Reti ecologiche in agricoltura. Struttura, funzionamento e modellizzazione del paesaggio vegetale e dell’agroecosistema

This work presents principal results of a research over ecological networks in hilly and low-mountain agro-ecosystems in the Marche Region (Central Italy). Different studies have been carried out to collect data coming from multiple research fields. In particular a phytosociological analysis was realized in order to study and describe all natural and semi-natural vegetable units inside the landscape. A faunistic study was also carried out in order to assess the impact of agricultural practices on Carabid Beatles and Micromammals populations, used as bio-indicators of biodiversity and habitat fragmentation. These studies were used to create a modelling system for landscape quality evaluation, as a method to assess evolution dynamics of different life-forms inside ecosystems modified by human activities. This model represents a tool for different users (agronomists, biologists, architects, environmental scientists etc.), available for both analytical and management purposes. It can be used to describe and locate homogeneous areas with precise productive potentiality, and to assess policies and local measures effectiveness.