Nutrition of tree species in tropical dry forest and rainforest environments

Weydson Nyllys Cavalcante Raulino,Fernando José Freire,Kassia Maria Pereira De Ataide,Ane Cristine Fortes Da Silva,Edilane Alice De Alcântara Assunção,Hellen Vitória Da Silva

doi:10.1590/0034-737x202067010010

Weydson Nyllys Cavalcante Raulino, Fernando José Freire + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-737x202067010010

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the nutritional efficiency of species can help revegetation of forest areas, guiding the use of species that best adapt to environmental humidity, altitude and diversity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient utilization efficiency of N, P, K, Ca and Mg of dominant species in tropical dry forest and rainforest environments. The work was carried out in two areas, both in Pernambuco state, characterized as: Tropical Dry Forest of Caatinga and Tropical Rainforest of Atlantic Forest. A floristic and phytosociological survey was carried out. Species with highest density were evaluated, four from the dry forest and three from the rainforest. For each species, leaves of five healthy individuals of similar size were sampled and nutrient contents were determined. Leaf biomass was estimated by allometric equations. Rainforest species were more efficient in the use of N and K, and dry forest species in the use of P and K. In the dry forest environment, the species Pilocarpus spicatus and Guapira oposita stored more nutrients, and in the rainforest, the species Dialuim guianese was more efficient. These species are essential for the balance of ecosystems and the continuous and sustainable cycling of nutrients.

Highlights

Tropical forest environments are globally known as high biodiversity sites because they are subject to climatic conditions that favor the development and perpetuation of a large number of species (Mittermeier et al, 2011)
The dry forest, represented in Brazil by the Caatinga biome, which is inserted in the Brazilian semi-arid region, presents annual precipitations of up to 700 mm, with one or two seasons of drought during the year, under temperature regimes ranging from 17 °C to 35 °C (Reboita et al, 2010; Silva et al, 2010)
The work was carried out in two areas with different typologies, both located in the state of Pernambuco, characterized as: Tropical Dry Forest of Caatinga located in the municipality of Araripina under the geographic coordinates 07°34’34 “S and 40°29’54" W; and Tropical Rainforest of Atlantic Forest, inserted in the territorial limits of the metropolitan area of Recife at 8o04’03'’S and 34o55’00'’W (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

Tropical forest environments are globally known as high biodiversity sites because they are subject to climatic conditions that favor the development and perpetuation of a large number of species (Mittermeier et al, 2011). The tropical climate, especially due to temperature and humidity, presents more favorable conditions for the establishment and development of forest species, and limits their occurrences and contributes to the predominant forest physiognomic identity. The dry forest, represented in Brazil by the Caatinga biome, which is inserted in the Brazilian semi-arid region, presents annual precipitations of up to 700 mm, with one or two seasons of drought during the year, under temperature regimes ranging from 17 °C to 35 °C (Reboita et al, 2010; Silva et al, 2010). In the region of Pernambuco state, it presents precipitations up to 1,500 mm and temperatures around 25 °C (Dasilva & Pinto-da-Rocha, 2011).

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