Crescimento inicial de três espécies arbóreas nativas em áreas degradadas da caatinga.

Abstract

Initial growth of three native tree species in degraded areas of the caatinga. The semiarid region in northeastern Brazil presents serious problems of environmental degradation, especially as a result of human activity and inadequate management of the Caatinga. The processes of degraded areas recovery have the objective to maximize environmental resilience. These processes may be accelerated by the re-introduction of pioneer tree species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the initial growth of three native tree species (Poincianella pyramidalis, Mimosa tenuiflora and Cnidoscolus quercifolius in degraded Caatinga sites. The three experimental treatments (species) were randomized according to a randomized block design with five replications (blocks). Five months after planting, seedling survival was similar (P>5%) for all species (>93%). Mimosa tenuiflora showed higher length and basal diameter growth (P<1%), averaging 224.2 cm/plant and 25.8 mm/plant, respectively. Cnidoscolus quercifolius was intermediary, averaging 69.4 cm/plant and 16.5 mm/plant, respectively for plant length and basal diameter. Poincianella pyramidalis tended to grow less, although statistically similar (P>5%) to C. quercifolius, averaging 54.0 cm/plant and 811 mm/plant, respectively. Mimosa tenuiflora and C. quercifolius planting in degraded areas is recommended, and shows the perspective of re-establish soil tree cover and re-insert degraded areas into the productive system (firewood and forage).