Avaliação de métodos de restauração florestal no entorno do Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Forest fragmentation caused by disorderly and indiscriminate use of natural resources has been one of the most responsible for the loss of biodiversity. The creation of ecological corridors and the maintenance of remaining forest fragments are ways to ensure the sustainability of forest remnants. The forest restoration, in its various application methods, is the way to restore forested areas and ensure the sustainability of forest environments; however, studies on the most appropriate methods for different situations are rarely found, as well as the evaluation and monitoring of restored areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate different restoration methods in areas surrounding the “Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro”, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, implemented by the Project for the Protection of the Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais - PROMATA/MG, in order to understand the succession process established in the areas based on restoration actions and the differences established between each restoration method adopted. Three areas within the same farm restored by the planting of native species (Area A), enrichment of secondary forests (Area B), and natural regeneration (Area C) were evaluated. Twenty plots with 25 m2 were defined for this purpose, which all individuals taller than 30 cm and CAP less than 15 cm were identified and measured. The phytosociological indexes for each area were calculated, as well as the diversity index of Shannon, Pielou’s evenness and Sorensen similarity indexes. Overall, 64 species were identified, 28 in area A, 39 in area B and 15 in area C. Only species Solanum swartzianum Roem. & Schult., Tibouchina granulosa (Desr.) Cogn and Myrsine coriacea (Sw.) Roem. & Schult are common to all three areas. The diversity index found in the three areas were 2.57 in area A, 3.23 in area B, and 2.26 in the C and the similarity between areas was low, the lowest between areas B and C (14.6 %) and the highest between areas A and B (24.2%). These results demonstrate that the actions implemented in the areas according to each restoration method adopted interfere with their natural regeneration, forming different forest structures. Areas A and C still have a forest structure of initial stage and area B already has an understorey with richness of species, although in low development.