Effetti dei metodi e dei sistemi di esbosco sulla quantità e sulla distribuzione dei residui forestali a seguito di operazioni di salvage logging: un'analisi multi-scala in foreste montane

A key function of forests is the ability to capture and store carbon, however the impact of climate change and its induced events not only jeopardizes their ecological integrity but also affects their multifunctionality where they serve not only as production but also, mainly, as regulation, protection and recreation. Mountain forests, often characterized by unique species and ecosystems, are highly sensitive to climate variability and are amongst the most impacted due to the increasing incidence of such events. Salvage logging, a method employed to recover timber from forests damaged by disturbances such as storms, fires, or pests, plays a crucial role in mitigating economic losses and reducing future risks in mountain forests. However, the methods and systems used during these operations significantly influence the quantity and distribution of harvesting residues—non-merchantable tree parts such as branches, tops, and foliage left behind. Residue management is vital in maintaining forest health, where they contribute by acting as nutrient reservoir, habitat for animal species, shelter for regeneration, and contrast soil compaction but where excessive residue accumulation can increase fire hazards, hinder forest regeneration, and alter nutrient cycling. This thesis aims to explore how different harvesting methods and systems affect the amount and spatial patterns of these residues in mountain forests, utilizing a multi-scale analysis to assess impacts across various terrains and forest conditions. A state-of-the-art about management practices and treatments at global level was drawn to give a general and complete overview of impacts and effects of such management strategies on four different investigated areas: biodiversity, soil-nutrients, plantations and energy, and fire. Moreover, a focus on permitted practices was done on the Italian regulatory framework. Furthermore, the harvesting systems and methods used for salvage logging or comparable operations (i.e., where there is the complete removal of timber and woody material) were inspected in considering their impact on residues spatial and quantity distribution. The investigation was conducted at different levels by considering manual estimations methods, drone-based methods and satellite-based methods.