Avaliação do potencial do plantio de enriquecimento para a restauração da floresta de miombo no distrito Sussundenga

Abstract

Miombo woodlands in sub–Saharan Africa is one of the largest areas of dry forest globally and crucial for the livelihoods of over 150 million people. Unsustainable land use, mainly slash-and-burn agriculture, fires, charcoal production and grazing have led to the loss of tree biomass and diversity over extensive areas. However, knowledge about the determinants of miombo recovery is still limited, but is critical for implementing restoration strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of enrichment planting for the restoration of miombo woodlands in Sussundenga District, Mozambique. A total of 11 native tree species were monitored under two treatment conditions: enrichment planting alone and enrichment planting combined with assisted natural regeneration. The experiment was conducted over a period of four years, using 18 permanent plots. To assess species performance, survival and growth (diameter increment) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression models (logistic and binomial). The results revealed significant differences among species in both survival and growth rates. Milletia stuhlmannii and Philenoptera violacea stood out with the highest survival rates and consistent diameter growth, indicating strong adaptation to local ecological conditions. Regression analyses also identified initial plant height and basal diameter as key predictors of success, with taller and thicker seedlings showing higher survival probabilities and better growth. These findings support the use of targeted species selection and seedling quality criteria to improve the effectiveness of restoration strategies in degraded miombo ecosystems.