This study aimed to evaluate an enrichment planting of 12 tree species native to the region, in a reforested area of the Biodiversity Corridor Santa Maria, located between the cities of Santa Terezinha de Itaipu and São Miguel do Iguaçu-PR. This study also aimed to evaluate the persistence of the invasive species Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B. K. Simon & S. W. L. Jacobs, known as green panic grass, and it also monitored changes in physical and chemical characteristics of the soil. The evaluations consisted of monthly monitoring of the mortality rate and seedling growth and dry mass obtained from the management of green panic grass. The changes introduced in the soil were checked using three soil samples throughout the experiment. Mortality reached a percentage of 24.38%, which was more intense in the first two months: January (11.88%) and February (5.63%). Regarding the development of seedlings, the species that stood out were Aloysia virgata (Ruiz & Pav.) Juss. (sweet almond verbena), and Ceiba speciosa (A.St.-Hil.) Ravenna (silk floss tree), with monthly increases in diameter of 0.80 mm and 0.60 mm, and in height of 5.80 cm and 1.74 cm, respectively. The control of green panic grass by the applied methodology was efficient, with no significant recurrence over the months. Through soil analysis, it was possible to observe that the recovery of the area, even for a short period, proved to be effective in altering the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, and it may also lead to new modifications due development of seedlings.
Ecological corridor; Environmental restoration; Species selection
