Papers by Gerald C. B. Smith
In the natural T. melanosporum truffle regions of Southern Europe, fine-textured soils present un... more In the natural T. melanosporum truffle regions of Southern Europe, fine-textured soils present unique challenges to prospective cultivators. With reference to the edaphic and climatic conditions encountered at a hazel plantation in Piedmont, Italy, this study examines these challenges in great detail, and presents a novel phytosociological approach to the analysis of suitable truffle habitat. Ellenberg Indicator Values for T. melanosporum are derived, and then used to quantitatively explain the link between Vitis vinifera, the common grape vine, and T. melanosporum habitats. The significance of a locally-udic moisture regime for T. melanosporum development is also explored. Important new cultural procedures, including the potential of host tree early-season defruiting to achieve enhanced mycelial and ascocarp growth, are introduced. The latest version discusses the significance of humus forms, and of the 'mesoMull/oligoMull boundary' in particular, in greater detail.
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Papers by Gerald C. B. Smith