Revegetation of mineral clay soils: shubs and tree species compared

Several species of shrubs and trees used in the revegetation of clay mineral soils in Northern Appennine region were compared. The trial site, a quarry land, with clay soil with high pH and a little organic matter was arranged in 3 randomized block designs. The trial tested the following shrub species Rhamnus cathartica, Colutea arborescens, Euonymus europea, Viburnum opulus, Sambucus nigra, Cotinus coggygria, Coronilla emerus, Crataegus monogyna, Ligustrum vulgare, Prunus spinosa, Spartium junceum, Cornus sanguinea, Paliurus spina-christi and the tree species Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus angustifolia, Corylus avellana, Sorbus domestica, Prunus avium, Acer monspessulanum, Ostrya carpinifolia, Pyrus communis var. Pyraster, Ulmus minor, Fraxinus ornus and Acer campestre. The present study was designed to test the adaptive response of the species transplanted in clay soil without preparatory tilling or dressing operations. The overall 9 year data indicate differences in the species tested: Spartium junceum, Ligustrum vulgare and Cotinus coggygria were the shrubs adapted to these edaphics conditions and planting practises together with Sorbus domestica, Pyrus pyraster, Fraxinus ornus and Fraxinus angustifolia. Animal damages were also evaluated.