Pinus pinea L. structural traits changing with age and in response to silvicultural pratices

Pine stands of different years developing along the Latium coast are analysed considering plant and needle traits. The results underline that silvicultural practices reduce plant density favouring the natural growth pattern of the Pine: the largest structural changes are observed between 15 and 34 years old stands, by Pine stem height elongation and the increased canopy volume. Crown height increases up to 34 years then decreasing at 104 years old stands. LAI changes with stand density and Pine developmental stage. Pine biomass changes accordingly, reaching the highest value at 104 years old stands. Needles morphology varies significantly between one and two year old needles. LMA shows the highest value in 34 years old stands. SNM has the highest value in two years old needles. The discriminant analysis underlines that plant biomass and LAI are the most discriminant traits. The long-term monitoring may be easily achieved by LAI measurements which can be converted into biomass values by their correlation.