Degraded areas demand priority regarding actions for revegetation and recovery . However, there is a scarcity of studies to effectively guide us in these recovery practices. The objective of this work was to verify the growth, development and survival capacity of the individuals of the species implanted in the area of permanent preservation around the water reservoir on Mandaguari Farm, in Indianópolis, Minas Gerais. The species observed in fragments of the natural vegetation in the areas of the farm were the basis for the selection and production of seedlings used in the replanting. The replanting was carried out between 2005 and 2006 in 2.34 ha, which was divided in 26 parcels, measuring 21 x 21 m (441 m²). The distribution of the species was randomly performed with some restrictions in the randomization, so as to allocate neutral or even resistant species to flooding close to the margin of the dam. The areas differed from each other as to the percentile composition of the ecological groups (succession) and spacing (3 x 3 and 3 x 6 m). In spite of their relatively high mortality rates, Guazuma ulmifolia and Aegiphila lhotzkiana (50 and 28.6%, respectively) aggregated important development characteristics, which are their covering capacity (increments in height of 160 and 155 cm, respectively) and establishment (increments in diameter of 40.6 and 36.3 mm, respectively). Therefore, they were qualified as edifying agents in the regeneration process. Chorisia speciosa, in spite of the little prominence in height increment (71 cm), invested more in the diametric growth (31.4 mm), which is a fundamental characteristic for the establishment of the species.
Riparian forest; recovery of degraded area; succession
