Extrato de alga e gel hidrorretentor na semeadura direta de espécies nativas

Abstract

Forest restoration is essential in combating climate change; thus, among restoration strategies, direct seeding stands out as one of the most economical, although its technique requires specific knowledge. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seaweed extract and hydro-retentive gel in the direct seeding of native species. The study was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Chapadão do Sul, MS, established in October 2024, in an area of approximately 4,000 m². The spacing between the pits was 3.0 m x 3.0 m, arranged in a triangular spatial pattern, using Ascophyllum nodosum extract, hydro-retentive gel, a combination of A. nodosum and hydro-retentive gel, and a control, on five selected native species: Platypodium elegans, Anacardium humile, Enterolobium timbouva, Dipteryx alata, and Hymenaea courbaril. The variables and their respective monthly increments analyzed, in the period from September 2025 to October 2025, were: neck diameter, total height, and crown diameter. Each species showed a different response to the tested inputs. For P. elegans and E. timbouva, the combined application of algae and hydrogel showed greater responses. For A. humile and D. alata, the use of hydrogel stands out, while for H. courbaril, the isolated use of algae shows the best results. However, in general, the use of algae extract combined with hydrogel favored the initial growth of the studied native species.