Sistema de semeadura aérea por foguetes hidropneumáticos como ferramenta de recuperação de cobertura vegetal em áreas degradadas na caatinga: um estudo de viabilidade

Abstract

Recovering degraded areas is a difficult process, where the history and intensity of use of these lands, combined with the prevailing natural conditions, are fundamental variables. In addition, the implementation of existing techniques is often limited due to their high cost. All these factors are even more expressive in biomes with low rainfall and large areas where part of the vegetation cover is suppressed. This work deals with the experimental dispersal of seeds of native plant species of the Caatinga biome, for the purpose of recovering areas degraded by various secular anthropic actions. The methodology consisted of using low-cost rockets, propelled by pressurized water and air, equipped with an active ejection system of the payload, as well as recovery, intended for the aerial dispersal of seeds, based on the nucleation technique, respecting the process of ecological succession. Seeds encapsulated in a bentonite clay pellet, Kraft paper and coconut powder (Cocos nucifera) were used in the experiment to offer resistance to predation, aerodynamic uniformity and greater moisture containment in the species Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill, Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) E. Gagnon & G.P. Lewis and Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Steud, common in this biome, and their evolution was monitored in the field, observing if they would germinate. The initial results showed that the vehicle used worked correctly, according to the theoretical predictions made. Regarding the seed germination trials in the field, it was observed that, for Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) E. Gagnon & G.P. Lewis and Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Steud, the dispersed material was not successful, while Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill presented only about 20% of favorable result. As possible reasons for this result, we have the high level of degradation of the area, the choice of seed encapsulation material, which did not provide the necessary moisture for germination, acting individually or together.