MICROCLIMATIC INVESTIGATIONS IN THE ALPINE VEGETATION OF THE VETTE DI FELTRE. Synecological studies of the vegetation have been carried out in the glacial circus Busa delle Vette at about 2,000m (Vette di Feltre, Prov. Belluno. Italy), on limestone.
The microclimate of the grasslands association (Seslerio-Caricetum semperuirentis and Nardetum) is mesic, whereas the pioneer Adenostyli-Heracleetum, colonizing the scree slopes, has warmer and drier conditions. On the contrary the Adenostyles glabra-association and the Rumicetum alpini are confined to more humid sites. The pedological study confirms such relations. The earliest stage of the pedogenetical evolution with (A)-C profile of the Adenostyli-Heracleetum develops a soil characterized by the presence of a mollic epipedon under the Seslerio-Caricetum sempervirentis. Intensification of the pedogenetic processes leads to the formation of an illuvial horizon in the Nardetum-soils. Further developmental stages with peculiar features, can be identified in the Rumex alpinus- and Adenostyles glabra - associations.
