Natural reforestation and reforestation facilitated by wood mulch represent two distinct approaches to recover degraded forests, each offering unique advantages and challenges. Differently from the natural reforestation, that facilitated by mulch involves the application of organic materials, such as wood chips, on the soil in order to enhance plant growth. Indeed, mulch preserves soil moisture, minimizes erosion, suppresses weeds, and enhances soil structure and fertility through the organic decomposition. The research aimed to evaluate whether natural reforestation (NR) and reforestation facilitated by wood mulch (MR) noticeably modified the soil properties. In order to achieve the aim, soils (depth: 0-10 cm) collected after two years of the reforestation process, performed within the Vesuvius National Park, were characterized for the main abiotic and biotic properties that were compared to those of un-reforested shrubs (N). Particularly, the soil samples were analyzed for pH, water content, organic and total C contents, and N, Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations. Moreover, DNA yield, microbial respiration and activities of hydrolase, dehydrogenase, b-glucosidase and urease were measured. In order to integrate some of the investigated soil properties, the Integrative Biological Responses (IBR) index was calculated to consider the biotic ones and the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated to evaluate the degree of the soil metal contamination. The findings showed that the IBR was higher in MR (6.38) than in NR (6.09) and N (5.89) soils. Instead, the PLI did not statistically vary among MR (1.75), NR (1.90) and N (1.81) soils. In conclusion, only the reforestation facilitated by wood mulch would seem to enhance the biological response although further investigations need in order to monitor the trend over the time.

Life Imagine Umbria (LIFE19 IPE/IT/000015, 2020-2027) project supports the development of a management strategy for the Natura 2000 network in the Umbria region (Italy). Its main objective is to maintain and improve the conservation status of habitats and species under the Habitats and Birds Directives, in specific target Natura 2000 Sites. Effective ecological restoration projects focused on saproxylic Coleoptera and certain Lepidoptera species have been carried out to address this issue. Best practices for enhancing the habitats of Rosalia alpina, Cerambyx cerdo, and Lucanus cervus involve measures primarily aimed at increasing the presence of senescent trees (beeches and oaks) and associated forest necromass. Specifically, the project created artificial senescence microhabitats such as uprooted trees, broken trunks on the ground, and log piles. Other techniques included a general renaturalisation of the forests by a partial removal of artificial Pinus spp. plantations aimed at restoring the original forest habitat. Best practices for Osmoderma eremita consisted mainly in creating and installing artificial cavities (Wood Mould Boxes) for increasing the presence of microhabitats suitable for larval development. Additional measures for all the Coleoptera species included creating semi-open areas, such as clearings around habitat trees. The best practices to improve the habitat of the lepidopteran Eriogaster catax consisted of creating artificial ecotonal strips rich in shrubs, predominantly blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), and protecting existing shrub areas by preventing their transformation into forests, as well as removing alien and synanthropic vegetation. Finally, the best practices for Euphydryas provincialis and Melanargia arge concerned safeguarding the grasslands by limiting the settlement of shrubs, trees, and alien or synanthropic vegetation. The project aims at implementing demonstrative actions for ecological management and habitat restoration to counteract the decline of these species and improve their conservation status.

Restoring degraded agricultural soils is essential to ensure food security, protect biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. Indeed, soil provides key ecosystem services such as food provisioning, regulation of water and nutrient cycles, and climate regulation through C sequestration in organic matter. The use of slowly-decomposing organic improvers, such as biochar and hydrochar (derived from thermochemical conversion of organic waste) may promote carbon sequestration and favour the growth of soil microorganisms, which play a fundamental role in ecosystem functioning. However, to apply these improvers on a large scale, it is necessary to exclude any negative effects on the biotic community.

As part of the interdisciplinary project "CHIMERA", financed by University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, the effects of hydrochar addition to the microbial and chemical properties of degraded agricultural soil were evaluated through a pot experiment. Two types of hydrochar, derived from hydrothermal carbonization of two distinct sources (residues of thistle - Cynara cardunculus L. - and sewage sludge, respectively), were applied in two doses (3 kg m^-2 and 6 kg m^-2). The experimental design included five treatments (four with hydrochar and one control without hydrochar), five replicates per treatment, and five exposure times (18, 72, 92, 146 and 517 days). After each period, soil samples were analyzed for microbial biomass and activity, indices of microbial metabolism (metabolic quotient and mineralizable quotient), bacterial genetic diversity (as richness) and some chemical properties (pH, total and extractable organic C, cation exchange capacity).

The results showed no toxic effects following the addition of hydrochar from sludge and thistle. An improvement in soil properties, particularly microbial biomass and activity, pH and total organic carbon content, was generally observed. However, further studies are needed to verify whether these positive effects persist in the long term and whether they are confirmed on other soil types and raw materials.

Climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation pose significant threats to the stability of agricultural production and investment planning in this sector. This necessitates the diversification of the agricultural output alongside the creation of resilient and sustainable agro-ecosystems. Diversification can also occur outside traditional cropping systems through ecological infrastructures that create favourable habitats for beneficial insects, such as pollinators, and provide food sources for domesticated animals like honeybees. Recent FAO studies indicate that increasing the density and variety of pollinating insects directly impacts crop productivity and can help small farmers enhance their average yields. Furthermore, pollinating insects play a crucial role in ecosystem regulation, with the value of pollination services necessary for food production amounting to approximately 260 billion euros annually. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a constant increase in insect mortality, with a serious risk of extinction for wild pollinators and honeybees. The API project aimed to develop an integrated and multifunctional farm model that synergizes beekeepers and farmers, enhancing farm profitability through sustainable apiculture and also improving the environmental and economic sustainability of beekeeping by maintaining and increasing the survival and productivity of bees. A survey of botanical species was conducted on each farm and showed the presence of more than 300 species relevant to beekeeping. In areas where nectar-producing species were insufficient, multi-floral meadows were planted, tailored to the farms' specific soil, climate, and altitude characteristics. Additionally, we recorded the ecological infrastructures containing native botanical species beneficial for wild pollinators and implemented these in the marginal areas of the farms. The effectiveness of the implemented actions was monitored by evaluating the health status of both introduced and existing bee populations on the farms and checking contaminant levels in the samples collected by the colonies. Additionally, surveys were conducted at each site to assess pollinator diversity.

Urban green spaces provide ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation and human well-being. Requalifying abandoned lands or planning new green areas with native species offer environmental and cultural benefits. This study explored the sustainable and eco-friendly application of compost (2 kg m^-2) to Technosols, to improve soil quality and its suitability for plant growth. Soil quality was assessed before compost addition and for one year after plant establishment, while the effect on plants by monitoring structural and functional traits of the herbaceous spontaneous Malva sylvestris L. (Ms) and the transplanted Mediterranean sclerophyllous Phillyrea angustifolia L. (Pa) and Quercus ilex L. (Qi). Compost addition increased soil nutrient availability over time and favoured the physiological performance of Ms in long-lasting promoting high photosynthetic efficiency and carbon investment in photosynthetic tissues. Conversely, Pa and Qi maintained after 11 months higher leaf water content, despite limited soil water availability, suggesting a slower response to compost addition. The results indicate that compost can enhance Technosols quality, benefiting all species involved and potentially contributing positively to urban greening and ecosystem services.