Effect of Carnaúba Bagana Mulching on Tree Species Planted in Degraded Areas in Caatinga

Abstract

Experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of mulching with carnauba bagana, a by-product of wax extraction from Copernicia prunifera leaves, on the establishment of 32 shrub and tree species in the Caatinga region. The evaluations were made in areas degraded by mining and embankment of piçarra. Treated plants received 10 L of carnauba mulch in the crown of planted seedlings, while control plants received no mulch. After 24 months, mulching of carnauba improved the growth or survival of eight of the 32 species, while worsening that of two species. Specifically, mulching increased (p<0.05) the survival of Pseudobombax marginatum and Peltophorum dubium, and the height and canopy area of Anadenanthera colubrina, Bauhinia cheilantha, Copernicia prunifera, Hymenaea courbaril, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia and Senna spectabilis. The results demonstrate that the carnauba-based mulch can be directed to the species that responded positively, with the goal of improving establishment and growth in degraded areas of the region.