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

Abstract

The semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil presents serious problems of environmental degradation, specially 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 (Caesalpinia pyramidalis, Mimosa tenuiflora and Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus in degraded Caatinga sites. Experimental design was randomized block design, with three treatments (species) and five replication (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 phyllacanthus was intermediary, averaging 69.4 cm/plant and 16.5 mm/plant, respectively for plant length and basal diameter. Caesalpinia pyramidalis tended to grow less, although statistically similar (P>5%) to C. phyllacanthus, averaging 54.0 cm/plant and 811 mm/plant, respectively. Mimosa tenuiflora and C. phyllacanthus planting in degraded areas is recommedned, and shows the perspective of re-establish soil tree cover and re-insert degraded areas into the productive system.