Reforestation with native species: the case of mirador Estribo Chico, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

Abstract

Each year in the state as occur in the rest of the country, reforestation programs are carried out in extensive areas with some degrees of degradation in order to restore or reduce this effects, but results are not always good due to the lack of monitoring and assessment. The objective of this work was to carry out a reforestation within plots in different degradation conditions, using native species and soil conservation techniques in order to restore the area. The study was conducted in the recreational area called Estribito Chico, which is located in the catchment of Pátzcuaro´s Lake. Seven demonstrative plots were established corresponding to the same number of environmental sites in relation to vegetation cover and soil use. Each plot was planted with a mix of native tree species along with soil control degradation techniques. 350 trees were used of Pinus, Fraxinus, Quercus and Erythrina, which were planted in July and August, 2005. The species that showed the highest survival index were Erythrina breviflora with 6.57%, Quercus obtusata with 1.43% and Fraxinus uhdei with 1.14%. In relation to the environmental sites, the area/plot 5 showed a plant survival of 22% with 60% of species variability, followed by the area/plot 1 and 2, both with16% of survival, but 1 with 60% and 2 with 20% of species variability. During August 2006, seedlings were replaced in the seven sites, considering the same parameters to assess. In areas with high soil degradation, it is necessary to start working with erosion control, simulating vegetation succession along with plantations of those native species that have greater drought resistance, bare soils, etc. (e.g. Erythrina breviflora).