EFFECTIVENESS OF PLANTING SEEDLINGS OF NATIVE SPECIES FOR THE RESTORATION OF CERRADO CONVERTED INTO PASTURE

Abstract

The restoration of degraded areas in the Cerrado biome is crucial, but not always successful. The introduction of exotic species, such as grasses, negatively alters soil cover and increases the amount of flammable material. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the recovery of a pasture area restored 10 years ago with the planting of native seedlings. The analysis considered the thickness of the litter layer (positive) and the presence of Brachiaria (negative). Twenty plots were compared (10 in native Cerrado and 10 in the recovering area). Brachiaria, absent in the native Cerrado, persisted in the restored area (5% to 100% cover). The litter layer was thicker in the native Cerrado (15 mm thicker). The results indicate that the recovering area has not yet re-established its respective ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling, which is hampered by the persistence of the exotic grass. Brachiaria, in addition to inhibiting the growth of native plants, increases the risk of fire. The persistence of Brachiaria and the slow recovery of the litter layer show that restoration still needs attention to ensure long-term success.