Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the floristic composition at the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) stricto sensu and Cerradão (xeromorphic forest) phytophysiognomies. In the first inventory in 2010, 15 soil plots of 20 × 50 m in the Cerrado stricto sensu (CSS) and 10 soil sample plots of 20 × 50 m in the Cerradão (CD) were separated, and individual samples with diameter at soil height ≥ 5 cm were measured. The second inventory, conducted in 2015, used the same criteria. A fire hit both phytophysiognomies after the first inventory. Species loss and a mortality rate higher than recruitment rate were observed in both phytophysiognomies. Species richness and individual density have been diversified over time. Floristic changes were more intense in CD, with significant alterations between mortality and recruitment rates - the species that disappeared were represented by a few individuals; in the CSS, the changes were not significant.
Highlights
AND OBJECTIVESThe Cerrado is composed of a vegetal formation complex, ranging from rural formations to forest formations (Ribeiro & Walter, 2008) and presents one of the richest and most diverse floras in the world
This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the floristic composition at the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) stricto sensu and Cerradão phytophysiognomies
The floristic composition showed some changes in species richness and in the number of genera and families in the period between the two inventories (Table 1)
Summary
AND OBJECTIVESThe Cerrado is composed of a vegetal formation complex, ranging from rural formations to forest formations (Ribeiro & Walter, 2008) and presents one of the richest and most diverse floras in the world. Despite being considered an ecosystem of high floristic richness and high rate of endemism, the Cerrado is extremely threatened by anthropic action, especially by agriculture and cultivated pasture (Cipriani et al, 2016). These processes reduce native vegetation, making it rather fragmented, which interferes with the viability of maintenance, reproduction, and the preservation potential of species (Carvalho et al, 2009). The Cerradão (xeromorphic forest) can be found in regions of ecotone, usually restricted to small isolated fragments This formation is associated with deep and well-drained soils, in latosols and dystrophic cambisols. The tree species are well structured, with excellent crown cover (Ribeiro & Walter 2008; Solorzano et al, 2012), a great contribution of biomass and deposition of organic matter
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