National Atlas of areas at risk of desertification — Intensity of grazing

The Ministry of the Environment and the Protection of the Territory financed by act of 28-12-2001 the Experimental Institute for the Study and Defense of the Soil of Florence for the “Predisposition of National Atlas of areas at risk of desertification” at the scale of recognition (reference scales 1:100,000-1.250.000). The MATTM considers this Atlas as a preparatory instrument for the correct implementation of the National Plan for Combating Siccity and Desertification, adopted by the Italian State in implementation of the United Nations Convention on Combating Siccity and Desertification. The above-mentioned act provides for the participation of the National Institute of Agricultural Economics in its specific areas of competence. The study area includes Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Lazio, Marche, Molise Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Umbria. The Grazing Intensity Index was derived from the grazing databases. The livestock load represents the quantity of livestock that can be grazed per unit area throughout the grazing period. The identification of the optimal load allows to maintain a balanced and productive vegetation over time. An excessive load of livestock particularly hinders the vegetative and reproductive function of polyennial species. In addition, the excessive trampling leads to compaction of the soil, radical asphyxia, water stagnations, followed by the reduction of the number of plants per unit of area, up to the actual stages of degradation.