O IMPACTO DO FOGO NO BANCO DE SEMENTES FLORESTAIS DO PANTANAL, CORUMBÁ, MS.

Abstract

The Pantanal, the largest continuous floodplain in the world, faces ecological challenges due to the increasing frequency and intensity of fires, exacerbated by climate change and human activity. This study investigates the immediate impact of fire on the richness and abundance of plant species in soil seed banks. The experiment was conducted in burned and unburned areas in the Corumbá/MS region, using soil samples to assess the abundance and richness of seedlings. The results showed that unburned soil had a significantly higher germination rate (1,116 germinations) compared to burned soil (364 germinations), reflecting a germination rate of 22% in fire-affected soil and 78% in unburned soil. This negative impact on germination is attributed to high temperatures that harm seeds and seedlings, affecting crucial physiological processes. In addition to confirming the importance of soil structure for vegetation regeneration, the data emphasize how fires alter ecosystem dynamics, hindering the reproductive potential of plant species. In light of the observed impacts, the study highlights the need to implement management and conservation practices to mitigate the effects of fires on the biodiversity of the Pantanal, promoting environmental sustainability and the recovery of degraded areas. Keywords: Pantanal, fires, biodiversity, seed banks, germination, environmental management, conservation, ecosystems.