https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2021.1843
Climate change impacts on the Alpine, Continental and Mediterranean grassland systems of Italy: A review
Submitted: 19 February 2021
Accepted: 8 June 2021
Published: 9 July 2021
Accepted: 8 June 2021
Abstract Views: 2810
PDF: 974
HTML: 80
HTML: 80
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
The ongoing climate change, which is threatening grassland agroecosystems throughout Europe, is also evident in the Italian grasslands. These systems, often located in marginal areas, are species-rich ecosystems characterized by variable, and often unreliable, grass and forage production and strongly dependent on interactions between climate, soil and agricultural management practices (e.g. land abandonment, lack of investments on innovation, stocking rates reduction, etc.), making them very sensitive and vulnerable to climate change. This review draws from the scientific literature the impacts of current and expected climatic changes on grassland and forage crop systems framed in three different bio-climatic zones of Italy, namely the Alpine, Continental and Mediterranean, and focussing on: i) grassland biodiversity and vegetation; and ii) forage production and quality. The main aims of this review are to: i) revise the existing literature in the domain, highlighting different or common trends among different Italian biogeographical regions; ii) provide information on the main climatic impacts analysed and drivers involved in the studied evolutions; and iii) point out the knowledge gaps currently pending in order to hypothesize the future scenarios of research in this sector. Even if this review has pointed out differences in approaches, adopted methodologies and purposes of conducted researches, some common trends can be highlighted, though located in three different environments. Expected warming and modification on rainfall pattern will produce deep changes in vegetation of grassland types, with reduction or the disappearance of cold tolerant species and a spread of xeric/thermophilus ones and shrubby vegetation and with a general upward shift of vegetation types in mountain areas. Moreover, a general reduction of aboveground biomass is expected, as summer droughts is considered a main driver able to force grassland productivity. Finally, warming and rainfall reduction are considered the main factors able to reduce forage quality and palatability of grasslands, as a consequence of reduction of nitrogen content in the available biomass and of the higher spread of less unpalatable species and shrubs. The hypothesis is that the information gained from this review can provide insights on the current level of knowledge on the expected impacts of climate change on Italian grassland systems, and support the development of policy strategies for adaptation at national level.
Highlights
- This review highlights grassland systems responses to climate change in the Alpine, Apennine and Mediterranean areas of Italy.
- Future climate will determine deep changes in grassland composition, extension and productivity.
- Droughts is considered the main factor affecting forage quality and palatability.
- Further research is needed to understand climate change impacts on grassland vegetation in the Mediterranean.
Aguilera E, DÃaz-Gaona C, GarcÃa-Laureano R, Reyes-Palomo C, Guzmán GI, Ortolani L, Sánchez-RodrÃguez M, RodrÃguez-Estévez V, 2020. Agroecology for adaptation to climate change and resource depletion in the Mediterranean region. A review. Agr. Syst. 181:102809.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102809
Argenti G, Bottai L, Chiesi M, Maselli F, Staglianò N, Targetti S, 2011. Analisi e valutazione di pascoli montani attraverso l’integrazione di dati multispettrali e ausiliari. Riv. Ital. Telerilevam. 43:45-57.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5721/ItJRS20114314
Auer I, Böhm R, Jurkovic A, Orlik A, Potzmann R, Schöner W, Ungersböck M, Brunetti M, Nanni T, Maugeri M, Briffa K, Jones P, Efthymiadis D, Mestre O, Moisselin JM, Begert M, Brazdil R, Bochnicek O, Cegnar T, Gajic-Capka M, Zaninivic K, Majstorovic Z, Szalai S, Szentimrey T, 2005, A new instrumental precipitation dataset for the greater alpine region for the period 1800-2002. Int. J. Climatol. 25:139-66.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.1135
Auer I, Böhm R, Jurkovic A, Lipa W, Orlik A, Potzmann R, Schöner W, Ungersböck M, Matulla C, Briffa K, Jones PD, Efthymiadis D, Brunetti M, Nanni T, Maugeri M, Mercalli L, Mestre O, Moisselin J-M, Begert M, Müller-Westermeier G, Kveton V, Bochnicek O, Stastny P, Lapin M, Szalai S, Szentimrey T, Cegnar T, Dolinar M, Gajic-Capka M, Zaninovic K, Majstorovic Z, Nieplova E, 2007. HISTALP - Historical instrumental climatological surface time series of the Greater Alpine Region. Int. J. Climatol. 27:17-46.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.1377
Bagella S, Caria M, Farris E, Rossetti I, Filigheddu R, 2016. Traditional land uses enhanced plant biodiversity in a Mediterranean agro-silvo-pastoral system. Plant Biosyst. 150:201-07.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2014.943319
Bagella S, Filigheddu R, Caria MC, Girlanda M, Roggero PP, 2014. Contrasting land uses in Mediterranean agro-silvo-pastoral systems generated patchy diversity patterns of vascular plants and below-ground microorganisms. C. R. Biol. 337:717-24.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2014.09.005
Bagella S, Salis L, Marrosu GM, Rossetti I, Fanni S, Caria MC, Roggero PP, 2013. Effects of long-term management practices on grassland plant assemblages in Mediterranean cork oak silvo-pastoral systems. Plant Ecol. 214:621-31.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-013-0194-x
Bagella S, Sitzia M, Roggero PP, 2017. Soil fertilization contributes to mitigating fire hazards associated to Cistus monspeliensis L. (rockrose) shrublands. Int. J. Wildland Fire 26:156-66.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/WF16114
Balzan MV, Hassoun AER, Aroua N, Baldy V, Bou Dagher M, Branquinho C, Dutay J-C, El Bour M, Médail F, Mojtahid M, Morán-Ordóñez A, Roggero PP, Rossi Heras S, Schatz B, Vogiatzakis IN, Zaimes GN, Ziveri P, 2020 Ecosystems. In: Cramer W, Guiot J, Marini K (Eds.), Climate and environmental change in the Mediterranean Basin - Current situation and risks for the future. First Mediterranean assessment report. Union for the Mediterranean, Plan Bleu, UNEP/MAP, Marseille, France, p. 151. [In press].
Baur I, Binder CR, 2013. Adapting to socioeconomic developments by changing rules in the governance of common property pastures in the Swiss Alps. Ecol. Soc. 18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-05689-180460
Berauer BJ, Wilfahrt PA, Arfin-Khan MA, Eibes P, Von Heßberg A, Ingrisch J, Schloter M, Schuchardt MA, Jentsch A, 2019. Low resistance of montane and alpine grasslands to abrupt changes in temperature and precipitation regimes. Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res. 51:215-31.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15230430.2019.1618116
Brogli R, Sørland SL, Kröner N, Schär C, 2019. Causes of future Mediterranean precipitation decline depend on the season. Environ. Res. Lett. 14:114017.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab4438
Brown KM, 2003. New challenges for old commons: the implications of rural change for crofting common grazings. in Proc. Proceedings from a workshop on “Commons: Old and New.â€, Centre for Avenced Study, Oslo, Norway.
Brugnara Y, 2020. Alpine climate change derived from instrumental measurements. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Climate Science, Oxford, UK.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228620.013.761
Brunetti M, Lentini G, Maugeri M, Nanni T, Auer I, Boehm R, Schoener W, 2009. Climate variability and change in the Greater Alpine Region over the last two centuries based on multiâ€variable analysis. Int. J. Climatol. 29: 2197-225.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.1857
Caballero R, Riseth JÃ…, Labba N, Tyran E, Musial W, Molik E, Boltshauser A, Hofstetter P, Gueydon A, Roeder N, Hoffmann H, Moreira MB, Coelho IS, Brito O, Gil Ã, 2007. Comparative typology in six European lowâ€intensity systems of grassland management. Adv. Agron. 351-420.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(07)96001-0
Caloiero T, Coscarelli R, Ferrari E, 2018. Analysis of monthly rainfall trend in Calabria (Southern Italy) through the application of statistical and graphical techniques. Proceedings 2:629.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2110629
Cannone N, Diolaiuti G, Guglielmin M, Smiraglia C, 2008. Accelerating climate change impacts on alpine glacier forefield ecosystems in the European Alps. Ecol. Appl. 18:637-48.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1890/07-1188.1
Cannone N, Sgorbati S, Guglielmin M, 2007. Unexpected impacts of climate change on alpine vegetation. Front. Ecol. Environ. 5:360-64.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1890/1540-9295(2007)5[360:UIOCCO]2.0.CO;2
Carlson BZ, Corona MC, Dentant C, Bonet R, Thuiller W, Choler P, 2017. Observed long-term greening of alpine vegetation - a case study in the French Alps. Environ. Res. Lett. 12:114006.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aa84bd
Cavallero A, Aceto P, Gorlier A, Lombardi G, Lonati M, Martinasso B, Tagliatori C, 2007. I tipi pastorali delle Alpi piemontesi. Alberto Perdisa Editore, Bologna, Italy.
Chang J, Ciais P, Viovy N, Soussana JF, Klumpp K, Sultan B, 2017. Future productivity and phenology changes in European grasslands for different warming levels: implications for grassland management and carbon balance. Carbon Balance Manag. 12:11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13021-017-0079-8
Chelli S, Canullo R, Campetella G, Schmitt AO, Bartha S, Cervellini M, Wellstein C, 2016. The response of sub-Mediterranean grasslands to rainfall variation is influenced by early season precipitation. Appl. Veg. Sci. 19:611-9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.12247
Chelli S, Wellstein C, Campetella G, Canullo R, Tonin R, Zerbe S, Gerdol R, 2017. Climate change response of vegetation across climatic zones in Italy. Clim. Res. 71:249-62.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01443
Chelli S, Wellstein C, Campetella G, Bartha S, Cervellini M, Canullo R, 2013. Effects of extreme weather events on Apennines grasslands productivity. pp 97-102 in Proc. of 5th Symposium for Research in Protected Areas, 10-12 June 2013, Mittersill, Austria.
Cherif S, Doblas-Miranda E, Lionello P, Borrego C, Giorgi F, Iglesias A, Jebari S, Mahmoudi E, Moriondo M, Pringault O, Rilov G, Somot S, Tsikliras A, Vila M, Zittis G, 2020 Drivers of change. In: Cramer W, Guiot J, Marini K (Eds.), Climate and environmental change in the Mediterranean Basin - Current situation and risks for the future. First Mediterranean assessment report. Union for the Mediterranean, Plan Bleu, UNEP/MAP, Marseille, France, p. 128 pp. [In press].
Confalonieri R, 2014. CoSMo: A simple approach for reproducing plant community dynamics using a single instance of generic crop simulators. Ecol. Model. 286:1-10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.04.019
Corti S, Decesari S, Fierli F, Fuzzi S, Provenzale A, Sabbioni C, Santoleri R, Vitale V, 2009. Clima, cambiamenti climatici globali e loro impatto sul territorio nazionale. Quaderni dell’ISAC 1:978-88.
Cotto O, Wessely J, Georges, D, Klonner G, Schmid M, Dullinger S, Thuiller W, Guillaume F, 2017. A dynamic eco-evolutionary model predicts slow response of alpine plants to climate warming. Nat. Commun. 8:1-9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms15399
Cramer W, Guiot J, Fader M, Garrabou J, Gattuso J-P, Iglesias A, Lange MA, Lionello P, Llasat MC, Paz S, Peñuelas J, Snoussi M, Toreti A, Tsimplis MN, Xoplaki E, 2018. Climate change and interconnected risks to sustainable development in the Mediterranean. Nat. Clim. Change 8:972-80.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-018-0299-2
Dainese M, 2011. Impact of land use intensity and temperature on the reproductive performance of Dactylis glomerata populations in the southeastern Alps. Plant Ecol. 212:651-61.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-011-9902-6
De Boeck HJ, Bassin S, Verlinden M, Zeiter M, Hiltbrunner E, 2016. Simulated heat waves affected alpine grassland only in combination with drought. New Phytolo. 209:531-41.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13601
Deléglise C, Meisser M, Mosimann E, Spiegelberger T, Signarbieux C, Jeangros B, Buttler A, 2015. Drought-induced shifts in plants traits, yields and nutritive value under realistic grazing and mowing managements in a mountain grassland. Agr. Ecosyst. Environ. 213:94-104.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2015.07.020
Dellar M, Topp CFE, Banos G, Wall E, 2018. A meta-analysis on the effects of climate change on the yield and quality of European pastures. Agr. Ecosyst. Environ 265:413-20.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2018.06.029
Descombes P, Vittoz P, Guisan A, Pellissier L, 2017. Uneven rate of plant turnover along elevation in grasslands. Alp. Bot. 127:53-63
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00035-016-0173-7
Dibari C, Costafreda-Aumedes S, Argenti G, Bindi M, Carotenuto F, Moriondo M, Padovan G, Pardini A, Staglianò N, Vagnoli C., Brilli L, 2020. Expected changes to alpine pastures in extent and composition under future climate conditions. Agronomy 10:926.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070926
Dibari C, Argenti G, Catolfi F, Moriondo M, Staglianò N, Bindi M, 2015. Pastoral suitability driven by future climate change along the Apennines. Ital. J. Agron. 10:109-16.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2015.659
Dibari C, Argenti G, Moriondo M, Staglianò N, Targetti S, Bindi M, 2013. Climate change impacts on distribution and composition of the Alpine Natural Pasturelands. pp 578-86 in Implications on ecosystem services. Italian Society for Climate Sciences (SISC), Lecce, Italy.
Dono G, Cortignani R, Dell'Unto D, Deligios P, Doro L, Lacetera N, Mula L, Pasqui M, Quaresima S, Vitali A, Roggero PP, 2016. Winners and losers from climate change in agriculture: Insights from a case study in the Mediterranean basin. Agric. Syst. 147:65-75.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2016.05.013
Dressel S, Sandström C, Ericsson G, 2015. A meta-analysis of studies on attitudes toward bears and wolves across Europe 1976-2012. Conserv. Biol. 29:565-574.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12420
Dullinger S, Gattringer A, Thuiller W, Moser D, Zimmermann NE, Guisan A, Willner W, Plutzar C, Leitner M, Mang T, Caccianiga M, Dirnböck T, Ertl S, Fischer A, Lenoir J, Svenning JC, Psomas A, Schmatz DR, SilC U, Vittoz P, Hülber K, 2012. Extinction debt of high-mountain plants under twenty-first-century climate change. Nat. Clim. Change 2:619-22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate1514
Dukes JS, Chiariello NR, Cleland EE, Moore LA, Shaw MR, Thayer S, Tobeck T, Mooney HA, Field CB, 2005. Responses of grassland production to single and multiple global environmental changes (M. Loreau, Ed.). PLoS Biol. 3:e319.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.0030319
Dumont B, Andueza D, Niderkorn V, Lüscher A, Porqueddu C, Picon-Cochard C, 2015. A meta-analysis of climate change effects on forage quality in grasslands: specificities of mountain and Mediterranean areas. Grass Forage Sci. 70:239-54.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12169
Dumont B, Andueza D, Niderkorn V, Lüscher A, Porqueddu C, Picon-Cochard C, 2014. A meta-analysis of climate change effects on forage quality in grasslands: perspectives for mountain and Mediterranean areas. pp 49-65 in Joint meeting of the Mountain Pastures, Mediterranean Forage Resources (FAO-CIHEAM) and Mountain Cheese networks, 24-26 June, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Elsen PR, Tingley MW, 2015. Global mountain topography and the fate of montane species under climate change. Nat. Clim. Change 5:772-76.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2656
Engler R, Randin CF, Vittoz P, Czáka T, Beniston M, Zimmermann NE, Guisan A, 2009. Predicting future distributions of mountain plants under climate change: does dispersal capacity matter? Ecography 32:34-45.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2009.05789.x
Engler R, Randin CF, Thuiller W, Dullinger S, Zimmermann NE, Araújo MB, Pearman PB, Le Lay G, Piedallu C, Albert CH, Choler P, Coldea G, De Lamo X, Dirnböck T, Gégout JC, Gómezâ€GarcÃa D, Grytnes JA, Heegaard E, Høistad F, Noguésâ€Bravo D, Normand S, PuÅŸcaÅŸ M, Sebastià MT, Stanisci A, Theurillat JP, Trivedi MR, Vittoz P, Guisan A, 2011. 21st century climate change threatens mountain flora unequally across Europe. Glob. Chang. Biol. 17:2330-41.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02393.x
Ergon Å, Seddaiu G, Korhonen P, Virkajärvi P, Bellocchi G, Jørgensen M, Østrem L, Reheul D, Volaire F, 2018. How can forage production in Nordic and Mediterranean Europe adapt to the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change? Eur. J. Agron. 92:97-106.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2017.09.016
Evangelista A, Frate L, Carranza ML, Attorre F, Pelino G, Stanisci A, 2016a. Changes in composition, ecology and structure of high-mountain vegetation: a re-visitation study over 42 years. AoB Plants. 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plw004
Evangelista A, Frate L, Stinca A, Carranza ML, Stanisci A, 2016b. VIOLA-the vegetation database of the central Apennines: structure, current status and usefulness for monitoring Annex I EU habitats (92/43/EEC). Plant Sociol. 53:47-58.
Ferrarini A, Alatalo JM, Gervasoni D, Foggi B, 2017. Exploring the compass of potential changes induced by climate warming in plant communities. Ecol. Complex. 29:1-9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecocom.2016.11.003
Field CB, Jackson RB, Mooney HA (1995) Stomatal responses to increased CO2: implications from the plant to the global scale. Plant Cell Environ. 18:1214-25.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3040.1995.tb00630.x
Filippa G, Cremonese E, Galvagno M, Isabellon M, Bayle A, Choler P, Carlson BZ, Gabellani S, Morra di Cella U, Migliavacca M, 2019. Climatic drivers of greening trends in the Alps. Remote Sens. 11:2527.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11212527
Frate L, Carranza ML, Evangelista A, Stinca A, Schaminée JH, Stanisci A, 2018. Climate and land use change impacts on Mediterranean high-mountain vegetation in the Apennines since the 1950s. Plant Ecol. Divers. 11:85-96.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17550874.2018.1473521
GarcÃa-Ruiz, J. M., & Lana-Renault, N. (2011). Hydrological and erosive consequences of farmland abandonment in Europe, with special reference to the Mediterranean region-A review. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 140:317-38.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2011.01.003
Gargano D, Aiello S, Abeli T, Schettino A, Bernardo L, 2017. Monitoring biodiversity patterns in three Mediterranean mountain pastures in the Pollino National Park (S-Italy). Plant Sociol. 54:51-9.
Gauly M, Bollwein H, Breves G, Brugemann K, Danicke S, Das G, Demeler J, Hansen H, Isselstein J, Konig S, Loholter M, Martinsohn M, Meyer U, Potthoff M, Sanker C, Schroder B, Wrage N, Meibaum B, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Stinshoff H, Wrenzycki C, 2013. Future consequences and challenges for dairy cow production systems arising from climate change in Central Europe - a review. Animal 7:843-59.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731112002352
Gavazov K, Peringer A, Gillet F, Buttler A, Spiegelberger T, 2013. Dynamics of forage production in pasture-woodlands of the Swiss Jura Mountains under projected climate change scenarios. Ecol. Soc. 18:38.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04974-180138
Gibson DJ, Newman JA, 2019. Grasslands and climate change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108163941
Gobiet A, Kotlarski S, Beniston M, Heinrich G, Rajczak J, Stoel M, 2014. 21st century climate change in the European Alps - A review. Sci. Total Environ. 493:1138-51.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.07.050
Gottfried M, Pauli H, Futschik A, Akhalkatsi M, BaranÄok P, Benito Alonso JL, Coldea G, Dick J, Erschbamer B, Fernández Calzado MaR, Kazakis G, KrajÄi J, Larsson P, Mallaun M, Michelsen O, Moiseev D, Moiseev P, Molau U, Merzouki A, Nagy L, Nakhutsrishvili G, Pedersen B, Pelino G, Puscas M, Rossi G, Stanisci A, Theurillat J-P, Tomaselli M, Villar L, Vittoz P, Vogiatzakis I, Grabherr G, 2012. Continent-wide response of mountain vegetation to climate change. Nat. Clim. Change 2:111-15.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate1329
Gottfried M, Pauli H, Reiter K, Grabherr G, 1999. A fine scaled predictive model for changes in species distribution patterns of high mountain plants induced by climate warming. Divers. Distrib. 5:241-51.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1472-4642.1999.00058.x
Graux AI, Bellocchi G, Lardy R, Soussana J-F, 2013. Ensemble modelling of climate change risks and opportunities for managed grasslands in France. Agr. Forest Meteorol. 170:114-31.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2012.06.010
Gritsch A, Dirnböck T, Dullinger S, 2016. Recent changes in alpine vegetation differ among plant communities. J. Veg. Sci. 27:1177-86.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.12447
Herzog F, Seidl I, 2018. Swiss alpine summer farming: current status and future development under climate change. Rangeland J. 40.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ18031
Iglesias E, Báez K, Diaz-Ambrona CH, 2016. Assessing drought risk in Mediterranean Dehesa grazing lands. Agr. Syst. 149:65-74.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2016.07.017
IPCC, 2014. Climate Change 2014: Impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Part B: Regional aspects. In: V.R. Barros, Field C.B., Dokken D.J., Mastrandrea M.D., Mach K.J., Bilir T.E., Chatterjee M., K.L. Ebi, Estrada Y.O., Genova R.C., Girma B., Kissel E.S., Levy A.N., MacCracken S., Mastrandrea P.R., White L.L. (Eds.), Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA.
Jarzyna MA, Zuckerberg B, Finley AO, Porter WF, 2016. Synergistic effects of climate and land cover: grassland birds are more vulnerable to climate change. Landscape Ecol. 31:2275-90.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-016-0399-1
Karamesouti M, Petropoulos GP, Papanikolaou ID, Kairis O, Kosmas K, 2016. Erosion rate predictions from PESERA and RUSLE at a Mediterranean site before and after a wildfire: comparison & implications. Geoderma 261:44-58.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.06.025
Kipling RP, Bannink A, Bellocchi G, Dalgaard T, Fox NJ, Hutchings NJ, Kjeldsen C, Lacetera N, Sinabell F, Topp CFE, van Oijen M, Virkajärvi P, Scollan ND, 2016. Modeling European ruminant production systems: Facing the challenges of climate change. Agr. Syst. 147:24-37.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2016.05.007
Komac B, Kefi S, Nuche P, Escos J, Alados CL, 2013. Modeling shrub encroachment in subalpine grasslands under different environmental and management scenarios. J. Environ. Manage. 121:160-9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.01.038
Lasanta T, Arnáez J, Pascual N, Ruiz-Flaño P, Errea MP, Lana-Renault N, 2017. Space-time process and drivers of land abandonment in Europe. Catena 149:810-23.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2016.02.024
Lee M, Manning P, Rist J, Power SA, Marsh C, 2010. A global comparison of grassland biomass responses to CO 2 and nitrogen enrichment. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 365:2047-56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2010.0028
Leingärtner A, Hoiss B, Krauss J, Steffan-Dewenter I, 2014. Combined effects of extreme climatic events and elevation on nutritional quality and herbivory of alpine plants. PLoS One. 9:e93881.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0093881
Li W, Li X, Zhao Y, Zheng S, Bai Y, 2018. Ecosystem structure, functioning and stability under climate change and grazing in grasslands: current status and future prospects. Curr. Opin. Env. Sust. 33:124-35.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2018.05.008
Liberati L, Messerli S, Matteodo M, Vittoz P, 2019. Contrasting impacts of climate change on the vegetation of windy ridges and snowbeds in the Swiss Alps. Alp. Bot. 129:95-105.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00035-019-00223-5
Lionello P, Abrantes F, Gacic M, Planton S, Trigo R, Ulbrich U, 2014. The climate of the Mediterranean region: research progress and climate change impacts. Reg. Environ. Change 14:1679-84.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-014-0666-0
Liechti K, Biber JP, 2016. Pastoralism in Europe: characteristics and challenges of highland-lowland transhumance. Rev. Sci. Tech. 35:561-575.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20506/rst.35.2.2541
Mantero G, Morresi D, Marzano R, Motta R, Mladenoff DJ, Garbarino M, 2020. The influence of land abandonment on forest disturbance regimes: a global review. Landscape Ecol. 35:2723-2744.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-020-01147-w
Lionello P, Scarascia L, 2018. The relation between climate change in the Mediterranean region and global warming. Reg. Environ. Change 18:1481-93.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-018-1290-1
Longobardi A, Buttafuoco G, Caloiero T, Coscarelli R, 2016. Spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation in a Mediterranean area (southern Italy). Environ. Earth Sci. 75:189.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-5045-8
Lozano OM, Salis M, Ager AA, Arca B, Alcasena FJ, Monteiro AT, Finney MA, Del Giudice L, Scoccimarro E, Spano D, 2017. Assessing climate change impacts on wildfire exposure in Mediterranean areas. Risk Anal. 37:1898-916.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.12739
Mairota P, Leronni V, Xi W, Mladenoff DJ, Nagendra H, 2014. Using spatial simulations of habitat modification for adaptive management of protected areas: Mediterranean grassland modification by woody plant encroachment. Environ. Conserv. 41:144-56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S037689291300043X
Malek Ž, Verburg P, 2017. Mediterranean land systems: representing diversity and intensity of complex land systems in a dynamic region. Landsc. Urban Plan. 165:102-16.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2017.05.012
Mastrotheodoros T, Pappas C, Molnar P, Burlando P, Manoli G, Parajka J, Rigon R, Szeles B, Bottazzi M, Hadjidoukas P, Fatichi S, 2020. More green and less blue water in the Alps during warmer summers. Nat. Clim. Chang. 10:155-61.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-019-0676-5
Matteodo M, Wipf S, Stöckli V, Rixen C, Vittoz P. 2013. Elevation gradient of successful plant traits for colonizing alpine summits under climate change. Environ. Res. Lett. 8:024043.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/8/2/024043
MedECC; Cramer W, Guiot J, Marini K (Eds.), 2020. Climate and environmental change in the Mediterranean Basin - Current situation and risks for the future. First Mediterranean assessment report. Union for the Mediterranean, Plan Bleu, UNEP/MAP, Marseille, France, 632 pp. [In press].
Medri S, Venturini S, Castellari S, 2013. Overview of key climate change impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation action in Italy. CMCC Research Paper No. 178.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2317832
Metzger MJ, Bunce RGH, Jongman RHG, Mücher CA, Watkins JW, 2005. A climatic stratification of the environment of Europe. Global Ecol. Biogeogr. 14:549-63.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-822X.2005.00190.x
Montrasio R, Mattiello S, Zucaro M, Genovese D, Battaglini L, 2020. The perception of ecosystem services of mountain farming and of a local cheese: an analysis for the touristic valorization of an Inner Alpine Area. Sustainability 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198017
Morgan JA, Pataki DE, Körner C, Clark H, Del Grosso SJ, Grünzweig JM, Knapp AK, Mosier AR, Newton PCD, Niklaus PA, Nippert JB, Nowak RS, Parton WJ, Polley HW, Shaw MR, 2004. Water relations in grassland and desert ecosystems exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2. Oecologia 140:11-25.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-004-1550-2
Mottet A, Ladet S, Coqué N, Gibon A, 2006. Agricultural land-use change and its drivers in mountain landscapes: A case study in the Pyrenees. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 114:296-310.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2005.11.017
Movedi E, Bellocchi G, Argenti G, Paleari L, Vesely F, Staglianò N, Dibari C, Confalonieri R, 2019. Development of generic crop models for simulation of multi-species plant communities in mown grasslands. Ecol. Model. 401:111-28.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.03.001
Naumann G, Alfieri L, Wyser K, Mentaschi L, Betts RA, Carrao H, Spinoni J, Vogt J, Feyen L, 2018. Global changes in drought conditions under different levels of warming. Geophys. Res. Lett. 45:3285-96.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL076521
Niklaus PA, Körner Ch, 2004. Synthesis of a six-year study of calcareous grassland responses to in situ CO2 enrichment. Ecol. Monogr. 74:491-511.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1890/03-4047
Orlandi S, Probo M, Sitzia T, Trentanovi G, Garbarino M, Lombardi G, Lonati M, 2016. Environmental and land use determinants of grassland patch diversity in the western and eastern Alps under agro-pastoral abandonment. Biodivers. Conserv. 25:275-93.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1046-5
Pellissier L, Descombes P, Hagen O, Chalmandrier L, Glauser G, Kergunteuil A, Defossez E, Rasmann S, 2018. Growthâ€competitionâ€herbivore resistance tradeâ€offs and the responses of alpine plant communities to climate change. Funct. Ecol. 32:1693-703.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.13075
Petitpierre B, McDougall K, Seipel T, Broennimann O, Guisan A, Kueffer C, 2016. Will climate change increase the risk of plant invasions into mountains? Ecol. Appl. 26:530-44.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1890/14-1871
Petriccione B, Bricca A, 2019. Thirty years of ecological research at the Gran Sasso d’Italia LTER site: climate change in action. Nature Conserv. 34:9-39.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.34.30218
Porqueddu C, Ates S, Louhaichi M, Kyriazopoulos AP, Moreno G, del Pozo A, Ovalle C, Ewing MA, Nichols PGH, 2016. Grasslands in ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ Mediterranean-climate zones: past trends, current status and future research priorities. Grass Forage Sci. 71:1-35.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12212
Porro F, Tomaselli M, Abeli T, Gandini M, Gualmini M, Orsenigo S, Petraglia A, Rossi G, Carbognani M, 2019. Could plant diversity metrics explain climate-driven vegetation changes on mountain summits of the GLORIA network? Biodivers. Conserv. 28:3575-96.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01837-1
Probo M, Pittarello M, Lonati M, Lombardi G, 2016. Targeted grazing for the restoration of sub-alpine shrub-encroached grasslands. Ital. J. Agron. 11:268-72.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2016.775
Pulina A, Lai R, Salis L, Seddaiu G, Roggero PP, Bellocchi G, 2018. Modelling pasture production and soil temperature, water and carbon fluxes in Mediterranean grassland systems with the Pasture Simulation model. Grass Forage Sci. 73:272-83.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12310
Pulina A, Mula L, Seddaiu G, Roggero PP, 2017. Modelling autumn production of Mediterranean pastures under variable rainfall regimes. pp 211-13 in Atti del XX Convegno AIAM e XLVI Convegno SIA, Milano, Italy.
Rodriguez-Ramirez N, Santonja M, Baldy V, Ballini C, Montès N, Michalet R, 2017. Shrub species richness decreases negative impacts of drought in a Mediterranean ecosystem. J. Veg. Sci. 28:985-96.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.12558
Rogora M, Frate L, Carranza ML, Freppaz M, Stanisci A, Bertani I, Bottarin R, Brambilla A, Canullo R, Carbognani M, Cerrato C, Chelli S, Cremonese E, Cutini M, Di Musciano M, Erschbamer B, Godone D, Iocchi M, Isabellon M, Magnani A, Mazzola L, Morra di Cella U, Pauli H, Petey M, Petriccione B, Porro F, Psenner R, Rossetti G, Scotti A, Sommaruga R, Tappeiner U, Theurillat JP, Tomaselli M, Viglietti D, Viterbi R, Vittoz P, Winkler M, Matteucci G, 2018. Assessment of climate change effects on mountain ecosystems through a cross-site analysis in the Alps and Apennines. Sci. Total Environ. 624:1429-42.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.155
Rolo V, Moreno G, 2019. Shrub encroachment and climate change increase the exposure to drought of Mediterranean wood-pastures. Sci. Total Environ. 660:550-58.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.029
Scherrer D, Körner C, 2011. Topographically controlled thermalâ€habitat differentiation buffers alpine plant diversity against climate warming. J. Biogeogr. 38:406-16.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2010.02407.x
Schirpke U, Kohler M, Leitinger G, Fontana V, Tasser E, Tappeiner U, 2017. Future impacts of changing land-use and climate on ecosystem services of mountain grassland and their resilience. Ecosyst. Serv. 26:79-94.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.06.008
Schmid S, 2017. Impacts of climate change on alpine grassland ecosystems: responses in structure and function. PhD Thesis, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Schmidli J, Frei C, 2005. Trends of heavy precipitation and wet and dry spells in Switzerland during the 20th century. Int. J. Climatol. 25:753-71.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.1179
Schwager P, Berg C, 2019. Global warming threatens conservation status of alpine EU habitat types in the European Eastern Alps. Reg. Environ. Change 19:2411-21.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-019-01554-z
Scocco, P, Piermarteri, K, Malfatti, A, Tardella, F M, Catorci, A, 2016a. Effects of summer rainfall variations on sheep body state and farming sustainability in sub-Mediterranean pastoral systems. Span. J. Agric. Res. 14:e03SC02.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2016143-9230
Scocco P, Piermarteri K, Malfatti A, Tardella FM, Catorci A, 2016b. Increase of drought stress negatively affects the sustainability of extensive sheep farming in sub-Mediterranean climate. J. Arid. Environ. 128:50-8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.01.006
Seddaiu G, Bagella S, Pulina A, Cappai C, Salis L, Rossetti I, Lai R, Roggero PP, 2018. Mediterranean cork oak wooded grasslands: synergies and trade-offs between plant diversity, pasture production and soil carbon. Agroforest. Syst. 92:893-908.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-018-0225-7
Soncini A, Bocchiola D, 2011. Assessment of future snowfall regimes within the Italian Alps using general circulation models. Cold Reg. Sci. Technol. 68:113-23.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2011.06.011
Soussana JF, Graux AI, Tubiello FN, 2010. Improving the use of modelling for projections of climate change impacts on crops and pastures. J. Exp. Bot. 61:2217-28.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erq100
Stanisci A, Frate L, Morra di Cella U, Pelino G, Petey M, Siniscalco C, Carranza ML, 2014. Short-term signals of climate change in Italian summit vegetation: observations at two GLORIA sites. Plant Biosyst. 150:227-35.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2014.968232
Subedi R, Taupe N, Pelissetti S, Petruzzelli L, Bertora C, Leahy JJ, Grignani C, 2016. Greenhouse gas emissions and soil properties following amendment with manure-derived biochars: Influence of pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type. J. Environ. Manage. 166:73-83.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.10.007
Sundseth K, 2010. Natura 2000 - Nella regione Alpina. EC, Environment DG, Luxembourg.
Tardella FM, Piermarteri K, Malatesta L, Catorci A, 2016. Environmental gradients and grassland trait variation: insight into the effects of climate change. Acta Oecol. 76:47-60.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2016.08.002
Targetti S, Messeri A, Staglianò N, Argenti G, 2013. Leaf functional traits for the assessment of succession following management in semi-natural grasslands: a case study in the North Apennines, Italy. Appl. Veg. Sci. 16:325-32.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1654-109X.2012.01223.x
Targetti S, Staglianò N, Messeri A, Argenti G, 2010. A state-and-transition approach to alpine grasslands under abandonment. iForest 3:44-51.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3832/ifor0525-003
Tasser E, Leitinger G, Tappeiner U, 2017. Climate change versus land-use change - What affects the mountain landscapes more? Land Use Policy 60:60-72.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2016.10.019
Tomozeiu R, Pasqui M, Quaresima S, 2018. Future changes of air temperature over Italian agricultural areas: a statistical downscaling technique applied to 2021-2050 and 2071-2100 periods. Meteorol. Atmos. Phys. 130:543-63.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-017-0536-7
Toreti A, Desiato F, 2008. Temperature trend over Italy from 1961 to 2004. Theor. Appl. Climatol. 91:51-8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-006-0289-6
Trnka M, Bartošová L, Schaumberger A, Ruget F, Eitzinger J, Formayer H, Seguin B, Olesen JE, 2011. Climate change and impact on European grasslands. pp 39-51 in Proc. 16th Symposium of the European Grassland Federation, Gumpenstein, Austria.
Unterluggauer P, Mallaun M, Erschbamer B, 2016.The higher the summit, the higher the diversity changes-results of a long-term monitoring project in the Dolomites. Gredleriana 16:5-34.
Van Kessel C, Nitschelm J, Horwath W, Harris D, Walley F, Lüscher A, Hartwig U, 2000. Carbon-13 input and turnover in a pasture soil exposed to long term elevated atmospheric pCO2. Glob. Chang. Biol. 6:123-35.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2486.2000.00287.x
Van Oijen M, Zoltán Barcza Z, Confalonieri R, Korhonen P, Kröel-Dulay G, Lellei-Kovács E, Louarn G, Louault F, Martin R, Moulin T, Movedi E, Picon-Cochard C, Rolinski S, Viovy N, Björn Wirth S, Bellocchi G, 2020. Incorporating biodiversity into biogeochemistry models to improve prediction of ecosystem services in temperate grasslands: review and roadmap. Agronomy 10:259.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020259
Veysset P, Bebin D, Lherm M, 2005. Adaptation to Agenda 2000 (CAP reform) and optimisation of the farming system of French suckler cattle farms in the Charolais area: a model-based study. Agr. Syst. 83:179-202.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2004.03.006
Wellstein C, Poschlod P, Gohlke A, Chelli S, Campetella G, Rosbakh S, Canullo R, Kreyling J, Jentsch A, Beierkuhnlein C, 2017. Effects of extreme drought on specific leaf area of grassland species: A meta-analysis of experimental studies in temperate and sub-Mediterranean systems. Glob. Chang. Biol. 23:2473-81.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13662
Zampieri M, Russo S, Di Sabatino S, Michetti M, Scoccimarro E, Gualdi S, 2016. Global assessment of heat wave magnitudes from 1901 to 2010 and implications for the river discharge of the Alps. Sci. Total Environ. 571:1330-39.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.008
Zavaleta ES, Shaw MR, Chiariello NR, Mooney HA, Field CB, 2003. Additive effects of simulated climate changes, elevated CO2, and nitrogen deposition on grassland diversity. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. 100:7650-4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0932734100
Zhang R, Corte-Real J, Moreira M, Kilsby C, Burton A, Fowler HJ, Blenkinsop S, Birkinshaw S, Forsythe N, Nunes JP, Sampaio E, 2019. Downscaling climate change of mean climatology and extremes of precipitation and temperature: Application to a Mediterranean climate basin. Int. J. Climatol. 39:4985-5005.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.6122
Zhu J, Zhang Y, Yang X, Chen N, Jiang L, 2020. Synergistic effects of nitrogen and CO 2 enrichment on alpine grassland biomass and community structure. New Phytol. 228:1283-94.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16767
How to Cite
Dibari, C. ., Pulina, A. ., Argenti, G., Aglietti, C. ., Bindi, M. ., Moriondo, M. ., Mula, L. ., Pasqui, M. ., Seddaiu, G. ., & Roggero, P. P. . (2021). Climate change impacts on the Alpine, Continental and Mediterranean grassland systems of Italy: A review. Italian Journal of Agronomy, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2021.1843
Copyright (c) 2021 The Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
PAGEPress has chosen to apply the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) to all manuscripts to be published.