MODULE
6: REGIONAL SCALE STUDIES IN THE AGRI BASIN,
SOUTHERN ITALY
Module Leader:
Prof. F. Basso (Università di Basilicata)
Synthesis of desertification problems at
the regional scale
Topic
6.1 Land degradation and desertification indicators in the Agri (Basso,
University of Basilicata)
- Identification of critical areas
(strongly degraded and undergoing progressive
desertification); fragile areas (slightly degraded but
subject to progressive degradation following bad land use
and steep slopes); currently non-degraded areas (that are
potentially degradable under bad land management). The
areas were identified using maps at a scale of 1:50.000
and archives of meteorological data, soil data and
vegetation data. Furthermore, the relationship between
the agricultural policies and rainfall distribution, in
particular extreme events, was evaluated. In
representative areas, a comparison was conducted between
tillage systems and crop rotation in order to evaluate
superficial and deep runoff.
Topic
6.2 Identification and assessment of environmentally sensitive
areas by remote sensing (Ferrara, University of Basilicata)
- To develop procedures for the
integration of different types of information (vector
data, raster alphanumeric continuous and point samples).
To localise and characterise ESAs with particular respect
to the forested areas. To collaborate with other research
units to follow through on the specific objectives.
Topic
6.3 Decision support system for the Agri basin (Bathurst,
University of Newcastle upon Tyne)
- To develop a framework for integrating
MEDRUSH, a climate database and the Leeds (Topic 9.1)
socio-economic model into a decision support system (DSS)
for the Agri basin. To apply the DSS for different
climate, land management and socio-economic scenarios, in
association with Topic 2.3.
Specific actions to mitigate
desertification
Topic
6.4 Socio-economic and political aspects of Agri basin
desertification (Bove, University of Basilicata)
- Evaluation of demographic events
through official statistical data and historical
documents. Analysis of historical land use evolution
through both official statistical data and a
questionnaire to be distributed to farms. Evaluation of
the impact of Community Agricultural Policies and the use
of natural resources, creating a mathematical programming
model of simulation. Individualisation of alternative
Agricultural Policies to those that have brought about
territorial degradation and to the modification of the
agronomic landscape.
Further information on the work of the
University of Basilicata group can be obtained from their web site.
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