New silvicultural models to improve functionality of chestnut stands

In Italy, the chestnut silviculture is nowadays profitable but several problems still exist. First the uniformity of coppice system does not allow an adequate valorization of the economic potential of the species, as well the lack of silvicultural practices in the abandoned stands causes a decrease of functionality and stability. In order to increase and qualify the timber production and to improve or recovery stand functionality it is necessary the definition of new silvicultural criteria and guidelines able to link the economic and ecological aspects of chestnut cultivation. The purpose of this contribution is to give a picture of the possible alternative ways to manage chestnut stands aimed at timber production. The results come from 15 years of observations and researches in permanent experimental plots, aged differently and under different silvicultural systems. On the basis of our experimental data, two guidelines are suggested as a function of both management objectives and stand status: i) productive silviculture, articulated in early and frequent thinnings where site index, stand structure and kind of owner allow to manage actively the stands; ii) silviculture of recovery, applied to abandoned or degraded chestnut stands in order to improve the efficiency and stability of the stands as well as to contribute to economic revival in rural and marginal mountain areas. The application field of each silvicultural choice is analyzed and some inputs on the ecological, silvicultural, economical and political implications are provided.