testing hypotheses related to marginality and peripherality, with important implications in quantitative ecology, genetics, and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the outcomes of a study conducted to investigate the influence of solid-to-liquid (S/L), K 2 O/SiO 2 molar ratio and type of activation solution on reaction kinetic, structural development and final mechanical properties of Fe–Si–Ca rich inorganic polymers (IP). IPs were synthesized with alkali hydroxide and alkali hydroxide/silicate type activators to investigate the kinetic and structural impact of soluble silicates on the activating solution. Multiple characterization techniques, including isothermal conduction calorimetry (ICC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were used to give insights on the impact of each of the considered synthesis parameters. Solid-to-liquid and K 2 O/SiO 2 ratios were found to be the compositional parameters governing the reaction kinetics, whereas the introduction of silicate species in the activating solution contributed to further densification and strength development. By combining the effect of the studied parameters, IP binders incorporating a high content of a Fe–Si–Ca rich residues (≥92.7 wt% of solid content) were synthesized at room temperature to achieve a compressive strength exceeding 119 MPa. This work contributes with new insights into the reincorporation and upscaling of a vast group as yet unexplored Fe–Si–Ca-rich waste streams into the materials cycle, such as non-ferrous slags and vitrified residues generated during the incineration of municipal solid waste or during the gasification refused-derived fuel. The study demonstrates the feasibility of producing high strength IPs with only minor usage of virgin raw materials and the possibility of using the developed products as an alternative to conventional cementitious binders. Promoting synergetic interactions between proxy industries is crucial to the sustainability of our current production processes and will play a critical role in achieving current environmental targets. • Inorganic polymers (IP) were synthesized incorporating a high dosage of residues. • The effects of three main compositional parameters have been investigated. • Tailoring such parameters allowed to enhance compressive strength up to 119 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Species distribution modeling is a powerful tool to support forest management. • SDM can be used to forecast climate change impact on forests. • A wide range of algorithms are used and many modeling tools were developed. • Uncertainties connected to climate change and future projections must be included. Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) techniques were originally developed in the mid-1980s. In this century they are gaining increasing attention in the literature and in practical use as a powerful tool to support forest management strategies especially under climate change. In this review paper we consider species occurrence datasets, climatic and soil predictor variables, modelling algorithms, evaluation methods and widely used software for SDM studies. We describe several important and freely available sources for species occurrence and interpolated climatic data. We outline the use of both presence-only and presence/absence modelling algorithms including distance-based algorithms, machine learning algorithms and regression-based models. We conclude that SDM techniques provide a valuable asset for forest managers. However, it is essential to consider uncertainties behind the use of future climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is favouring the northward shift of Mediterranean oaks which are expanding their ranges at their leading edges. However, Mediterranean oaks have recalcitrant seeds (desiccation sensitive) that do not form seed banks, depending on climate conditions after seed fall and interactions between genetic determinants to germinate. Here we investigate the potential adaptation of Quercus suber range-wide populations to increasing spring temperature in germination timing and rates. We sowed 701 acorns from 9 populations from 10 mother trees each, at 15, 20 and 25 °C and monitored germination daily during 90 days. We modelled germination timing through Cox's proportional-hazards models, assessed populations' adaptation to spring temperature transfer distances and quantified the effect of acorn mass and storage duration on germination probability and timing with fixed-effects models. We used the mixed-effects models to predict germination climatic niches under current and RCP 8.5 2080 scenarios. Differences in germination timing were due to both the population origin and temperature treatment; germination rates showed a sub-optimality towards warmer-than-origin temperatures. The timing of germination decreased along with spring temperatures increment, with germination in 2080 predicted to occur 12 days earlier than to date in central Iberia. Warmer spring temperatures significantly accelerate the germination of recalcitrant Mediterranean species, which could alter seedlings' developmental environment and ultimately populations' regeneration and species composition. As such, germination timing should receive more attention from scientists and stakeholders and should be included in forest vulnerability assessments and assisted migration programs aiming at long-term forest regeneration to adapt forests to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biostimulants (amino acid containing protein hydrolysate) in forestry field has received much less attention so far than in agriculture. Promising evidences were reported in literature with useful application for nursery activities, stimulating early growth and reducing transplanting stress. This study investigates the potential benefits induced by an amino acid-based animal-derived protein hydrolysate biostimulant (Siapton® by Isagro) in containerized Eucalyptus globulus seedlings following transplanting. Foliar and soil drench applications were applied using two different concentrations each (2.5 ml.l-1 and 5.0 ml.l-1 for foliar, 10 ml.l-1 and 20 ml.l-1 for soil). Measures on seedling height, apical shot formation, total aboveground (dry weight of leaves and stem) and belowground biomass (dry weight of roots) 120 days after transplanting were made to quantify the effect on growth. The contrasts analysis on results revealed a positive effect of the biostimulant on many of the measured parameters, especially with foliar application using the lowest concentration (2.5 ml.l-1). The foliar application was overall suggested as more efficient than soil drench also allowing lower inputs (i.e. biostimulant quantity). The main consequence of the treatment was an increased biomass allocation in the stem (above ground biomass) due to a stimulated leaves production which might suggest an increased photosynthetic activity and growth. Conversely no influence was detectable on total height of seedlings neither on the collar diameter. The biostimulant treatment on containerized Eucalyptus globulus positively influenced some features of seedlings' growth after transplanting and the use of biostimulant with foliar application during the hardening phase in the nursery, appears to be a promising technique to potentially improve seedling growth after transplanting. An interesting impact from application of biostimulant on biomass accumulation following transplanting was here demonstrated. Anyway, further research to verify the results on different tree species as well as under open field conditions is envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of a limestone and, simultaneously, of the lime growth have been investigated during isothermal treatments by means of in situ High Temperature X-Ray Powder Diffraction. In particular, four grain sizes of a quarry limestone with differences in terms of mineralogical composition (dolomite content), chemical composition ( Fe and Mg amounts), and texture, have been studied. The lime produced during the isothermal treatments was then examined by using Scanning Electron Microscopy. In all samples, limestone decomposition starts with dolomite dissociation, followed by calcite decomposition. Rather than particle size, limestone texture, and dolomite content seem to be the most important factors controlling the starting temperature of calcination and its kinetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volumetric stability is an important aspect of the performance of building materials, and the shrinkage of CaO-FeOx-Al2O3-SiO2-rich inorganic polymers (IPs) has not been thoroughly investigated yet. Hence, this paper describes the outcome of a study conducted to investigate ways to minimize their shrinkage using different curing regimes. Two different slags were used as case studies to assess the robustness of the developed mitigation strategies. IP pastes and mortars were cured at (i) room condition, (ii) in slightly elevated temperature (60 °C for 2 d) and (iii) in a water-saturated environment. The reaction kinetics and formed products were examined on IP pastes, while mortars were made to characterize the 28 d pore structure, autogenous shrinkage, drying shrinkage, and strength development. The results showed that the precursors' reactivity and curing conditions severely affect shrinkage mechanisms and magnitude. Volumetric changes in the plastic stage can be related to the precursors' reactivity but drying shrinkage was the driving mechanism affecting the volumetric stability of all IP mortars. Understanding the effect of a precursor's composition and curing conditions on shrinkage is fundamental to develop proper mitigation strategies and to overcome one of IPs' main technical drawbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to assess the impact of different thinning approaches for coppice conversion into high forest of Turkey oak stands in Italy. The stand structure and the tree/shrub diversity were analyzed in 27 long-term monitoring plots from 7 experimental trials in the Colline Metallifere district (Tuscany, Central Italy) to verify the consistency of the original cultivation goals with the current stand structures. Three different approaches were applied from 1969 onwards: thinning from below, selective thinning, and no-management. Three indexes of specific diversity (Specific Richness, Shannon index and Importance Value) and two indexes of vertical diversity (Vertical Evenness and Coefficient of variation of tree height) were used to analyze and compare the outcome of management practices. The results showed a significantly higher dimensional variability and basal area, and a more complex vertical diversity in control plots and in the plots subject to selective thinning, as compared with plots subject to thinning from below. Tree species richness was high in all plots, independently of the thinning type applied. Based on our results, we suggest Turkey oak-dominated transitory stands to be initially managed by thinning from below, which is easy to be implemented and economically feasible. Selective thinning may be applied later with the aim of promoting sporadic but valuable tree species and increasing tree species diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements can be used in concrete as an alternative binder, as full or partial replacement of Portland cement. This enables reducing CO 2 emissions from cement production and offers other advantages, e.g. fast gain of mechanical properties. However, very little data is available on the behaviour of concretes with CSA binders, in particular on their creep and shrinkage. This paper presents a study on volume stability of high-performance concretes with CSA binder, blended with, or completely replacing, Portland-limestone cement. Shrinkage and creep in both autogenous and drying conditions were measured from 1 day until 1 year. The experimental results were compared with the empirical models Model Code 2010 and ACI 209.R-92. The results indicate that standard models originally developed for Portland cement concretes do not allow to address the pronounced differences between the Portland and CSA-based concretes, since their main input data are merely based on compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soil plays a fundamental role in many ecological processes, throughout a complex network of above- and below-ground interactions. This has aroused increasing interest in the use of correlates for biodiversity assessment and has demonstrated their reliability with respect to proxies based on environmental data alone. Although co-variation of species richness and composition in forests has been discussed in the literature, only a few studies have explored these elements in forest plantations, which are generally thought to be poor in biodiversity, being aimed at timber production. Based on this premise our aims were 1) to test if cross-taxon congruence across different groups of organisms (bacteria, vascular plants, mushrooms, ectomycorrhizae, mycelium, carabids, microarthropods, nematodes) is consistent in artificial stands; 2) to evaluate the strength of relationships due to the existing environmental gradients as expressed by abiotic and biotic factors (soil, spatial-topographic, dendrometric variables). Correlations between groups were studied with Mantel and partial Mantel tests, while variance partition analysis was applied to assess the relative effect of environmental variables on the robustness of observed relationships. Significant cross-taxon congruence was observed across almost all taxonomic groups pairs. However, only bacteria/mycelium and mushrooms/mycelium correlations remained significant after removing the environmental effect, suggesting that a strong abiotic influence drives species composition. Considering variation partitioning, the results highlighted the importance of bacteria as a potential indicator: bacteria were the taxonomic group with the highest compositional variance explained by the predictors used; furthermore, they proved to be involved in the only cases where the variance attributed solely to the pure effect of biotic or abiotic predictors was significant. Remarkably, the co-dependent effect of all predictors always explained the highest portion of total variation in all dependent taxa, testifying the intricate and dynamic interplay of environmental factors and biotic interactions in explaining cross-taxon congruence in forest plantations. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Cross-taxon congruence in black pine artificial stands was evaluated. • Links between forest, soil chemical properties and biotic communities were analyzed. • Soil microbiome plays a fundamental role in artificial forests. • A complex network of clutched ecological linkages was detected. • Impossibility to assess cross-taxon efficiency avoiding the environmental influence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wildfires, a key socio-environmental challenge in Mediterranean regions, are influenced by anthropogenic factors shaping land-use and socioeconomic spatial structures. By assuming that the dominant socioeconomic structure of local districts exerts a variable impact on wildfire spatial regimes, the present study investigates 174 indicators on a municipal scale in Italy, identifying a multidimensional relationship between wildfire characteristics and socioeconomic contexts. An exploratory statistical approach was adopted to identify linear and non-linear relationships among variables assessing socioeconomic contexts and wildfire patterns. Empirical results demonstrate that characteristic wildfire attributes (frequency, intensity and severity) are systematically higher in socioeconomic contexts characterized by rural poverty, unemployment and deregulated urban expansion, especially in southern Italy. A higher fire frequency was typically observed in (i) peri-urban districts with a dynamic socio-demographic profile and (ii) in rural districts with intensive cropping systems. Joint information on socioeconomic structure/dynamics and environmental change, is crucial for a better understanding of local-scale spatial patterns of wildfires in the Mediterranean region. Integrated socio-environmental information provides a better understanding of the local communities' role in the management of wildfire-prone land, contributing to implement more effective strategies aimed at minimizing wildfire impact on land resources. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Wildfire regime in Italy was significantly influenced by socioeconomic conditions. • Multivariate analysis is a key tool to characterize wildfire spatial distribution. • Relations between socioeconomic variables and wildfires are important for fire management • Peri-urban areas are exposed to frequent, small-size wildfires. • Rural areas need specific wildfire protection plans [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of seed zones or regions of provenance (RoP) to preserve local adaptation of tree species is an effective tool for the correct management of forest reproductive materials. The RoP for a species or sub-species is the area or group of areas subject to sufficiently uniform ecological conditions in which stands or seed sources show similar phenotypic or genetic characters, taking into account altitudinal boundaries where appropriate. However, the delineation of RoPs is commonly based on estimates of intrinsic environmental homogeneity, mainly climate and/or soil characteristics. The integration of genetic data into RoP maps is an important strategy to obtain a sound tool for managing forest reproductive materials. A study on Quercus suber (cork oak) in Sardinia (Italy) was carried out with the aim of determining ecological regions of provenance, investigating the genetic diversity among populations at the regional scale and identifying possible areas of interest for valorising the available germplasm. Identification of these areas was performed by Reserve Selection Analysis, which allows to identify priority areas by assessing the minimum number of sites required to include all the genetic diversity estimated by genetic analysis. Four spatial clusters were obtained based on environmental data: the northern and northern-eastern parts of the island were included in the Northern RoP; the second RoP covered the western part; and the third RoP enclosed the south-eastern region. The last group was distributed on the central part of the island (Central RoP) and includes the higher elevations. The sampled populations showed a low differentiation among populations and low diversity. According to the Reserve Selection Analysis, four conservation priority areas were identified. These indications can be useful at the local level because these sites can be proposed as stands for seed collection for future plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone represents the main raw material for ordinary Portland cement clinker production. In this study eight natural limestones from different geological environments were chosen to prepare raw meals for clinker manufacturing, aiming to define a parameter controlling the burnability. First, limestones were characterized by X-Ray Fluorescence, X-Ray Powder Diffraction and Optical Microscopy to assess their suitability for clinker production and their petrographic features. The average domains size and the microstrain of calcite were also determined by X-Ray Powder Diffraction line profile analysis. Then, each limestone was admixed with clay minerals to achieve the adequate chemical composition for clinker production. Raw meals were thermally threated at seven different temperatures, from 1000 to 1450 °C, to evaluate their behaviour on heating by ex situ X-Ray Powder Diffraction and to observe the final clinker morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results indicate the calcite microstrain is a reliable parameter to predict the burnability of the raw meals, in terms of calcium silicates growth and lime consumption. In particular, mixtures prepared starting from high-strained calcite exhibit a better burnability. Later, when the melt appears this correlation vanishes; however differences in the early burnability still reflect on the final clinker composition and texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ecosystem services and their influence drivers are changed during 2003 and 2018. • 10 out of 15 pairs of ecosystem services show a tradeoff relationship, and the rest shows a synergy. • Advanced gridded land cover and ecosystem services datasets for the Nordic region are produced. • A new method is proposed to investigate relationship between ecosystem services at a grid level. Understanding changes of ecosystem services and their influencing factors is crucial for more sustainable ecosystem management and conservation of nature contributions to people, especially in regions suffering high pressure from climate change and human activities, such as the Nordic countries. In this study, we assess multiple ecosystem services and their influencing factors in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. We analyze changes in ecosystem services such as habitat quality, sediment retention, water yield, carbon sequestration, crop and roundwood production between 2003 and 2018. The relationships between ecosystem services and the main influencing factors (temperature, precipitation, elevation, population, livestock, and land use change) are assessed by means of the Spearman's correlation coefficient and a new method that unravels synergies or tradeoffs at a grid level. Given the importance of forest management in the study region, an advanced land cover dataset that includes maps of forest harvest is produced and used as a basis for the analysis. Results show the large changes in ecosystem services during the study period and their spatial variations. Overall, the habitat quality is decreased, especially in the sites affected by forest management and agricultural production. Water yield and sediment retention increased due to higher precipitation (mainly in Norway). Higher temperature and forest management have generally increased carbon sequestration and provisioning services. The relationship between ecosystem services and their potential influencing factors differs across space. There are 10 out of 15 pairs of ecosystem services that predominantly show a tradeoff relationship, while the rest shows a synergy. In general, our results show the importance to monitor ecosystem services and understand the main drivers of their changes, so to design more sustainable resource management strategies that can secure a long-term delivery of ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research examines the influence of the petrographic features on the thermal decomposition and burnability of three limestones, the main raw materials for Portland cement-making. A detailed characterisation of the limestones has been performed by means of optical microscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffraction. The carbonate thermal decomposition was conducted under isothermal conditions by means of in situ High Temperature X-Ray Powder Diffraction and the heated samples were further investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Three kiln feeds were then prepared and submitted to burning trials and the temperature of occurrence of the main clinker phases was investigated as well as the content of the uncombined CaO in the heated samples was determined by using the Franke method. The results attest that the microfabric, a combination of depositional and diagenetic features, drives the kinetics of the thermal decomposition of the selected limestones as well as it appears to influence the temperature of crystallisation of the main clinker phases and the uncombined CaO content in the final clinker. In particular, the limestone with the lowest micrite to sparite ratio (1) exhibits the lowest Apparent Activation Energy ( E) value and the highest rate of calcination and (2) requires a lower temperature for observing the clinker phases crystallisation and has the lowest content of uncombined CaO in the final clinker, thus reflecting a high burnability of the limestone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blending Portland cement with fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag effectively reduces its carbon footprint. However, these materials hydrate more slowly than Portland cement. Therefore, their early-stage behaviour is of interest. Fly ash- and slag-containing cement pastes were cured for 72 h and 28 days before exposure to ambient air (ca. 400 ppm). Changes in carbonation behaviour at 0%, 30% and 60% replacement and w/b ratios (0.40 & 0.57) were studied. All Ca-bearing hydrate phases carbonated, but portlandite effectively buffered carbonation of other phases. Complete portlandite consumption permitted decalcification of the other phases, with substantial removal of Ca and Al from C-S-H and increased silicate polymerisation. When portlandite was present, monosulfoaluminate transformed to hemi- and monocarboaluminate, but complete decalcification only occurred when portlandite was no longer available. Reduced w/b ratios improved carbonation resistance for materials with moderate substitution but couldn't mitigate the effects of high replacement levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation deals with how minor elements (their oxides: MgO, Na 2 O and SO 3) in industrial kiln feeds affect (i) chemical reactions upon clinkering, (ii) resulting phase composition and microstructure of clinker, (iii) hydration process during cement production. Our results show that all these points are remarkably sensitive to the combination and interference effects between the minor chemical species mentioned above. Upon clinkering, all the industrial raw meals here used exhibit the same formation temperature and amount of liquid phase. Minor elements are preferentially hosted by secondary phases, such as periclase. Conversely, the growth rate of the main clinker phases (alite and belite) is significantly affected by the nature and combination of minor oxides. MgO and Na 2 O give a very fast C 3 S formation rate at T > 1450 K, whereas Na 2 O and SO 3 boost C 2 S After heating, if SO 3 occurs in combination with MgO and/or Na 2 O, it does not inihibit the C 3 S crystallisation as expected. Rather, it promotes the stabilisation of M 1 -C 3 S, thus indirectly influencing the aluminate content, too. MgO increseases the C 3 S amount and promotes the stabilisation of M 3 -C 3 S, when it is in combination with Na 2 O. Na 2 O seems to be mainly hosted by calcium aluminate structure, but it does not induce the stabilisation of the orhtorhombic polymorph, as supposed to occur. Such features play a key role in predicting the physical-mechanical performance of a final cement (i.e. rate of hydration and hardening) when used as a bulding material. • the effect of MgO, Na2O and SO3 on OPC clinker is investigated • a multidisciplinary approach is considered the clinkering and OPC clinker mineralogy, polymorphism, chemistry, microstructure and hydration is investigated [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]