U. Tappeiner et A. Cernusca, Effects of land-use changes in the Alps on exchange processes (CO2, H2O) in grassland ecosystems, IAHS-AISH P, (248), 1998, pp. 131-138
Results of the EU framework IV project "ECOMONT" (Ecological Effects of Lan
d-use Changes on European Terrestrial Mountain Ecosystems) are presented. C
anopy structure, energy balance and CO, gas exchange of two differently man
aged areas (hay meadow, pasture), an abandoned area and a natural wetland i
n the Monte Bondone (Italy) research area were compared. Results show that
land-use induced changes in the vegetation structure (accumulation of dead
plant material within the canopy) decisively influence the ecosystem proces
ses. Abandonment leads to a decrease in soil respiration and canopy photosy
nthesis, as well as to a decrease in evapotranspiration and water use effic
iency.