Apostolos P. Kyriazopoulos

Democritus University of Thrace | DUTH · Department of Forestry and Environmental Management and Natural Resources

Sclerophyllous scrub formations, the main vegetation type in many islands of the Aegean area, provide many goods and services to humans, such as biodiversity, soil protection, and forage for livestock and wildlife. Dominant shrub species of sclerophyllous formations are well adapted to dry season conditions due to various anatomical and physiologic...

The objective of the present study was to assess the impacts in time of the ski-resort infrastructure and transhumance livestock grazing on floristic composition, diversity, and rangeland health indices related to ecosystem stability and function. The study was carried out at a site under the pressure of ski resorts and livestock grazing (Ano Trika...

Monitoring grazing behavior, livestock movement and grazing intensity is essential for developing and implementing sustainable rangeland management plans and avoid problems associated with over-grazing (i.e., land degradation). This work aimed at investigating the spatio-temporal characteristics of grazing behavior and intensity of small ruminants...

Agroforestry systems have been practiced for hundreds of years with multiple benefits both environmentally and economically in terms of productivity. Olive cultivation is widespread in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, including Greece. Agroforestry practices are common in olive groves, but little research has been conducted on the producti...

Hyperarid, arid, semiarid, and dry subhumid areas cover approximately 41% of the global land area. The human population in drylands, currently estimated at 2.7 billion, faces limited access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food. We discuss the interlinkages among water security, environmental security, energy security, economic security, h...

Ecological restoration is key to counteracting anthropogenic degradation of biodiversity and to reducing disaster risk. However, there is limited knowledge of barriers hindering the wider implementation of restoration practices, despite high level political priority to halt the loss of biodiversity. In Europe, progress on ecological restoration has...

Measuring and monitoring tree diversity is a prerequisite for altering biodiversity loss and the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. High temporal satellite remote sensing, recording difference in species phenology, can facilitate the extraction of timely, standardized and reliable information on tree diversity, complementing or replacing...

Leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial biophysical indicator for assessing and monitoring the structure and functions of forest ecosystems. Improvements in remote sensing instrumental characteristics and the availability of more efficient statistical algorithms, elevate the potential for more accurate models of vegetation biophysical properties includi...

The recent international policy developments fostering a European bio-economy is gradually increasing the forest owners awareness of the potential of non-wood goods. This potential is related to the multiplicity of resources available and a huge portfolio of potential industrial products that can be derived out of them .In addressing these question...

Earth observation data can provide important information for tree species diversity mapping and monitoring. The relatively recent advances in remote sensing data characteristics and processing systems elevate the potential of satellite imagery for providing accurate, timely, consistent, and robust spatially explicit estimates of tree species divers...

Ecosystem services (ESs) contribute significantly to human well-being and to supporting decisions on policies which have an impact on natural resources. The social and economic values, which society assigns to the benefits that are derived from the ecosystems, are dependent on well-functioning ecosystems and adequate management. Spatially explicit...

The multiple agroforestry land uses of oak forests are of great ecological and economic interest as they contribute to the improvement of animal husbandry, wildlife, and environment. However, herbivory by wildlife and livestock highly affects the structure and the dynamic of forest ecosystems including its regeneration. The aim of this study was to...

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of seasonality on the chemical composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in some ligneous species. The research was conducted at the Aristotle University's farm, Thessaloniki, Greece. From five ligneous species (Robinia pseudoacacia var. monophylla, Amorpha fruticosa, Colutea ar...

In the Mediterranean regions, oak forests are commonly used for livestock grazing. However, it is well documented that livestock grazing is an essential factor that can affect the success of natural regeneration of oak and other woody species of the understorey. Consequently, it influences the composition and structure of oak woodlands. The main ob...

The state of, and changes to, altitudinal and polar treeline ecosystems and their services in selected mountain regions in Europe were analyzed using the drivers-pressures-stateimpacts- responses (DPSIR) framework. The analysis was based on 45 responses of experts from 19 countries to 2 semi-structured questionnaires on treeline ecosystem services...

Global warming, land-use change, mass tourism and a deteriorating socio-economic situation pose serious threats to the sustainability of mountain areas. The future development of these areas could be an example of the Great Transition scenario. Based on iterative and collaborative discussions with 60 treeline experts, we (1) envisioned plausible fu...

Recent changes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) introduced different definitions regarding the eligibility of various types of land used by grazing animals. In particular, shrublands and other low-quality areas which have traditionally been used as grazinglands are now not eligible for European Union income support payments. Subject to these...

The impact of altitudinal zone on the nutritional quality of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) acorns was assessed in Xirovouni Mountain shrublands in northwestern Greece. Whole acorns were collected during autumn 2011 from 15 sites located at three altitudinal zones (i.e. lower, middle, upper). Kermes oak acorn samples were manually separated into...

Grazing is an economically and environmentally valuable activity in phryganic Mediterranean ecosystems. The herbaceous vegetation of these ecosystems provides an essential feed source for grazing ruminants. Despite the extension and economic importance of phryganic ecosystems in Mediterranean Basin there has been relatively little scientific focus...

The concepts of resilience and ecosystem services broaden the opportunities for assessing sustainability of social-ecological systems (SESs). The lack of operational frameworks for assessing the resilient provision of ecosystem services by SESs impedes greater integration of resilience thinking in natural resource governance. The greatest challenge...

Achieving social equity among local stakeholders should be a key objective for ecosystem service (ES) governance in Europe’s ecologically fragile treeline areas. The ES literature tends to be biased towards distributional equity and market-based instruments when assessing social equity of ES governance. In this study, we analyze a wide range of soc...

Tree-line areas are not significant only for the provisioning and regulating of ecosystem services (ESs) but also of cultural ESs. The climatic tree-line ecotone represents an obvious land cover demarcation and characterizes European mountain landscapes. The multifunctional character of tree-line ecosystems calls for the assessment of synergies and...

The state and changes of altitudinal and polar treeline ecosystems and their services in selected mountain regions in Europe were analyzed using the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses (DPSIR) framework. The analysis is based on 45 responses of experts from 19 countries to two semi-structured questionnaires on treeline ecosystem services (ES)...

Limited information is available about the selection of effective mycorrhizae and the exploitation of their beneficial effects on the enhancement of the forage production of Medicago sativa under the predicted warmer and drier conditions in the Mediterranean region the following years. The objective of this study was to test the effects of Rhizopha...

Quercus coccifera L. is one of the most common species of the Mediterranean fl ora. Although it is a tree-like species, it is usually found as a shrub forming extensive shrublands, probably due to uncontrolled grazing and logging. Th e kermes oak forest stands found in Greece is of limited expansion, but of high ecological importance , and they are...

Restoration efforts in the Mediterranean Basin have been changing from a silvicultural to an ecological restoration approach. Yet, to what extent the projects are guided by ecological restoration principles remains largely unknown. To analyse this issue, we built an on-line survey addressed to restoration practitioners.

Abstract. Legumes are particularly important feed sources for livestock due to their high nutritive value. The objective of this study was to examine the agronomic phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of Trifolium subterraneum at different seeding rates (13, 17, 20 kg ha-1) and phenological stages (inflorescence, fruiting). The experiment was conducted...

Despite their ecological, economic and social importance, grasslands in areas with Mediterranean climates continue to receive limited scientific, political and media attention. The main objectives of this review are to compare and contrast dryland grasslands in the ‘Old World’ regions of the Mediterranean basin (southern Europe, western Asia and No...

Goats are characterized as selective feeders due to their specific feeding behavior, thus the study of their seasonal preferences in a Mediterranean oak-juniper ecosystem is of great interest. The current research was conducted in an open oak forest in Megalo Dereio region, northeastern Greece which was grazed mainly by a flock of 650 local breed g...

Rangelands constitute a very important natural resource occupying 38% of the total surface in Cyprus. Besides their essential forage production for the extensive livestock farming, they contribute in outdoor recreational activities, protection from erosion, provision of water supplies and biodiversity conservation. Despite their important role in t...

The objective of this study was to examine the combined effects of selenium (Se) enrichment and water stress on the accumulation of available macro- and micronutrients in Melilotus officinalis L. aerial parts. Plants of M. officinalis were subjected to three levels of Se addition (0, 1 and 3 mg Se L-1 water) and to two water treatments: a) full irr...

The herbs are an integral component of everyday life and culture in all over the world for centuries. These plants are used in pharmaceuticals, in cosmetics, in cooking and in recent years, in food technology as antioxidants. The Greek flora is rich in native herbs and the climatic and soil conditions are prevailing the possibility of their cultiva...

Forest products can be distinguished into wood and non-wood. Non-wood forest products are defined as all the products other than wood derived from forests, shrubs and tree plantations. The main sources of these products are trees, understory plants, mushrooms, and animals. The purpose of the present study was to record the herbaceous and woody taxa...

Forest products can be distinguished into wood and non-wood. Non-wood forest products are defined as all the products other than wood derived from forests, shrubs and tree plantations. The main sources of these products are trees, understory plants, mushrooms, and animals. The purpose of the present study was to record the herbaceous and woody taxa...

Legumes are important feed source for small ruminants due to their high nutritive value. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of phosphorous fertilization (40 kg ha-1 and control) and seeding rate (20, 17 and 13 kg ha-1) on forage production and the nutritive value of Trifolium subterraneum collected at two phenological stages (ear...

Plants of Melilotus officinalis L. were subjected to two different treatments: a) no selenium (Se), and b) addition of 3 mg Se L−1 irrigation water for 45 days and samples of leaves, stems and roots were analyzed for Se, potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Crude protein (CP...

Poster Presentation

Lotus corniculatus is a highly diverse legume with good adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions. The objective of this research was to estimate the phenotypic diversity of individual L. corniculatus plants growing under two different habitat types with different grazing management. The collection of plant material was conducted in fo...

Treeline areas are not only significant for the provisioning and regulating ecosystem services (ESs) but also for cultural ESs. The climatic treeline ecotone represents an obvious land cover demarcation and characterizes European mountain landscapes. The multifunctional character of treeline ecosystems calls for the assessment of synergies and trad...

Οι λειμώνες μπορεί να συμβάλλουν ουσιαστικά στην ορθολογική και οικονομική διατροφή των αγροτικών ζώων καθώς και στην αποφυγή υποβάθμισης του φυσικού περιβάλλοντος, ιδιαίτερα σε ορεινές και ημιορεινές περιοχές με εκμετάλλευση οριακών και εγκαταλειμμένων αγρών. Η επιλογή του κατάλληλου είδους έχει μεγάλη σημασία για την επιτυχία εγκατάστασης του λει...

Treeline ecotone ecosystems are widely used as indicators for observation of landscape response to climate change. Additionally, these ecosystems are heavily influenced by non-climatic variables, primarily land use change. The objective of this deliverable was to analyze the state and changes in ecosystem structures and functions, focusing on ident...

Limited information is available about the impact of grazing on soil and plant nutrient contents in Mediterranean deciduous oak forests grazed by both livestock and wild life. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of wild boar and small ruminants grazing in a coppice oak forest in N Greece. Eight even-aged stands of s...

The rangeland ecosystems of Greece are constituted by a large number of plant species. Many of these plant species have medicinal properties. These medicinal plant species have been used since antiquity in order to cover medicinal needs. Moreover, some of these plant species cover the same needs up until now. The science development permitted the a...

Goats are classified as selective feeders due to their specific feeding behavior, thus the study of their seasonal preferences in a Mediterranean oak-juniper ecosystem is of great interest. The current research was conducted in an open oak forest in Megalo Dereio region, northeastern Greece which was grazed mainly by a flock of 650 local breed goat...

Limited information is available regarding the selection of effective mycorrhizae and the exploitation of their beneficial effects on the enhancement of the forage production of Dactylis glomerata under the predicted warmer and drier conditions in the Mediterranean region. The objective of this study was to test the effects of Glomus intraradices,...

Dactylis glomerata L. is a widespread perennial grass species, which has been reported to be adapted to shaded conditions. Its populations thrive in a variety of environments. However, little information is available concerning the comparative response of its natural populations from contrasting environments under the reduced light intensity condit...

Understanding how the management practices of silvopastoral systems affect the long-term sustainability of oak ecosystems and what their influence is on nutrient cycling and plant community, is of great interest. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of relative grazing intensity on soil properties and on vegetation characteristics in an...

Rangelands in Greece constitute a very important natural resource as they occupy 40% of the total surface. Not only is their forage production essential for the development of extensive livestock farming, but also they play a key role in outdoor recreational activities, protection from erosion, provision of water supplies and biodiversity conservat...

Silvopastoral systems present difficulties in their management due to their complexity. When trees are planted into grasslands, they need protection from livestock to prevent damage from trampling or browsing, especially during early years of establishment. One of the common post-planting protective treatments is the protection of individual trees...

Production and nutritive value of forage in silvopastural systems can be improved by introducing shade- tolerant grass and legume species in appropriate mixtures. The management of these systems can present a challenge regarding the selection of the proper grass and legume species as well as the maintenance of the optimum balance between the two sp...

Rangelands are used in many countries for water supply, cattle – breeding, outdoor recreation and many other purposes related to improvement of life quality. The aim of this paper is the investigation of the attitudes of the local people in a remote rural area concerning the contribution of rangeland resources in the rural development. Our study wa...

Quarrying contributes significantly to the economy of a country. However, it entails the destruction of the natural vegetation, the removal of the surface soil and the deposition of inactive materials. The lack of fertile topsoil in these disturbed areas is usually a problem for the plant cover establishment. The purpose of this study was to invest...

Grasslands and rangelands have long been solely considered as a place for livestock grazing with no regard to the many other ecosystem goods and services that they provide. Mismanagement affects significantly the forage production and the biodiversity in the Mediterranean grasslands. The study of functional traits of plant species related to their...

Ailanthus altissima is an invasive species for the native flora of Greece and it could pose a serious threat to the biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spreading of Ailanthus altissima in urban and non urban areas of North and Central Greece and also to evaluate the effects of its spreadi...