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The equilibrium adsorption and binding of DNA from Bacillus subtilis on complexes of montmorillonite–humic acids Al or Fe hydroxypolymers (Al–M–HA or Fe–M–HA) at different M/HA ratios, the desorption of DNA, the capacity of bound DNA to transform competent cells of B. subtilis in vitro, and the protection of bound DNA from degradation by free and organomineral‐bound DNase I are reported. Adsorption was rapid (maximal after 2 h), occurred from pH 3 to 10, and was higher on Al–M–HA than on Fe–M–HA. Saturation of the sites on the surface or between the layers of Al– or Fe–M–HA occurred with only some complexes, depending on how the complexes were prepared. Essentially no desorption under stringent conditions was observed. Bound DNA transformed auxotrophic competent cells of B. subtilis, although at a lower frequency than free DNA. Bound DNA was protected more than free DNA against degradation by DNase I, and differences in resistance to degradation between free and bound DNA were more evident when DNase was also bound on the organomineral complexes.

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The maintenance of certain levels of old forest represents a cornerstone of the EU's biodiversity management strategy. A consensus on a single general ecological definition of old-growth is particularly difficult in Mediterranean Europe. The present paper deals with old-growth forests and persistent woodlands in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (PNCVD) to give an ecological understanding of forest complexity and dynamics under a multiscale and multidisciplinary perspective. The multiscale approach ranged from the identification and mapping of potential old-growth stands at landscape scale to a two-level field review of forest stand features. Field sampling involved a multidisciplinary team of researchers in forest structure, pedologic environment, soil microbial activity, flora and vegetation and deadwood components. The research provided sound knowledge about old-growthness features in the PNCVD that constitutes a unique case study in the whole Mediterranean basin. The integration of results allowed to: identify main ecosystem functions and the related services of the old-growth forests in the study area; distinguish persistent woodlands, multi-aged stands with old trees deriving from nineteenth-century management practices, from old-growth forests sensu strictu ; recognize indicators of direct and indirect impacts of human activities; suggest effective practices for sustainable management in the Mediterranean context.

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