Understanding the seasonal growth patterns of seedlings in forest restoration of post-bauxite mining area: insights for monitoring in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Understanding the behavior of planted seedlings and how they respond to changes in the rainfall regime is a challenge for forest restoration projects. This study aimed to assess the phytosociological structure and compare height and diameter at ground level (DGL) increments between the dry and rainy seasons in a forest restoration area post-bauxite mining in Descoberto-MG, Southeast Brazil. The study area features a dry season (from April to September) and a rainy season (from October to March). Three assessments were conducted for height and DGL increments: at the beginning, end of the dry season, and end of the rainy season. Three plots of 15x15m were established, and all planted individuals were measured over one year. Phytosociological parameters and diversity indices were calculated to select the 10 species with the highest importance value index (IVI). Welch's t-test (p<0.05) was used to compare average increments between seasons. Height and DGL increments during the rainy season were statistically higher than during the dry season for all 10 evaluated species. In height, the greatest increments were observed in Inga vera (590%), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (458.8%), and Piptadenia gonoacantha (343.8%). In DGL, the highest increments were observed in Schinus terebinthifolia (1427.2%), Anadenanthera peregrina (849.2%), and Peltophorum dubium (745.7%). Seasonal monitoring of planted seedlings is essential to understanding growth patterns, especially in Atlantic Forest restoration projects. These findings enable adjustment of management strategies, optimization of maintenance actions, and assistance in selecting species adapted to specific environmental conditions, particularly regarding water availability.