Biophysical climate mitigation potential of coniferous forests in temperate ecosystems of South Tyrol

Forests affect climate parameters through impacts from biochemical and biophysical processes. However, the effects of the coniferous stands on hydrological setting in temperate regions have received little attention. This study investigated impacts of forest with different ages on water balance. The dominated species include spruce (Picea abies L.), Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). During fieldwork campaign, data were collected on temperature, radiance, precipitation, evapotranspiration, throughfall, humidity and vapour pressure deficit. Data modelling reveals the relationship between the characteristics of forests (tree age, height and canopy structure) and meteorological parameters on water balance. This study supports silviculture, forest management and sustainability of Alpine environment in North Italy.