Ecological Evaluation and Sustainable Management of the Riparian Forest in Central Greece

Abstract

The aim of this research is the ecological evaluation of the trees of a riparian peri-urban park, with measurement, inventory and processing of qualitative and quantitative variables of trees (Dendometry) in the riparian forest of the river Karpenissiotis in Central Greece. Each tree is recorded in relation to its species (structural elements) including the diameter at breast height (DBH), the height (H), the ruggedness coefficient (H/D), the height of the crown (Hk), the length of the crown (Lk), the diameter of the crown (Dk), the order of the crown, the order of vitality, the tendency of evolution, the position of the trunk, the shape of the crown, the problems in the space of the roots, the crown, pruning, insect infestations, fungi, and runoff. From the statistical analysis and processing of the measurements, assessment was made of the condition of their health and stability; and necessary measures are proposed in order to significantly improve the ecological conditions of a riparian forest. Thus, the main problems presented by the forest species of trees concerned mainly the sloping, crooked and serpentine trunks, asymmetrical crown shape, insect and fungal infestations. The riparian peri-urban plane forest studied is dominated by trees, which are classified as remaining, normally growing with long asymmetrical crowns with a moderate health status and moderate stability. For the sustainable management and sustainable development of the riparian forest, measures are proposed which are necessary for the forest protection of the trees including their health and safe growth.