Macrofungi as long-term indicators of forest Health and management in central Italy

Here we report the results of a survey of three chestnut coppices in central southern Tuscany (Italy). The aim of the study was to identify changes in macrofungal flora occurring over the years and to determine their possible causes. Coppices with different ages were chosen in order to obtain information on the effects of different types of management on the macrofungal communities. Changes were found over a period of about 20 years. The forests, however, are in good health according to the criteria proposed by Fellner (1985, 1987) and Schlechte (1987, 1991). The age and type of forest management seem to have a considerable role on the changes observed in the studied macrofungal communities.