As part of mine rehabilitation strategy, herbaceous species hydroseeding and Mimosa scabrella Bentham seedling planting was carried out in 1982/1983 the Retiro-Branco bauxite mine site. In 1997, 19 sample plots of 50m² were established for initial characterization of the natural regeneration process. In 2000, a second inventory was performed in those same sample plots, to characterize natural regeneration dynamics. This process was characterized by means of quantitative and qualitative analyses of floristic composition and horizontal and vertical structures. The forest succession at Retiro-Branco was found to be undergoing intense restructuring activity, characterizing initial stage of succession. The decline of Mimosa scabrella pure stands is modifying the successional order that previously occurred in this area, causing diversity in site conditions. Occupation of these sites occurs by ecological groups, pioneer species being favored in the process. Secondary species, especially Miconia sellowiana, dominate the classes with greatest height and diameter, and are the most responsible for construction of the superior stratum. Species which presented the best performance in colonization and structuring of natural regeneration at Retiro-Branco for both inventories were Miconia sellowiana, Psychotria sessilis, Leandra melastomoides, Clethra scabra, Myrsine umbellata, Miconia pepericarpa, Tibouchina candolleana, Cordia superba, Cestrum amictum, Alchornea triplinervia, Casearia sylvestris, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Myrcia rostrata and Schinus terebinthifolius. These are indicated as promising species for rehabilitation programs of mined areas with similar conditions of sucessional strategy.
Revegetation of degraded areas; phytosociology; natural regeneration; Mimosa scabrella Bentham
