Restoration strategies in an area invaded by Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

Abstract

Pteridium aquilinum is an invasive species that stands out for its aggressiveness, invading pastures, agricultural areas and forests. In order to improve this situation, several techniques have been tested, although not common to tropical climate areas. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the survival of eleven tree species according to their density, planting model, and way of bracken removal, in the restoration of an Atlantic Forest area invaded by the species after a fire. The experiment was installed in a randomized block design, in a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (planting × density × bracken removal methods). Bracken cover and survival were evaluated nine months after planting. In conclusion, more densified plantations with fast-growing species, together with bracken removal by harrowing, were more effective in establishing the species in bracken-dominated areas.