Fabio Lucchesi

Distribuzione ed evoluzione dei caratteri di copertura del suolo in Val di Pesa (2007-2019). Tendenze della specializzazione agricola e forme emergenti di artificializzazione

Introduction

Distribuzione ed evoluzione dei caratteri di copertura del suolo in val di pesa (2007-2019). Tendenze della specializzazione agricola e forme emergenti di artificializzazione. Analisi cambiamenti copertura suolo Val di Pesa (2007-2019): specializzazione agricola, artificializzazione (turismo, energia). Impatti su paesaggio e risorse idriche. Essenziale per la pianificazione sostenibile.

Abstract

This study analyzes Land Use/ Land Cover (LULC) changes in Val di Pesa, Tuscany, Italy, between 2007 and 2019, utilizing Corine Land Cover (CLC) data and the Land Cover Flows (LCF) model. Understanding LULC dynamics is crucial for assessing landscape structure, ecological health, and supporting sustainable development policies. Val di Pesa’s territory (approx. 32,000 ha) is predominantly composed of agricultural (48%) and natural/semi-natural (42%) surfaces, with distinct north-south morphological differences. The region exhibits high dynamism, with 5% of its surface changing LULC classification in 12 years, significantly higher than the 3% regional average. Artificial surfaces increased by 2.26% (approx. 60 ha), primarily converting natural (75%) and agricultural (25%) areas. The most prevalent transformations (representing over 85% of total changes in Val di Pesa) were internal to agricultural areas, driven by a clear trend towards crop specialization. Notably, vineyards expanded by 6% (320 ha), replacing mixed cultivation systems and olive groves. While Land Take (creation of new artificial surfaces) is quantitatively marginal (2% of total changes) compared to the regional average, its specific manifestations are significant, revealing a progressive ‘domestication’ of rural spaces. This includes expansion for energy production, agricultural accessory structures, and notably, tourism-related infrastructures like swimming pools (45 documented cases, 15 ha). These changes, though gradual, profoundly alter the region’s landscape identity and impact water resources, underscoring the need for careful sustainable planning.

Review

This study, "Distribuzione ed evoluzione dei caratteri di copertura del suolo in Val di Pesa (2007-2019). Tendenze della specializzazione agricola e forme emergenti di artificializzazione," offers a pertinent and well-executed analysis of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) changes in the Val di Pesa region of Tuscany. By employing established methodologies, specifically Corine Land Cover (CLC) data and the Land Cover Flows (LCF) model, the authors effectively quantify and characterize landscape transformations over a significant twelve-year period (2007-2019). The focus on this ecologically and culturally important Italian landscape provides valuable insights into regional dynamics, contributing significantly to the understanding required for informed landscape planning and sustainable development policies. The abstract highlights several compelling and quantitatively supported findings. Notably, Val di Pesa exhibits a higher degree of dynamism (5% surface change) compared to the regional average, underscoring the localized intensity of transformations. The documented increase in artificial surfaces, though quantitatively modest at 2.26%, is meticulously disaggregated, revealing a concerning trend of conversion from natural and agricultural areas. The most significant driver of change is identified as agricultural specialization, particularly the 6% expansion of vineyards at the expense of traditional mixed cultivation systems and olive groves. Furthermore, the study astutely points out that while "Land Take" for new artificial surfaces is quantitatively marginal, its specific manifestations—such as expansion for energy production, agricultural accessory structures, and notably, tourism-related infrastructure like swimming pools—represent a progressive and impactful 'domestication' of rural spaces. This research provides a robust foundation for further exploration into the complex socioeconomic drivers underpinning these observed LULC changes, such as market forces influencing agricultural specialization or policy incentives for tourism development. While the abstract briefly touches on impacts on water resources and landscape identity, the full paper would undoubtedly benefit from a more in-depth discussion of specific ecological and socio-cultural consequences of these transformations. Nevertheless, the study's detailed account of land cover flows, particularly its nuanced understanding of "marginal" yet qualitatively significant artificialization, offers a critical perspective for regional planners. Overall, this is a well-structured and insightful study that clearly identifies key trends and challenges in a sensitive European landscape, meriting publication for its contribution to LULC science and regional planning.

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