Germination and growth of the Sonoran Desert native trees under different agricultural conditions

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the germination, survival, and growth of Sonoran Desert native trees, in a fertile agricultural soil, with irrigation and protection against herbivory. Design/Methodology/Approach: For six months, the germination, survival, and growth of five tree species (Parkinsonia microphylla, Olneya tesota, Prosopis velutina, Guaiacum coulteri, and Parkinsonia florida) were evaluated in agricultural soil, with and without drip irrigation, avoiding herbivory. Results: The irrigated species O. tesota and P. velutina had the highest germination percentage (χ2 = 398.941, p < 0.0001). Plant survival was above 62 % (χ2 = 21.196, p < 0.0035), except for G. coulteri and P. florida without irrigation, which did not survive. At six months, P. florida recorded the greatest height (p < 0.0001), while all the species without irrigation and G. coulteri with irrigation recorded the lowest heights. Likewise, P. velutina, P. florida, and O. tesota (p < 0.0001) registered the greatest canopy cover at six months, while non-irrigated plants of all species and irrigated G. coulteri had the least cover. Limitations/Implications: Further agronomic studies are necessary to enable the successful establishment of commercial forest plantations, increasing knowledge about environmental problems. Findings/Conclusions: The five species of native plants studied can be established by direct sowing, in agricultural soil and with drip irrigation.