Diversidade e características funcionais de árvores em cercas

Abstract

Tree lines in fences are part of Pequenos Elementos da Paisagem (PEPs), which can have an important role in connecting fragmented ecosystems. These elements compose the agricultural landscape and are more abundant in areas of small producers, which have been reduced over the years. The present study aims to begin understanding what trees that occupy tree lines are like and their functional characteristics, thus facilitating the understanding of their interaction with the environment. The bark thickness, specific density, dry matter content, petiole, total and specific leaf area, length, width and thickness of the leaf were analyzed, as well as the chemical elements that compose the leaves of individuals that occupy tree lines in the city of Pedralva. and Três Corações in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Four nearby forests were used as a control group. The trees in fences, when compared to those in forests, showed characteristics commonly attributed to pioneer species, such as small, thin leaves with low specific leaf area (due to excess light) and thicker bark. There was a clear division between areas and plasticity in most of the traits analyzed, as well as chemical elements, which appeared in higher values in tree lines in fences. The research supports future investigations into hedges and PEP’s, in addition to being able to be basis for conservation and integration of preservation and agricultural production.