GERMINATION AND GROWTH UNDER AGRICULTURAL CONDITIONS OF NATIVE TREES OF THE SONORAN DESERT TREE PLANTATION OF SONORAN DESERT

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the germination, survival and growth of native trees of the Sonoran Desert, in a fertile agricultural soil and with irrigation, and protection against herbivory.

Design / methodology / approach: The germination, survival, and growth of five tree species (Parkinsonia microphylla, Olneya tesota, Prosopis velutina, Guaiacum coulteri, and Parkinsonia florida) were evaluated, with and without drip irrigation, excluding herbivory, and carried out on agricultural land for six months.

Results: It was found that the irrigated species O. tesota, P. velutina, had the highest germination percentage (?² = 398.941, p <0.0001). Plant survival was above 62% (?² = 21.196, p <0.0035), with the exception of G. coulteri and P. florida without irrigation, which presented zero survival. The highest height at 6 months was presented by P. florida (p <0.0001), while the lowest heights were the plants without irrigation and G. coulteri with irrigation. Canopy coverage at 6 months was higher for P. velutina, P. florida, and O. tesota (p <0.0001), while plants without irrigation and G. coulteri with irrigation had the lowest coverage.

Limitations / implications: It is necessary to continue with agronomic studies, which allow the successful establishment of commercial forest plantations, which contribute to environmental problems.

Findings / conclusions: It is feasible to establish by direct sowing, the five species of native plants studied, in agricultural soil and with drip irrigation.