Other views of river Po

The name derives from the Latin Padus, but was once also called Eridanus. Today the river and the natural environments that surround them are degraded, both in 'morphological and cultural tourism, combining the conservation, restoration, management and enhancement of these areas to return. Along the bit are very different environmental types, the 'river bed, the wetlands, Sabbioni and river islands. The oxbows, riparian forests and reed beds, suitable to host a rich variety of plant and animal species.

Sources of the river Po

Arise from an accumulation of debris (sand or gravel) transported by the current, may be in continuity with the river or take the outside of river islands. Colonized by weeds and shrubs species, habitat for many species of birds. The ghiareti, the lapwing, the 'eye, there are numerous herons (heron, White Egret, Little Egret), cormorants, gulls and terns.

The beach

In the case in which 'preserves the natural riverbed, the banks are embankments of earth or sand. Every now rare due to the massive concrete and stone, the cliffs are the nesting site of some species of birds that dig holes and tunnels. This is the case of the kingfisher and bee-eaters.

The slopes

The banks of the Po river and the islands are still dealing with vegetation characterized by natural vegetation strips parallel to the river course. That part of 'emerging channel for a short period of' years, has an annual herbaceous vegetation. The band is characterized by the following form in willow shrub., follows the willow tree in the form. As you move away from the river are characterized by woodlands poplar, white willow, alder and follow maple, oak, elm, hornbeam, which once constituted the lowland forests of the valley, now largely disappeared. Shrubs are represented by hazel, elder, hawthorn, dogwood, bramble, blackthorn. In the woods, in the few alluvial areas are food and shelter many species such as jays, woodpeckers, pheasants, larks, quails, but also mammals such as rabbits and rodents, which attract birds of prey like the 'harrier and kestrels and foxes.

The riparian forests

The bands are the large alluvial areas located between the banks (teachers and state) that periodically engulfs the river during flooding. 'S supply of fertile silt as a result of full age has transformed the riverside, once left to themselves, in areas valuable for the cultivation of poplar.

The bands and the riverside poplars

The woods, reeds and wet meadows that make up a wetlands play an 'action against filter nutrients and pollutants transported by land around waterways: environment also constitute a relief for river floods.

Why are wetlands important ?

Maginot lining the embankment on the right. He was born at the end of '800 during a flooding of the Po as dead trunk of the great river. Over the years he was retained as a useful channel for the irrigation of crops. The second bank (Maginot) was built to stem the waters of death itself, which periodically flooded the fields and houses nearby.

The Morta

The rivers of the plains have a meandering pattern that in some cases assumes a degree of curvature so pronounced to redesign their own path and to exclude a portion of the meander. The launch and moorland cha originates from an abandoned meander from the course 's water. The connection to the river, usually at its southern allows sufficient water exchange, but the spear is bound to suffer over time, a passive natural burial. The oxbow lakes are unique ecosystems with an important ecological function. The standing water, muddy bottom, the shallowness of the basin, can accommodate a wide variety of plant and animal species typical of wetlands. In this environment, including vegetation, find shelter, food, nesting sites of many species of reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds. The lance as many wetlands have often been destroyed by 'man as purely because unhealthy and unproductive areas, to be reclaimed and allocated to' agriculture.

the oxbows Maginot

The oxbowsWhat are ?

The embankment, which crossed common Castelvetro Monticelli and was built in the early 900 and extends from Piacenza in Ferrara. Over the centuries, man has appropriated the riverside areas, wetlands and marshes, reclaiming and making them fertile land for cultivation. The lowlands Piacenza, from past to present, on a regular phenomena of living full, causing flooding and destruction of crops and homes. In order to prevent was born a complex system of embankments and drains. The embankments (taller and wider), and riverside tracks, artificial barriers of earth and ballast as high as 6 meters.

The embankment

Cyclist on the bank of the Po teacher

The Po has enabled and influenced the development of many activities: the man is integrated with the environmental assets to generate resources for their livelihoods and leaving at the same time the ability to regenerate to the same resource. Abundant availability of good water has for years paid the abundance of agricultural products: the cultivation of sugar beet, corn, wheat, barley, corn, oats, millet, sorghum, vegetables and fruits, which are used for own consumption, to be sold on local markets and farm animals for food: plenty of wood for many uses, fishing and hunting. Po also linked to the cultural and gastronomic traditions such as stewed eel and roach Po soused. Several craft activities linked to the presence of wetlands, such as cutting sugar cane for the manufacture of articles of various kinds. This activity has now disappeared and with it the interest for the Conservation of reed beds: the fishery has become intensive fish farming activities of a few species in demand or in sport fishing practiced almost exclusively in tanks specially created. Hunting is no longer aimed at obtaining food resources, but has become a recreational activity.

Environments are essential to human life: the old masters

There currently are popping montafalciatrici some time ago but was already a big help blades coupled to the tractor. Before there was the horse-drawn mower. But before all that, once the grass is cut across by hand. It was one of the hardest work in agriculture. The mower would leave his house when it was still dark to reach the fields at first light of day to begin his work, which was suspended when the heat was beginning to be felt. Hanging from the waist, usually a cow horn, within which, with a little bit 'of water, holding a stone with which they often drew on sharpening the scythe. Then start over with her large gesture, accompanying the race of the semi-circular swing of the scythe in hand. Piacenza in the high valleys of the hay was cut on the terraced fields. Once it was mowed and left to dry and then brought home wrapped in large networks that farmers were loaded on the shoulders to carry it to farms.

The land is exhausted. Among the stubble mark the deep rifts. It is late August. It is time to prepare the fields plowing. At one time, like now. We started from manure. The plowing of August was heavy for men and animals. To cut through the land needed the strength of many oxen and the peasant thought before they start work. Fed them, watered them, cleaned them. The horse came out of the barn. Were yoked, and they made their way through the night to the camp, usually accompanied by two farmers. Attack of the plow was the pair of young oxen (often at the end of the season work, they were fattened and sold for meat). In front, two oxen and robust expert who led the "Game ". Over time and in different areas of hill or plain, were used in different types of plow. C 'were, for example, the ' ara Cagnon ', the ' ara scaviss "or" voturicc ', the ' ara floor "or"pious ", the 'ara Feram" ol' "ara Melotte. The plow "pipein is plowing more antivibration known. To do this the farmer hung sink into the ground with all his weight on the handles. The oxen s' arched in the effort.

The farmer ran his oxen and urged them to pugnolo, with a characteristic whistling and calling them names which is normally the color of the coat of animals ("blonde", "moru", "Biancone ", "bellu" etc ...). The night was filled with reminders that mingled with the tinkle of the rings of the yoke and plow with the squeaking of the wheels. About eight o'clock the work was stopped for breakfast of the peasants. From the farm came a woman or a child with a wicker basket covered with a characteristic handkerchief "groups. " Inside were bacon soup or fried zucchini with eggs, cheese, bread and white wine. After lunch, the work resumed. About eleven o'clock, left the plow in the field, fell. Came to the barn the farmer thought that the first animals to himself, watering them, gave them fresh hay and cleaned them. At the beginning of the century, in the fields began to see the first tractor. Were foreigners and had strong names like Titan and Mogul. Then came also the Italian trattoria. However, even in plain continued to plow with oxen until the late '50s.

The agro-ecosystem is an ecosystem altered by farming, an artificial structure whose stability is maintained by humans through the use of fertilizers, weed control actions, work. Intensive farming has replaced the old rural landscape consists of a set of ecosystems: the cultivated field, hedges, groves, rows of demarcation between the fields, ditches, the farmhouse, which was an eye-pleasing appearance.These are not changes that affect only the aesthetic, but they represent a form of ecological degradation. Today on the lands of Castelvetro Monticelli and it is increasingly evident the phenomenon of monoculture: significant extensions of land planted mainly to corn, tomatoes and a few other cereal species. Extended fields and continue where they are no longer irrigation canals, woods, tree lines, hedges which would prevent an easy and smooth working of soils and part shade to crops. Watching from the bank to the bank Maginot teacher and vice versa, one can observe small orchards planted still mixed in the traditional way and still maintain that for this large spaces between rows.

the grown

In Roman times, following the centuriazione, the land was divided into lots, assigned to immigrant settlers in the middle of the peninsula. The marshy land reclaimed once they became rich in clay and silt, very compact and suitable for cultivation.

Along the embankment teacher at the intersection with the levee Maginot, there is a building structurally different from the surrounding farms, with an attached conical construction 5-6 meters high. Today is a building where two families live, but in 40 years was used as a military fuel depot. The conical structure is a concrete bunker with walls about a meter thick. An underground passage led from the Maginot barracks, place of berthing of ships along the river Po, where it comes from fuel.

The old barrack (Babina)

The bridge

Built in 800 and destroyed during the bombing of the 2nd World War, was rebuilt after the war.

He was born with the founding of the Roman colony of Cremona (218-225 BC) to the need for a based on the other side of the Po Cross became part of Subium (zone located beyond the walled city of Cremona) in the Middle Ages Cross remained near the suburban area of Cremona. In 1754 the church was completed the Holy Spirit, built by John Toriani rich benefactor who donated time to the Bishop of Bicester. In 1942 the two bells in the bell tower were confiscated and used for the manufacture of a cannon in 1954 were replaced with other bells. Inside there are works of artistic interest: the body 800, the oil painting depicting the Pentecost Gallo Gallina. From the seventh century A. D. Mezzano Chitantolo settled in a community of nuns, who built a convent, a church and a hospice for the poor (now Villa Virginia), which extended around the orchards and crops. Over the centuries, other churches replaced the old one and there were times when closed for worship. Nl 1818 was opened by Don Luigi Sterzi was built in 1913 and a grotto devoted to the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes. Today the church is nestled in the neighborhood of Via Paris.

In addition to its intrinsic charm, this photo is valuable as a historical document: it offers us, on the left, a glimpse of the ancient church of Sant 'Agnese, so dear to the fishermen, boatmen and "sabbiarò", of which the saint was patron. In a few years the church will be demolished.

The floods

The low Po in the summer, swollen and violent in rainy periods. Suddenly explodes in dramatic whims. Once ran between marshy banks and when the Romans founded the city held it back to the shelter of its pitfalls. It took two thousand years to put the reins to the bit and we all hope that today they are secure.Now in the news for its ongoing concern and "lean" that Asset agriculture, but there were times when the Po has been a constant threat to Piacenza, and sometimes, unfortunately, deadly with its disastrous and overwhelming pain that often were flooding to the streets of Lower Town. Soak entire neighborhoods sowing destruction and new poverty. Those floods of the Po, are given in memory of our now legendary old, are realities that have marked the painful coexistence between Piacenza and its river.

Flood of 1907Farm wagons (the famous "Tibar"), tubs and boats overloaded with people: one has to make do somehow. With the large capacity of adattamendo Piacenza, trying to alleviate the severe hardships caused by the flood. The piaena also broke down the embankment and Malcantone to Santo Stefano Lodi, people have found refuge on the roofs. E 'on October 31. At 20, marks the hydrometer m. 6.30 and the water level continues to fall. Four days earlier he had scored a coup full of m. 8.76.

high anthropogenic pressure due to the economic activities along the Po poor management of the natural, largely used for agriculture and that the poplar trees and shrubs reduce the spontaneous and the stagnation of waterchanges of the riverbed and banks Alluvial areas with access to equityhunting and the presence of numerous lead shot, and after the killing is the second leading cause of death for the birds water pollution due to sewage, urban and industrial discharges the introduction of animal and plant species aloctonethe presence of illegal dumps mining activities

Main threats ecosystem of the river Po

In summer, the banks were a popular destination for many young people, children and families. The spiaggioni were frequented by the inhabitants of Spinadesco, but also by people from neighboring countries. Close to the beach when there was still the brush during the fascist period had been established a colony for boys. The children spent a pleasant holiday in a game and a bath in river. Meeting place for local children but also in neighboring countries such as Sesto Cremonese and CAVATIGOZZI. Once collected the group, in single file, past a thicket of willows and reached the wide beach. Children to strengthen the body did gymnastics, but there were also playful. Had fun on the slopes of Italy to play around with marbles, they were running and playing hide and seek. The little ones looked forward to the 16 to enjoy a rich snack shack Olga. Then again to play, sunbathe and take a dip.

Summer on the Po

Kids in the Colonies Padane colony in '43.

At that time the river did not have the same pitfalls of today, and the beach resort area was considered. However, there were dangers, so the Po was watched over by lifeguards improvised on several occasions they have saved people in need. Families also spent the summer along the river banks. On Sunday organized real picnic. Only after World War II, near the colony, always in the coast zone, the canopy was founded by Aldo Guzzini. Aldo attracted people with his accordion. The manager was famous for its fish from the river, always fresh. In addition to freshwater fish offers its customers meats, including salami, cooked shoulder, cup, cheese and salads but also for everyone. Aldo could also hire boats, such as yawl and the Veneto, for a walk on the Po Elders, from May to September, met to play cards or the morra, then banned. The award was playing a good glass of wine consumed directly to the kiosk.

The fauna of the PoPeter, the mascot of the Maginot

All efforts to save Peter, who for more than one year from the stationary parts of the Maginot and adopted by fans of the Po Experts have said that despite his white feathers are stained with oil, continued to swim quietly and keep away from hydrocarbons emanates river.

Easily recognizable by its blue-gray color and large size (90-98 cm), builds its nest in trees near the highest in the heronry power environments, rivers, farmlands, waterways, meadows. It feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, small mammals and reptiles.

The wildlife of rivers and wetlandsGrey heron

Little egret

Unique for the totally white plumage, black legs and beak, eyes yellow feet. Smaller (55-65 cm) long heronries nests in rice fields, oxbow lakes, rivers and canals. During the breeding season on the back and chest feathers grow ornamental vaporous vaporous (aigrette) than in the past were because of ruthless hunting, ornamental pear trees that looked like hats lady.

Eye

It belongs to the family of waders and hosts spiaggioni Po, where it nests in the most internal, not subject to disturbance of 'man and little vegetation. It is a rare species to be seen due to the simplification of river beds, the flash floods during the spawning period, of the 'impact of motorized vehicles and the presence of' man.

Kingfisher

A small bird with a pointed beak and sturdy and brightly colored plumage. It is linked to the presence of clean water and teeming with fish and bare slopes where it nests by digging tunnels in the walls of sand or clay, habitat less and less frequent due to the construction of massive stone or concrete.

Gull

Very common species, is recognizable by its large size and the big yellow beak: it is much smaller than the common gull.

Bittern

Bird plumage camouflage, who lives among the reeds. And because it remains difficult to observe long-hidden among the vegetation, and because in recent years, the 'habitat of the bittern is in decline.

Hen 'water

It lives in swamps and wetlands, among the reeds and riparian vegetation. It is characterized by dark plumage and red bill.

Mallard

It 's the most common and widespread duck, the ancestor of domestic ducks. The male is easily recognizable from the head of bright green, while the female has a less showy plumage. The 'optimal environment is the swamp, but the duck is a species that adapts to very different environments.

Amphibians are closely related to wetlands: the 'alteration or destruction of these areas has resulted in their decline. The most common species are the green frogs, the frog, arboreal species, the common toad and the toad, the recognizable patches of emerald green. Endemic species of the Po Valley is the Lataste frog, a frog from his throat dark red. Once very common in oxbow lakes, channels and debris were newts, now extinct or very rare because of the 'alteration of their habitats and' water pollution. The most common reptiles are snakes's water as the grass snake, grass snake, or anchors, and more specialized to life in water and the predation of fish, so called because of the blackish spots like anchors. The reptile more related to wetlands and marsh turtle, now very rare due to indiscriminate harvesting and trade, from 'alteration of' habitats' American introduction of exotic species.

Amphibians and reptiles

Fish

In recent decades, the fish population has undergone profound changes due to changes in the river beds and dams, the presence of pollutants, the construction of artificial dams, draining of the summer due to the findings and the presence of dams, the introduction of species now naturalized exotic (catfish, catfish, carp). The typical species are now very rare tench which is located almost exclusively in oxbow lakes of the Po and in some channels in the area of Caorso; the pike in the river Po, in the launch of Caorso and some springs of Alseno, eel in the river Po, in the oxbow lakes and river mouths of major rivers, the stickleback, virtually disappeared from the territory, the sturgeon, which only occurs downstream of the barrier island of seraphim.

Specimen of sturgeon

Magpie

It belongs to the family of corvids and together with the hooded crow is a very common species, thanks to its adaptability. It is recognizable by the black and white plumage. The nests are visible on the tops of several trees.

The wildlife of the woods

Pheasant

Hailing from the 'Asia, of course, was not present on our territory, but introduced with abundant and continuous release for hunting and then shot down each fall.

Great Tit

Very common and widespread in the woods, is an insectivorous bird, and for this very useful to 'man, so that often favors nesting. Easily recognizable by the yellow-bellied black strip crossed by a typical white mask.

MammalsIn the plain of large mammals are long gone, with the introduction of firearms, long before the major environmental change: the case of the beaver and the wolf disappeared first, followed by wild boar and deer. In the last century the otter has become extinct. The fox and marten are slowly re-colonizing the area. Currently it is difficult to see mammals in wetlands and cultivated with the exception of the otter and the hare. There are small mammals such as bats (bats) and small rodents (shrew d 'water,' vole 's water, the harvest mouse).

Hare

Mickey Mouse of rice fields

Wolf

Fox

Otter

CURIOSITY

The threat of exotic species

Some species of animals and plants imported for ornamental or recreational purposes, have been introduced in the wetlands. Favored by the absence of natural enemies, are often entered into competition with native species for space use and food resources, sometimes assuming the role of predators. In the wetlands of the Po Valley invasive species that cause the most problems are the nutria, catfish, shrimp, Louisiana and Florida turtles.

Tortoise florida

Louisiana Shrimp

NutriaOriginally from South America was introduced for its fur in Italy in the '20s. The low economic value of this activity has led since the early 70's release or escape of these animals that now have become acclimated and whose eradication is virtually impossible (no predators). The nutria causing damage to the banks of streams and wetlands, because it digs deep tunnels (burrows), agricultural crops, the aquatic vegetation and reed beds.

TorpedoHailing from the 'Asia and Europe 's Eastern. It was introduced in Italy since the '50s - '60s for fishing in lakes. From there it spread as a result of introducing more or less voluntarily in open water and is currently in acclimatized Po A large size and is a voracious predator: it feeds on fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, birds and chicks. The eradication is impossible, but the Emilia Romagna has allowed fishing without limit of size and quantity of daily and seasonal. It is prohibited to trade for release into waterways, farms and fishing lakes in the fee.

The aquatic vegetation and reed beds

In a stream or a pond there are well-differentiated bands of vegetation. Proceeding from the center toward the shore, decreasing the depth of water, one another: a zone of floating and submerged vegetation: examples are the water chestnut, the bite of frog or duckweed, an area with floating plants in surface but rooted to the bottom: the white water lilies and yellow water lilies (or nannuferi) are an example, a marshland with plants that have roots in water, but the stems, branches and leaves areas: reeds made of reeds and reed-mace, and finally a riparian area with terrestrial species, but able to withstand prolonged immersion, such as willows. Once very common in streams, ponds, oxbow lakes and canals, aquatic vegetation is now rare and not very diverse, due to pollution, destruction or alteration of wetlands, introduction of exotic species of animals and plants invasive.

Plant

ROBINIA

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

leguminose

rosali

Angiosperma

dicotiledone

fanerogame

robinia

pseudoacacia

classification

ONTANO

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

fanerogame

Betulacee

fagali

Angiorperma

dicotiledoni

alnus

Glutinosa

ZUCCHINO SELVATICO

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

fanerogame

sinandrali

Angiosperma

Dicotiledone

cucurbitacee

PIOPPO CIPRESSINO

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

fanerogame

populus

nigra

salicacee

salicali

Angiosperma

Dicotiledone

ROVO

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

rubus

ulmifolius

fanerogame

rosacee

rosali

Angiosperma

dicotiledoni

ROBINIA

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

leguminose

rosali

Angiosperma

dicotiledone

fanerogame

robinia

pseudoacacia

Bambù

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

graminacee

bambusa

arundinacea

glumiflore

Angiosperma

Monocotiledone

Fanerogame

It is the oak species most typical of the Po Valley is found in the woods and hedges, prefers moist soil and deep. It is up to 40 m high, the bark is gray and wrinkled, blooms in April and May, the fruits (acorns) fall in October. The hard wood is used for fine furniture making and to produce quality charcoal. The acorns are used as food for pigs.

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

DivisioneFarnia

robur

Qercus

fagacee

fagali

angiosperme dicotiledoni

fanerogame

Along with the oak forests of the plains is the (now rare). It is a plant that can reach 25 m, has a smooth, gray bark. Often used in the hedges because his hair thick and has a large 'share of shelterbelts. The wood is used as fuel for the production of coal and, in the past for the construction of working tools such as yokes of oxen.

Carpino

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

Carpinus

…….…

betullacee

fagali

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

fanerogame

Salice bianco

typical tree riparian forests along the rivers' water, growing on deep fertile soils, which are subject to periodic flooding, it is often associated with black poplar. It can reach 25 m, the bark is gray and cracked, the branches are directed towards the 'up and down' exterior, gray-silver. There are many species of willows, often used for ornamental purposes. Others like the willow and red willow from 'appearance shrub found on river gravel beds of streams, but the white willow is the' only one to take arboreal behavior. Used for the consolidation of banks and river banks, for the production of rattan strings (made with the bark soft and pliable), for the construction of tall ladders for picking fruit. Once the willow was also used for the production of 'aspirin, salicin, thanks to the contents of the cortex (essence acting febrifuge).

Scala botanica del Salice

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

Salix

alba

salicacee

salicali

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

fanerogame

They can reach 30-40m. Variety is the black poplar poplars, which is often used for tree-lined avenues.

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione Pioppo nero

fanerogameAngiosperme dicotiledoni

salicali

salicacee

Populus

nigra

Smaller than the previous (20-30 m) is so called because the long stalk is the leaves tremble in the wind. Typical of the river shores and wild meadows. Plant fast-growing poplar trees are used as decoration along the boulevards, in the 'paper industry, production of packaging, and plywood. The name populus originally seemed to be referring to the thick woods that as a "people" of the various species formed along the rivers. In many lowland areas it was believed that the large poplar trees near where they felled trees or other if they were shaken by the wind and storms.

Pioppo tremolo

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

fanerogame

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

salicali

salicacee

populus

tremula

Plants typical of very wet soils, the same is located along rivers with willows and poplars. High end in the 25m has dark bark. The wood in contact with 'water becomes very hard for this and once was used for the construction of piles. Today the alders in the territory are very rare.

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

DivisioneOntano

alnus

betullacee

fagali

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

fanerogame

………

Originally from the United States and imported to Europe in 1700 is now naturalized with the ability to colonize the most hostile environments. It lies along the hedgerows, river banks and in mixed forests. U weed is, even if today is the 'only element of the plant consolidation scarpatelle. It is recognizable by its white flowers in clusters that appear between May and June and for the plugs. Valued for honey made from it (acacia).

Robinia

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

fanerogame

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

rosali

rosacee

robinia

Pseudo-acacia

Grows up to 18-20 meters, typical of rows and hedges. Native to China, was imported to the 'rearing of silkworms. The black mulberry (Morus nigra) is similar to white, but with dark fruits.

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

DivisioneGelso

morus

moracee

urticali

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

fanerogame

…………..

Grows up to 20-30 meters, ashen bark that with the 'age gap in plaques. It is found in woods and hedges, especially along the country roads, such as agricultural species. The nuts are enclosed in a green hull and fleshy. Bred for high quality wood and fruit, the husk is used for the production of the "walnut".

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione Noce

fanerogame

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

juglandali

juglandacee

Julans

regia

Thorny shrub typical of hedgerows, fallow shares, forests and undergrowth near the streams' water, is an undemanding species so widespread, often weed.

Rovo

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

ulmifolius

rubus

rosacee

rosali

Angiosperma

dicotliedone

fanerogame

Thorny shrub or small tree, typical of hedgerows and woodland. The flowers are white and appear between April and May.

Biancospino

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

monogyna

Cratargus

rosacee

rosali

Angiosperme dicotiledoni

fanerogame

Thorny shrub typical of hedgerows at the edge of woods and fields. The white flowers appear in March and April. The fruits are blue-black are coated with a waxy layer and used for the preparation of jams and liqueurs. As for the blackthorn hawthorn is an excellent nesting site and food source for birds and insects.

Prugnolo

Specie

Genere

Famiglia

Ordine

Classe

Divisione

spinosa

prunus

rosacee

rosali

Angiosperma

dicotiledone

fanerogame

Visnaga maggioreFanerogameAngio. Dico.ubbelaliombrellifereAmni majus

Stramonio comuneFanerogameAngio. Dico.TubifloraliSolanaceeDatura stramonium

Cencio molleFanerogameAngio.dico.MalvaliMalvaceeAbutilon theophrasti

Amaranto comuneFanerogameAngio.dico.centrospermaliAmarantaceeAmaranthus retroflexus

Farinello comuneAngio.dico.CentrospermaliChenopodiaceeChenopodium album

CardoAngio.dico.Sinandrali Composite Cirsius arvense

EquisetoEquisetaliEquisetaceeEquisetum arvense

PapaveroFanerogameAngio.dico.PapaveraliPapaveraceePapaver rhoeas

CamomillaFanerogameAngio. Dico.CompositeMatricaria chamomilla

Erba morellafanerogameAngio. Dico.TublifloraliSolanaceeSolanum nigrum

Water Analysis

- white turbidity = traces of chlorides

- slightly cloudy white traces of sulphates

- no presence of nitrates and phosphates

- water hardness= 23.3

Water collected at Ponticello Castelvetro Piacentino.

Historical Map of the River Po near Piacenza

Historical Map of the River Po

Historical map represent the Maginot oxbow and a stretch of river passing through Castelvetro Piacentino

The map shows the stretch of the river Po near Piacenza

Fields in the vicinity, cultivation of onions

the area seriously dead

Sommario Plant Canal Serio Morto Sluice gates Mais, mulching and fertiziling Analysis of soil and water Fertilizes/ pesticides/herbicides Farmhouse Camozza Rot Scale botanical Animals and insect

Pizzighettone topographic map of area: the area circled in red Serio died

This place is not far from the village of Pizzighettone and is bordered to the east and south by the final stretch of the canal Serio died, as a result, flows in 'Adda and west from' Adda same.

Serio's photos on the right over the reeds, there are fields and the distant bell Pizzighettone

The channel Serio in its final stretch before the gates.In the first picture on the right side of the walls Pizighettone.In this position, you can hear the 'echo.

Fields in the floodplain, in the uncultivated area lives a colony of rabbits and hens and herons fishing in the 'water.

The gates

The gates placed at the end of the channel Serio, were built around 1933. Serve to regulate the water flow towards the channel 'Adda in order to ensure an appropriate level to' irrigate the fields. In case of rain, the gates are raised, this prevents water from the canal overflowed.

The gates are equipped with an automatic adjustment of the level of minimum \ maximum.

corn

This wetlands is still used by farmers to cultivate the surrounding farms. During this time the fields are planted with corn, which was later cut and intended for use as winter cattle.

The dirt road passes through the fields

The fields in all alluvial cover 34 hectares of land.

This year 's sowing of maize took place on March 23, the shredding will be the penultimate week of August

The class phenology of maize is 135 days

The chopping

Harvesting of maize has already happened.

The corn plants were harvested, and now with the tractor spreads manure to feed the earth.

Winter

Same field of more photos, but this time the snow-covered. In the distance you see two towers: one to the left of the church of S. Bottom right of the church of S. Pietro in Gera (small fraction of Pizzighettone on 'other side of the Adda).

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Soil analysis report

Fertilizers distribuited (kg/ha) N 150,0 P2O5 100,0 K2O 80,0

Organic fertilizers distribuited (q/ha) Manure 850 Sewage 450

Water analysis report

From the research we have done on water samples taken in Serio died, we can say that:

Chlorides are present There are sulfates There aren’t nitrates There are phosphates The hardness of 'water is 16.5

Grit

Skeletal (> 2 mm) 5 % scarso

Sand (2,0 – 0,05 mm) 43,8 %

Silt (0,05 – 0,002 mm) 40,05 %

Clay (< 0,002 mm) 15,7 %

Texture (Secondo classificazione USDA ) Franca

analytical parameters pH (H2O) 7,4 sub-alkaline total calcare 14,8 % Average calcareous Organic carbon 2,0 % Rapporto C/N 10,8 Balanced Rapport Ca/Mg 12,4 high Rapport Mg/K 1,9 Medium Total N 1,83 g/kg Assimilable P 69 ppmP2O5 Assimilable K 164,0 ppmK2O Organic matter 3,4 %

CSC 17,3 meq/100g Ca exchangeable 3228 ppmCa Mg exchangeable 260 ppmMg

DOSE P ENRICHMENT Do not add a dose of enrichment in the coming years

DOSE K ENRICHMENT

Do not add a dose of enrichment in the coming years

BASIS OF FERTILITY INDEX

NITROGEN 1850

PHOSPHORUS 1756

POTASSIUM 1860

Fertilizers Maize: 600 kg / h of slurry, sodium sowing 200U,

300U and 240u of phosphorus potassium, to cover 100-200U of phosphorus and potassium, nitrogen 40U to weeding.

Herbal Medicine: 50U 70U of phosphorus and potassium.

Gear: On the first and second cut 150 kg / h of slurry.

Herbicides

The herbicides are given:

in the case of preemergenza "GLUMAX" 4l / h

In the case of post-emergence "GHIBLI" 1l / h

Herbal medical herbicides can not be given because the rot, the water passing over them laverebbe on.

farmhouse “Camozza”

The owners of this farm have given me all the information needed for research because they are owners of various fields in the area of Serio morto.

In this farm there are about 350 but now only 140 cows are milked every day and produces 3920 liters of milk.

Marcita

In recent years, science and technology have made great strides with innovations in all fields. The new findings also involve our agricultural sector. Just in recent years the environment has undergone drastic changes.The agriculture of today is based on the work of equipment and increasingly advanced technology replaces the manual work of a man once.Needs become increasingly complex and the inevitable changes of the surrounding area that has characteristics very different from 50 to 60 years ago. We pay particular attention to the evolution of rivers and canals, more and more rare nowadays. The modern irrigation is far more advanced and also allows water directly from the underground aquifer, thus avoiding to draw water from the canal. The landscape has completely changed and will continue to change over the years.The rivers are still a source of fresh water used by many farmers and if they fail these courses, agriculture will suffer great damage and even though modern technology and innovations are becoming more commonplace in our society, not We must remember the vital role of agriculture in our waterways.

Taken care of

Classes 2^Istituto Tecnico Agrario Statale

“Stanga” – Cremona

Italy

Teacher Coordinator: Prof.ssa Erica Cavedagna

IMPORTANT. It authorizes the use by WWF / Oracle Education Foundation of the present work for the initiatives of documentation and communication of the program.