Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 4.5
The Mesozoic limestone and dolomite of Monte Corrasi (1463 m) dominate the
village of Oliena, on the right side. The landscape on the plain is dominated by olive groves and
pastures. On the mountain slopes afforestation with coniferous trees is dominant while on the
hillsides some areas covered by oaks (
Quercus ilex
) are recognizable (photo by the authors)
Among the most beautiful areas is the Supramonte (Figure 4.5). It is an immense
and wild chain comprising a dolomite limestone plateau that rises up to 1463 m.
Soils of karst areas of the Supramonte are among the most highly vulnerable to
degradation in Sardinia, where their regeneration, and the regeneration of vegeta-
tion, is obstructed by the presence of outcropping rock. Soil genesis in calcare-
ous bedrock is an extremely slow process, with limestone solubilization occurring
mainly in brief wet periods during the year.
It is possible to make some assumptions regarding the development patterns of
soil profiles in relation to soil cover, taking into account the equally important role
of substrata:
On the upper slopes, where the shrub coverage is discontinuous, soil profiles
are frequently truncated and soils have formed in small pockets within the
rock fractures and are hence weakly developed (Lithic Entisols or Alfisols very
leached, often Terra Rossa).
At midslope, and more limitedly at the foot of the slopes, where plant cover is
mainly composed of holm oak woods or macchia shrubland (maquis), the soil
profile is generally better developed and more differentiated into horizons, for
the most part argillic (Alfisols).
