Desempenho de espécies nativas da Caatinga na recuperação de áreas degradadas por sais no sertão paraibano

Abstract

The semiarid region of the Brazilian Northeast, predominantly occupied by the Caatinga biome, The semiarid region of the Brazilian Northeast, characterized mainly by the Caatinga biome, is home to a rich botanical and physiognomic diversity, reflecting the variation in soil and precipitation conditions. However, human action has significantly reduced vegetation cover, fragmenting the biome and threatening its biodiversity. One of the main agents of this degradation is the removal of native vegetation, often followed by burning to establish agricultural crops. After soil depletion, these areas are often converted to pasture and eventually abandoned. With the aim of recovering a degraded area affected by salinity, a study was conducted in the Irrigated Perimeter of São Gonçalo, in the municipality of Sousa, in the backlands of Paraíba. The research, carried out from the rainy season of 2022 to the dry season of 2023, used native species of the Caatinga in the process of recovering the degraded soil. Seedlings of four species were planted: aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão), catingueira (Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.), pau-ferro (Libidibia ferrea (Mart. ex Tul.) L.P. Queiroz) and sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth.). In total, 48 seedlings of each species were planted, with a spacing of 3.0 m x 3.0 m between plants. During the study, changes in soil chemical attributes were evaluated, with emphasis on the reduction of salinity after planting the species. The results indicated that aroeira, catingueira and pau-ferro were effective in reducing salinity levels and improving soil chemical parameters. On the other hand, the sabiá species did not present satisfactory results in this aspect. Based on the results, the use of Myracrodruon urundeuva, Cenostigma pyramidale and Libidibia ferrea as key species for recovery is recommended. of areas degraded by salinity. In addition to promoting biodiversity, these species contribute significantly to improving soil edaphic attributes. The study provides a scientific basis for future interventions in degraded areas, highlighting the role of these native species in the sustainable management of the Caatinga biome.