Forest and urban soils

We study soil as an active component of forest and urban ecosystem functioning. We analyse how vegetation, management, disturbance and restoration affect physical and chemical properties, soil carbon, soil biodiversity and the processes that sustain plant growth and ecosystem services.

Research questions

• How do soil structure, carbon and biodiversity change after management or disturbance?
• What relationships link vegetation structure and soil functioning?
• How can ecological functions be restored in urban or degraded soils?

Approaches and methods

We use soil sampling, physical, chemical and biological analyses, and carbon measurements. Where available, we also integrate molecular data on soil biodiversity. Results are related to vegetation, microclimate, management and site history.

Related projects

URSOILL · GOCCIA · VitiSilva · Val di Mello