Seminario Internazionale INCONTRI D'ARTE E SCIENZE BOTANICHE. Realizzato da Italia Nostra Onlus Sez. Castiglione del Lago il 30 aprile 2016 presso Palazzo della Corgna.

1. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION
OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL LANDSCAPE
A G R I C U LT U R A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F AT H E N S
L A B O R AT O R Y O F F L O R I C U LT U R E A N D L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T U R E
E L E C T R A K A N E L L O U
P h D c a n d i d a t e

2. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
THALIS – ARCHAEOSCAPE
“Integrated management of vegetation at archaeological sites to protect
monuments and enhance the historical landscape”
AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS - UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS
INTRODUCTION
THALIS – ARCHEOSCAPE Program work packages
•WP.1: Assess current situation - Record vegetation in seven archaeological sites
•WP.2: Develop alternative methods of weed control for archaeological sites
•WP.3: Assess shrubby and herbaceous native species for use in archaeological sites
•WP.4: Develop design proposals for three selected archaeological sites

3. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
• Archaeological sites are grouped geographically into 51 Regional Archaeological Ephorates
• Currently there are no official guidelines pertaining to vegetation management in
archaeological sites in Greece by the ministry of Culture
• Since there is no official protocol the director of each Ephorate decides what methodology will
be used in the sites that they oversee
• There is no official record of what methodologies are used
W. P. 1 C U R R E N T S I T U AT I O N – Q U E S T I O N N A I R E R E S E A R C H
QUESTIONNAIRE RESEARCH
into methodologies applied for weed management and archaeological landscape perception and
design, addressed to all Regional Archaeological Ephorates

4. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
47.8
51.1
63
76.7
77.4
Obstruction of visitor access
Visual obstruction of the monument
Obstruction of excavation and
restoration works
Threat of fire during the dry summer
period
Mechanical damages
Which of these problems to you consider extremely
serious that demand immediate response?
Related to
height growth
of
herbaceous
species
Related to
woody
perennial
species
W. P. 1 C U R R E N T S I T U AT I O N – Q U E S T I O N N A I R E R E S E A R C H

5. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
P R O B L E M S A S S O C I AT E D W I T H V E G E TAT I O N I N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L
S I T E S

6. 3.8
3.8
5.8
7.7
32.7
76.9
92.3
I don’t know
Other
Tillage
Grazing
Chemical means (herbicides)
Hand weeding
String trimming
What methods do you use to limit unwanted vegetation in your
ephorate?
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 1 C U R R E N T S I T U AT I O N – Q U E S T I O N N A I R E R E S E A R C H

7. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 1 C U R R E N T S I T U AT I O N – Q U E S T I O N N A I R E R E S E A R C H
String trimming and hand weeding
• Expensive
• Ineffective
Pesticides
• Aesthetic and environmental degradation
• Deterioration to architectural parts (if in contact)
• Lack of trained personnel raises questions about
personal and environmental safety

8. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
• Flaming
• Soil solarization
• Reburial
• Early fruit drop
• Precision application of pesticides
Methods that are friendly towards the monument and the environment

9. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
F L A M I N G
• Flaming is a process of exposing plant tissue to heat generated by a propane flamer
• Non chemical method, acceptable in organic farming systems
• Plant tissue is not incinerated (not burning)
• Only for free surfaces
• Applied early in the growing season (December-January)

10. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
F L A M I N G
• Experimental fields in three archaeological sites
• Six flaming treatments and untreated control plots
• Measurements included % weed control, average height and plant biomass weight
Experimental field -Early
Christian Amfipolis

11. C
4t3.5b3t3.5b2t3.5b
4t2b3t2b2t2b
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
F L A M I N G - R E S U LT S

12. Untreated control plots Best flaming treatment
Weed control (%) 0 95%
Height (cm) 60 9
Weight reduction (%) 0 95
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
F L A M I N G - R E S U LT S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL

13. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
S O I L S O L A R I Z AT I O N
• Soil solarization is a process that includes soil mulching with plastic sheets during the
warmest months of the year (duration 6 weeks)
• Soil temperature is raised to levels that are capable of killing weed seeds
• Non chemical method, acceptable in organic farming systems
• Only for free surfaces

14. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
S O I L S O L A R I Z AT I O N
• Experiments were carried out in the Agricultural University of Athens
• Two types of plastic: clear and opaque
• Two application periods: early and late
• Two types of soil preparation: no preparation and tillage

15. W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
S O I L S O L A R I Z AT I O N
Solarized plots
Untreated control plots
Oct MarFebJanDecNov
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL

16. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
E A R LY F R U I T D R O P
• Many archaeological sites in Greece have olive trees as ornamental
• Olive fruits are dispersed through wind and birds - intense colonization of the monument by olive
treelings
• Prevention of the problem would be achieved by inducing vey early fruit drop before the fruits are
mature

17. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
E A R LY F R U I T D R O P
• Fruit drop can be induced by applying NAA (plant hormone), when fruits are 2-3 mm, causing
them to drop early
• Experimentation included five doses of NAA and untreated control branches
• Measurements included number of fruits before and after the treatments

18. 32 42 50 73 74 81
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0 100 200 300 400 500
Fruitdrop(%)
ΝΑΑ Dose (ppm)
W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
E A R LY F R U I T D R O P
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL

19. W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
R E B U R I A L
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL

20. W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
R E B U R I A L
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Gravel (5cm)
Geotextile
LECA (20cm)
Geotextile
Quartz sand (2cm)
Ceramic tiles
Woven geotextile
Non woven geotextile
Two types of geotextile: woven and non woven
Two types of rainfall: high and low

21. W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
R E B U R I A L
Low
rainfall
High
rainfall
Jan SepJoulMayMar
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Wovengeotextile

22. W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
R E B U R I A L
Low
rainfall
High
rainfall
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Nonwovengeotextile
Jan SepJoulMayMar

23. W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
P R E C I S I O N A P P L I C AT I O N O F H E R B I C I D E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Precision application of herbicides either by injection or by brushing the stem
Treelings of Ailanthus altissima and Capparis spinosa
Solution:
100 g Round-Up 68 SG
per 300 ml νερού

24. W. P. 2 W E E D C O N T R O L M E T H O D S F O R A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
P R E C I S I O N A P P L I C AT I O N O F H E R B I C I D E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Treated treelings
September 5,
2014
September 30,
2014
Untreated control

25. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 3 A S S E S S S H R U B Y S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L
S I T E S
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Species of the
local flora
Species related
to the history of
the site
Species with low
maintenance
Species with
impressive
flowers
Aromatic species
What kind of plants you would prefer to be used in an archaeological
site ? (rate as 1, most attractive to 5, less attractive)
5
4
3
2
1

26. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
A S S E S S S H R U B Y S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
SELECTION CRITERIA
• Protection of the monument (species without aggressive root systems, that do not easily
establish on walls, within cracks, or spread uncontrollably)
• Historical significance to the archaeological site
• Type of growth
• Plant height and width
• Ornamental value
• Selection of 12 native species
• Study of propagation protocols (in vitro, ex vitro, seed, graft)
• Establishment in archaeological sites

27. A S S E S S S H R U B Y S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
Anthyllis hermanniae Anthyllis barba-jovis
Calamintha nepeta Calamintha creticaBallota acetabulosa
Atriplex halimus

28. A S S E S S S H R U B Y S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
Ballota acetabulosa
Teucrium capitatum
Thymelaea tartonrairaThymelaea hirsuta
Lomelosia hymettiaLomelosia cretica

29. A S S E S S S H R U B Y S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
Propagation Establishment in archaeological sites
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL

30. W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
WILD FLOWER MEADOWS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Low maintenance
• Suppression of weed populations
Purpose of this w.p. was to study the establishment of sown wild flower meadows appropriate for
use in archaeological sites

31. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
Seed mixes design
Species were selected among 350 taxa that were
recorded in seven archaeological sites across Greece
during W.P.1 of the program

32. W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Species selection criteria
• Low average height
• Sufficient ground cover
• Lack of aggressiveness towards the monument
• Seed availability in the local and international market
Two seed mixes
M1: International market seeds
M2: Local market seeds

33. W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Species
Num of
seeds/m2
Num of
seeds/m2
g/m2
1 Bellis perennis 2ν 140 0,02
2 Calendula arvensis ν 70 0,91
3 Heliotropium europium 2ν 140 0,11
4 Lotus corniculatus 2ν 140 0,13
5 Matricaria recutita 2ν 140 0,01
6 Medicago lupulina ν 70 0,12
7 Medicago polymorpha ν 70 0,33
8 Papaver rhoeas 2ν 140 0,01
9 Plantago lanceolata ν 70 0,12
10 Portulaca oleraceae 2ν 140 0,02
11 Trifolium repens 2ν 140 0,09
12 Trifolium subterraneum ν 70 0,83
13 Veronica persica 2ν 140 0,06
14 Viola arvensis 2ν 140 0,06
Total 1.610 2,82

34. W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
Είδος
Num of
seeds/m2
Num of
seeds/m2
g/m2
1 Matricaria recutita 2ν 240 0,03
2 Medicago polymorpha 2ν 240 1,13
3 Papaver rhoeas 2ν 240 0,02
4 Portulaca oleraceae 2ν 240 0,11
5 Taraxacum officinale 2ν 240 0,13
6 Trifolium campestre ν 120 0,17
7 Trifolium repens 2ν 240 0,16
Total 1.560 1,75

35. W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
267
247
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Μ1 Μ2
Numberofseedlingperm2

36. W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
100
73
38
37
32
12
9
5
2
0
0
0
0
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Calendula arvensis
Trifolium subterraneum
Medicago polymorpha
Matricaria recutita
Plantago lanceolata
Veronica persica
Papaver rhoeas
Viola arvensis
Trifolium repens
Bellis perennis
Heliotropium europium
Lotus corniculatus
Medicago lupulina
Portulaca oleraceae
Seedling emergence (%)
43
36
18
14
7
0
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
Medicago polymorpha
Matricaria recutita
Papaver rhoeas
Trifolium campestre
Trifolium repens
Portulaca oleraceae
Taraxacum officinale
Seedling emergence (%)

37. W. P. 3 A S S E S S H E R B A C E O U S S P E C I E S F O R U S E I N
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
With mowing Without mowing
Μ1
Μ2

38. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 4 D E V E L O P M E N T O F D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S F O R T H R E E
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
78.8
19.2
1.9
Yes No I don't
know
Is vegetation an integral
part of the archaeological
landscape?
100
0 0
Yes No I don't
know
Can a landscape design
improve the functionality
and appearance of a site;

39. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 4 D E V E L O P M E N T O F D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S F O R T H R E E
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
PRINCIPLES
• The new plantings should not put to risk or hide existing structures
• Species that are connected to the local ancient history or endemic species are the most suitable
• Low maintenance cost should be taken into consideration
• Attention should be given to the creation of shady spaces for the visitors of the site

40. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 4 D E V E L O P M E N T O F D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S F O R T H R E E
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S
Amfipolis
Kolona

41. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
W. P. 4 D E V E L O P M E N T O F D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S F O R T H R E E
A R C H A E O L O G I C A L S I T E S

42. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
F U T U R E W O R K

43. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MONUMENT END THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HISTORICAL
THANK YOU