POÁCEAS NATIVAS DO CERRADO PARA RESTAURAÇÃO DE VOÇOROCAS

Abstract

The Cerrado is marked by strong environmental heterogeneity, which makes it a biome with high species endemism. It is therefore essential to implement measures to protect and restore degraded areas to prevent biodiversity loss. Major erosions such as gullies are examples of degradation that can have a major impact on this biome. These disturbances of natural origin or, more commonly, those triggered by disorderly land use, cause various environmental damages. In this study, three native species were tested, one annual (Gymnopogon foliosus) and two perennials (Andropogon bicornis and Andropogon leucostachyus) through direct sowing in a gully, in 0.5 x 0.5 m plots, to assess the potential for vegetation cover. The degree of vegetation cover was assessed using the Braun-Blanquet method at 15, 30, and 90 days after sowing. There was a rapid germination rate and space occupation by the annual species, highlighting G. foliosus as an alternative for inclusion in projects to restore the initial vegetation cover of eroded areas in the Cerrado. Among the perennial species, although with a slower growth rate, A. bicornis also showed good potential for ground cover. 

Keywords: degraded area, conservation, grasses, direct seeding