Regeneração natural de algaroba (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC no horto florestal do CSTR / UFCG, Patos - PB.

Abstract

The potential colonization of invasive species introduced in the Caatinga has threatened the natural regeneration of native species. The introduction of P. juliflora, which aimed to offer tree fodder to the herds of the semiarid region throughout the year, currently puts at risk several areas where it dominates. The objective of this work was to characterize the natural regeneration of P. juliflora, verifying the density of the regenerating individuals at different growth stages according to diametric and height classes in a Caatinga area invaded by this species, located in the thicket nearby CSTR/UFCG, Patos Campus - PB. In the area, 15 plots of 25 m2 were collected for soil diameter (DN) and height of regenerating individuals, and chest circumference (CAP) and height estimates of adult individuals were determined. The results show an estimated density of 7380 ind/ha-1 and 3800 ind/ha-1, respectively, for regenerating and adult individuals. The predominance of regenerating individuals in height Class II with variation between 0.5 and 1.5 m was recorded, while in diameter the highest concentration occurred in diameter Class I, composed of individuals with lower values ranging between 0.2 and 12 mm. According to the data, it is concluded that P. juliflora has a high potential for natural regeneration, evidenced by the high density of regenerating individuals, with a higher occurrence in the first two diametric and height classes.