The Beech, Fagus Sylvatica L. (Fagaceae) in the Italian Apennines: an Ecology approach to understand Organic Matter quantity and quality in Leaf Litter and Soil

This Ph.D. thesis in Applied Biology focused on biology and ecology of leaf litter decomposition and quality and quantity of organic matter in several stands of beech forests along the Italian Apennines. The research presented gives insights and new findings on organic matter cycles (including implications related to climate change) within beech forests along the Italian Apennines, which are important ecosystems that have not been comprehensively investigated on the point of view of decomposition ecology.