Dynamics of the natural regeneration in a degraded low sandbank forest

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to characterize the composition of the seed rain and the seed bank in a degraded low sandbank forest to verify the inflow and establishment of the seed diaspores in the area under evaluation, its natural regeneration and contribution of the nearby remnants. At Ilha Comprida, in a degraded site, ten samples were taken monthly (1 m² each) for the seed rain and quarterly (0.25 m² each) for the seed bank, during the period of a year. In a the nearby remnant, arboreous individual with DBH ≥ 3 cm were sampled in the phytosociology study. During the specified period, 1627 diaspores were sampled in the seed rain and 2986 diaspores in the seed bank, and 356 individuals were sampled in the phytosociology study. The presence of Clusia criuva, Gaylussacia brasiliensis, Myrcia ilheoensis, Tapirira guianensis, and Tibouchina clavata in the seed rain and seed bank, considered nucleation species, with high biotic potential or little limitation of dispersion, can allow successional development in the area. The density and quality of species arriving and settling in the area have the potential to help it regenerate naturally.

dynamic ecosystems; seed bank; seed rain