Landscape dynamics of the Barbialla farm (Val d’Egola, Province of Florence) in the second half of the 20th century

The evolution of the landscape of Barbialla farm (Val d’Egola, province of Florence) in the second half of XXth century was studied. The analysis was accomplished both at landscape and patch level. A large spatial scale study has been necessary to define the variation of different land use types (pasture, forest, shrub, agricultural, poplar plantations). The analysis of the landscape has been carried out by means of documents (aerial photo surveys) that allowed to compare the actual landscape with the one of 1954. The comparison made possible to interpret the directions of modifications. A field study, at a lower spatial scale, has been necessary to highlight the factors influencing secondary successions in abandoned fields, pastures and woods. Index of dominance of Shannon and Weaver (calculated on the proportion of coverage of different land use types) has been used in the study at large scale. Between 1954 and 1996, growth of forest and shrubland cover (imputable to natural afforestation of old fields) is observed, as well as a landscape enrichment as a consequence of 1. introduction of poplar for wood production, 2. tillage aimed to the creation of pastures. Both global landscape diversity and ecosystem diversity (due to secondary successions in old fields) increased in the investigated period. Finally, loss of cultural heritage is underlined. Cultural landscape of Barbialla survives both in some land uses (Pinus pinea stands) and in some buildings (drying rooms for tobacco). The management of Barbialla farm is a complex problem, that must take into consideration naturalistic, economic, cultural and aesthetic aspects.