Frequent coppicing deteriorates the conservation status of black alder forests in the Po plain (northern Italy)

Our study showed that frequent coppicing worsened the conservation status of black alder forests in the study area, simplified stand structure, deteriorated species composition, and increased the spread of non-native and ruderal plant species. Such negative effects persisted even 20-30 years after cutting. We recommend amending the current legislation and introducing mandatory Implications Assessment procedures everywhere alder forests are susceptible to be impacted in a similarly negative way.