approaches. On the one hand, the improved computing performances of computer are boosting the application of advanced hydrological models fed on the newly available data. Cross-sectoral metrics are even facilitating the characterisation of the terrace history on very long-time spans. On the other hand, the mapping mainly resulted in the identification of patterns based on the simple geographical analysis of homogeneous spatial distribution of the surveyed attributes, though their limits depend also on underpinning processes or on emergent landscape dynamics (e.g. Farina and Belgrano 2004; Lazrak et al. 2010). In this regard, the landscape agronomy framework requires to address the spatial configuration of management practices underpinning the land patterns, so analysing the whole area as a system and explicitly addressing the relationships linking its various parts (Maigrot et al. 2004; Salem et al. 2013; Schaller et al. 2012; Sweeney et al. 2013; Thenail et al. 2000). A relevant maintenance metric could be the terrace density, following the method proposal from the ALPTER project (Varotto and Ferrarese 2008), complementary to some more adapted to Mediterranean terraced areas (Agnoletti et al. 2015; Rizzo 2009). In conclusion, the mapping and zoning of terraced landscape might lead to reconsider the definition of “traditional landscape”. This is an appealing concept for studies dealing with landscape characterisation that requires, however, a complete historical approach (e.g. Antrop 1997; Leibundgut and Kohn 2014; Torquati et al. 2015; Torró 2007). Terraces are indeed long-lasting landscape features that can undergo multiple cycles of cultivation and abandonment. To inform suitable maintenance plans, it would be more relevant to frame the terrace feature mapping within a landscape level zoning of medium-/long-term land use dynamics (Fig. 12.7). This could allow to distinguish (i) core zones of the traditional landscape, which have been quite continuously preserved and cultivated, from (ii) buffer zones, periodically cultivated and abandoned following the local population dynamics, and (iii) clear marginal areas, marking past expansions of the terraced system afterwards definitively abandoned, for which rewilding could be the best hydrogeological and management option. Multiple data sources should be analysed to clearly distinguish buffer and marginal zone, especially in the case of field abandoned in more recent times (Bevan and Conolly 2011; Galletti et al. 2013; Rühl et al. 2005; Treacy 1987), thus benefiting of the integrative landscape agronomy framework. Altogether, informing the mapping and survey of terraced landscape on management practices could help revealing patterns to understand past land dynamics and to orient future terraced landscape policies.

12.4Final Remarks

Since ancient times, humans have used terracing practices for agricultural activities in different environments (both hilly and mountainous areas) and regions of the world and also for mitigating soil erosion and stabilising hillslopes. The study of terraces represents a challenge for our modern society and deserves particular attention. The reasons are several: their economic, environmental, and historical–cultural

implications and their hydrological functions, such as erosion control, slope stabilisation, lengthening of the rainfall concentration time, and the consequent reduction of the surface runoff. Land abandonment and the new farming and lifestyles of the young generation are seriously questioning the terraced landscapes survival. The result is a progressive increase of soil erosion and landslides that can be a serious problem if they occur in densely populated areas. Because of this, terraced landscapes need to be monitored, maintained, and preserved by taking explicitly into account the agricultural practices that shaped them. The advanced remote sensing techniques such airborne laser scanner can be useful in monitoring criticalities and provide terraces inventory map for an entire region. Also, a deeper insight into failure mechanisms can be obtained through specific geotechnical surveys that must feed agricultural management strategies at the whole terrace system level. Altogether, we suggest to adopt a landscape agronomy perspective to address consistently spatial organisation of the farming practices for the preservation of soil and other natural resources. These actions can help to overcome the critical issues related to erosion and landslides risks and, finally, to preserve the landscape identity.

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