We discuss the usefulness of the concept of Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV), which describes the expected state of mature vegetation in the absence of human intervention. We argue that it is impossible to model PNV because of (i) the methodological problems associated to its definition and (ii) the issues related to the ecosystems dynamics.We conclude that the approach to characterizing PNV is unrealistic and provides scenarios with limited predictive power. In places with a long-term human history, interpretations of PNV need to be very cautious, and explicit acknowledgement made of the limitations inherent in available data.
The concept of potential natural vegetation: an epitaph? / A. CHIARUCCI; ARAUJO M.B; DECOCQ G; BEIERKUHNLEIN C; FERNANDEZ-PALACIOS J.M. - In: JOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE. - ISSN 1100-9233. - STAMPA. - 21:6(2010), pp. 1172-1178. [10.1111/j.1654-1103.2010.01218.x]
The concept of potential natural vegetation: an epitaph?
CHIARUCCI, ALESSANDRO;
2010
Abstract
We discuss the usefulness of the concept of Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV), which describes the expected state of mature vegetation in the absence of human intervention. We argue that it is impossible to model PNV because of (i) the methodological problems associated to its definition and (ii) the issues related to the ecosystems dynamics.We conclude that the approach to characterizing PNV is unrealistic and provides scenarios with limited predictive power. In places with a long-term human history, interpretations of PNV need to be very cautious, and explicit acknowledgement made of the limitations inherent in available data.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
