The effect of calcium on the growth of native species in a tropical forest hotspot

Abstract

Abstract: Recovering of degraded areas depends not only on the choice of native species to be planted, but also on the requirements of planted seedling species in terms of soil fertility, mainly in tropical areas. This study aims to assess the effects of calcium (Ca) and soil base saturation (V%) on the growth of seedlings of eight tree species native to the Atlantic Forest biome and commonly used in restoration plantings in the study region. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse over a period of four months in Haplic Arenosol dystric soil with low calcium content and high aluminum saturation, and were subjected to four different treatments: (i) control; (ii) lime addition until V%=40 (V40); (iii) lime addition until V%=70 (V70); (iv) addition of calcium chloride and magnesium until V%=70 (VMg70). On average, seedlings treated only with lime (V40 and V70) gave similar results, showing an increase in both shoot and root dry plant biomass. Different absorption by species belonging to different successional groups were observed. Pioneer and early secondary species showed similar behavior regarding nutrient use efficiency. Seedling fertilization increases the chances of success of restoration plantings in degraded areas by favoring seedling biomass gain and nutrient absorption, and increasing overall V% through lime fertilization. The patterns for pioneer and secondary species found in this study could contribute to decision making in restoration projects and to native seedling production of white-sand forest native species.