Luiz Carlos Marangon

Evaluating different methods used in ethnobotanical and ecological studies to record plant biodiversity

BackgroundThis study compares the efficiency of identifying the plants in an area of semi-arid Northeast Brazil by methods that a) access the local knowledge used in ethnobotanical studies using semi-structured interviews conducted within the entire community, an inventory interview conducted with two participants using the previously collected vegetation inventory, and a participatory workshop presenting exsiccates and photographs to 32 people and b) inventory the vegetation (phytosociology) in locations with different histories of disturbance using rectangular plots and quadrant points.MethodsThe proportion of species identified using each method was then compared with Cochran’s Q test. We calculated the use value (UV) of each species using semi-structured interviews; this quantitative index was correlated against values of the vegetation’s structural importance obtained from the sample plot method and point-centered quarter method applied in two areas with different historical usage. The analysis sought to correlate the relative importance of plants to the local community (use value - UV) with the ecological importance of the plants in the vegetation structure (importance value - IV; relative density - RD) by using different sampling methods to analyze the two areas.ResultsWith regard to the methods used for accessing the local knowledge, a difference was observed among the ethnobotanical methods of surveying species (Q = 13.37, df = 2, p = 0.0013): 44 species were identified in the inventory interview, 38 in the participatory workshop and 33 in the semi-structured interviews with the community. There was either no correlation between the UV, relative density (RD) and importance value (IV) of some species, or this correlation was negative.ConclusionIt was concluded that the inventory interview was the most efficient method for recording species and their uses, as it allowed more plants to be identified in their original environment. To optimize researchers’ time in future studies, the use of the point-centered quarter method rather than the sample plot method is recommended.

Litter seasonality, composition and nutrient input in remnant of Atlantic Forest in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

This research aimed to evaluate the amount of litter fall, the seasonal distribution and the influence of precipitation on the fall. It also intended to determine the nutrient contents and estimated the nutrient input according to time and plant structure. The research was carried out in an Atlantic Forest remnant in Recife-PE metropolitan region. The litter fall was equal to 10.07 tons/ha/year, and the leaf component contributed with 6.74 tons/ha/year (66.9 % of the total). Litter fall was higher during the dry season. Seasonality influenced the leaf component of the litter fall. The amount of K was low in the rainy season for the leaf and miscellaneous components. The contents of nutrients in g/kg in the litter were Ca, 15.73; K, 4.74; Mg, 2.42; and P, 0.50. The input of nutrients through the litter was 170.7; 26.4; 5.2; and 49.7 kg/ha/year for Ca, Mg, P and K, respectively.

Florística e fitossociologia de espécies arbóreas e arbustivas em uma área de Caatinga em Arcoverde, PE, Brasil

RESUMO – Os estudos de floristica e fitossociologia contribuem significativamente para o conhecimento das formacoes florestais, visto que evidenciam a riqueza e heterogeneidade dos ambientes avaliados. O trabalho foi realizado em um fragmento de Caatinga hipoxerofila no Municipio de Arcoverde, PE, e teve como objetivo verificar a composicao floristica e parâmetros fitossociologicos das especies arboreas e arbustivas que compoem o fragmento. O estudo foi realizado em 40 parcelas de 10 x 25 m, sendo o nivel de inclusao a circunferencia a 1,3 m do solo com CAP > 10 cm. Foram estimados a densidade absoluta e relativa, a frequencia absoluta e relativa, a dominância absoluta e relativa e o valor de importância; a diversidade especifica foi dada pelo indice de diversidade de Shannon–Weaver (H’) e equabilidade de Pielou, sendo determinada a distribuicao hipsometrica em intervalos de 1 m e distribuicao diametrica em intervalos com amplitude de 3 cm. No levantamento floristico das adultas, foram encontrados 1.491 individuos vivos, distribuidos em 36 especies arboreo-arbustivas, 19 familias e 31 generos. As familias que mais se destacaram foram Mimosaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Caesalpiniaceae e Rhamnaceae. O indice de diversidade de Shannon-Weaver foi de 2,05 nats/ind. e a equabilidade de Pielou, de 0,57. Nos sete parâmetros fitossociologicos avaliados, as especies que mais se destacaram foram Mimosa ophthalmocentra, Poincianella pyramidalis, Senegalia bahiensis, Senegalia paniculata, Croton blanchetianus e Mimosa tenuiflora, indicando ser essas especies as mais bem adaptadas ao ambiente avaliado, tanto nas condicoes edafoclimaticas quanto na competicao com as demais especies presentes no fragmento de Caatinga em Arcoverde, PE. Palavras-chave: Fragmento, Diversidade e Estrutura.

Comparação de duas metodologias multivariadas no estudo de similaridade entre fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica

The objective of this work was to compare two multivariate methodologies in similarity studies among Atlantic Forest fragments. A bibliographical survey was carried out, and databanks were set up from 11 fragments of Atlantic Forest located in the States of Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The study of the floristic similarity was constructed using two methodologies of the multivariate analysis. For the usual methodology, a binary matrix (presence/absence) of 236 tree species present in the 11 fragments was used. A cluster analysis was applied using the simple linkage method and the Jaccards coefficient. In the proposed methodology, the principal components analysis was used for reducing the size of the density matrix and absolute dominancy of the 236 tree species, using the principal component scores to apply the cluster analysis by the Euclidean distance single linkage method. Two groups were identified; one in the Northeastern Region (Pernambuco) and another in the Southeastern Region (Minas Gerais). The proposed methodology identified only one group with fragments in the Northeastern region (Pernambuco), standing out that the quantitative variables are of utmost importance for the association of forests in different regions. The proposal methodology has potential for use in the study of forest fragment similarity.

Composição e eficiência da utilização biológica de nutrientes em fragmento de Mata Atlântica em Pernambuco.

The vast majority of research on nutrients in natural forest is concentrated in the litter. In Brazil, in Atlantic Forest, some investigations have been conducted in few locations such as Dois Irmaos Forest (PE), Tijuca Forest (RJ) and Salao Dourado Forest (MG). In the present research, the studied area was characterized as remaining of Atlantic Forest classified as slope, ombrofilous forest. The objective was to determine by a phytosociologic study the ten species of most important value (VI) and to evaluate the Ca, Mg, P, K and N nutrients contents in these species leaves, likewise to estimate leaf biomass and the efficiency of biological nutrient utilization, increasing the knowledge about Atlantic Forest residues in Brazil. After determining the ten species of most important value, the largest circumference individuals at 1.30 m from soil surface (CAP) in each specie were sampled and the leaves from the intermediate part of the trees top were collected, making a composed sample, being determined Ca, Mg, P, K and N contents. In this study, the leaf biomass was estimate in each species and, to transform this biomass in kg/ha, the leaf biomasses from the species’ individuals were added in the area. The nutrient contents in leaf biomass from the species (kg/ha) were achieved multiplying the content (g/kg) by leaf biomass (kg/ha) in each specie. The biological utilization efficiency was calculated considering the ratio between the leaf biomass and the nutrient contents from species. The leaves nutrient contents were in a decreasing order N>Ca>K>Mg>P, but in some species the K content was higher than Ca content. The leaf biomass of the ten most important value species was 3.3 t ha -1 which represented 24.5 % of the total spot leaf biomass (13.4 t ha -1 ). Schefflera morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyerm & Frodin showed the most leaf entrance of Ca e Mg while Helicostylis tomentosa (Poepp. & Endl.) J.F., Macbr. showed the best results for P, K and N in the spot. The biological utilization efficiency presented the sequence P>Mg>K>Ca>N.

DECOMPOSIÇÃO DA SERAPILHEIRA FOLIAR E RESPIRAÇÃO EDÁFICA EM UM REMANESCENTE DE CAATINGA NA PARAÍBA

The litter is a major source of nutrients transfer to the soil, taking precedence in the process of nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The study aims to analyze decomposing of mixture of ten species of Caatinga in parallel with the soil respiration. The study was conducted at farm Riachao, located in the municipality of Pombal, PB. The rate of decomposition was determined by measurements of weight loss, with the aid of nylon bags (288) containing 10.0 g of leaves of the species. The soil respiration was measured through the release of CO 2 with the aid of plastic buckets for 24-hour shifts. Samples were collected every 45 days. Over a year of the study, 67% of leaf material was decomposed. The soil respiration was more intense at night and during periods where there was more rainfall. The C/N rate is relatively low, indicating a higher rate of mineralization. The rainfall and other environmental variables are important phenomena that influence the activity of microorganisms in the soil, causing a more intense decomposition of litter.

EFEITO DE BORDA EM REMANESCENTES DE FLORESTA ATLÂNTICA NA BACIA DO RIO TAPACURÁ, PERNAMBUCO

Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de borda sobre o componente arboreo em dois fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica na Bacia do Rio Tapacura-PE. Para amostragemdo componente adulto, foram plotadas 15 parcelas de 10 x 25 m e subparcelas de 1 x 25 m para a regeneracao. As parcelas foram dispostas em tres ambientes, cada uma com cinco unidades amostrais, conforme distância da borda. As comparacoes entre os ambientes foram realizadas por meio da composicao de especies, Diagrama de Venn e analise de agrupamento. A maior riqueza foi observada na area mais distante da borda e o maior numero de individuos proximo a borda. Na Mata da Onca, os ambientes mais distantes da borda foram similares, porem sao diferentes em composicao e em estrutura, quando comparados com o ambiente mais proximo da margem do fragmento. Contudo, na Mata da Buchada, os dois primeiros ambientes proximos a borda foram similares. A interacao, entre o ambiente antropico e o fragmento, causa efeitos sobre a comunidade arboreas areas mais limitrofes do fragmento.

UTILIZAÇÃO DO QUOCIENTE DE DE LIOCOURT NA AVALIAÇÃO DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DIAMÉTRICA EM FRAGMENTOS DE FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA ABERTA EM PERNAMBUCO

Great part of the biodiversity of the ecosystem of tropical forests is being lost even before we have full knowledge of its natural wealth, making it important perform studies that can provide knowledge and the maintenance of its structure, besides making possible the exploration of its products, goods and/or services in a planned and rational form, guaranteeing the continuous flow of these resources. The general objective of this study was to use the De Liocourt quotient in the evaluation of the diametric distribution in fragments of Ombrophylous Forest located in the city of Catende, Pernambuco state - Brazil, having as specific objectives: to describe the diametric structure of the fragments and the species of greater importance using the Value of Importance Index (VI); and to evaluate the degradation and the state of succession of the studied areas. The diametric distribution revealed uneven-aged forests as the diametric curve of distribution resembled a reverse J-shape. The values of basal area in the fragments were of 23.6 and 20.9 m2.ha-1, for Mata das Caldeiras and Mata das Galinhas. The fragments were, on average, in the secondary period of succession. Some species presented difficulties in the rate of recruitment, which could lead to the extinguishing of some species in the future. Species, such as Tapirira guianensis Aubl., Dialium guianense (Aubl.) Sandwith and Brosimum discolor Schott, demonstrated a distinct diametric structure among the fragments. The species Plathymenia foliolosa Benth. presented accented discontinuities in the diametric structure in both areas.

Efficiency of Biological Utilization of Micronutrients by Forests Species in Hypoxerophytic Caatinga

The study aimed to estimate the concentrations and efficiency of biological utilization of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn and the leaf biomass of ten species in a hypoxerophytic Caatinga fragment, aiming to contribute to a more adequate choice of species for reforestation programs in the Brazilian Caatinga. The leaves of three trees of each species were sampled and the concentration of micronutrients was determined, estimating their content and efficiency of biological utilization. The efficiency of biological utilization followed the decreasing order: Mn > Cu > Zn > Fe. Jatropha mollissima and Spondias tuberosa were less efficient in the use of Fe and Senegalia paniculata and Croton blanchetianus, in the use of Zn. However, Piptadenia stipulacea and Mimosa ophthalmocentra were very efficient in using Fe and Mn. The nutritional efficiency of the species can serve as a criterion for choice of species in forest restoration programs.

SOLOS FLORESTAIS EM FRAGMENTO DE FLORESTA URBANA NA MATA DE DOIS IRMÃOS, RECIFE, PERNAMBUCO, BRASIL

The forest remnant that composes ‘Parque Estadual Dois Irmaos’ (PEDI) is regarded as one of the largest urban forest fragments in Brazil. There are reports of frequent occurrence of healthy fall trees in the park, in natural conditions, which may compromise its natural balance and its function as an urban forest fragment. Probably, this phenomenon is associated to the chemical and physical properties of the soils comprising PEDI. So, this research aimed to evaluate PEDI soils chemical and physically, identifying, mapping and analyzing the soils in the occurrence of falling tree areas at the research locus. Twelve points of sampling in a representative area of PEDI were mapped, where deformed samples were collected at depths 0-0.10; 0.10-0.30 and 0.30-0.60 m, and not deformed samples at depths 0-0.05 and 0.10-0.15 m. The chemical attributes and part of the physical attributes were determined in the deformed samples. And other physical attributes were determined in the undisturbed samples. The soils of PEDI were low in natural fertility. They have acid reaction and high concentrations of Al 3+ to 0.60 m, and this can create chemical barriers that damage the growth of the plant roots and may be the cause of the frequent tree falling in the park. The soils were classified as clayed to very clayed, very permeable to vertical and lateral water movement. They had high variability in hydraulic conductivity and sharp decrease of water volumetric content in applying small stresses in surface layers as well as higher water retention by soil in Oxisol subsurface. In order to extend the information and create a database for future studies, it is suggested the monitoring of the most vulnerable species to fall, and analyzing other chemical and physical properties of PEDI soils, also opening profiles to understand tap root dynamics.