Impact of different chestnut coppice managements on root reinforcement and shallow landslide susceptibility

Results highlight the chestnut tree's ability to renew the root system each time a stool is subject to a coppicing again. This implies there are important differences in terms of root regeneration, distribution and contribution to soil stability between young and overaged coppices. No significant differences in terms of root distribution and related soil reinforcement could be detected as a function of the different management options in young trees. Whenever possible, long-term silvicultural strategies in areas prone to shallow landslides should aim to convert pure chestnut coppices into mixed high forest stands.