Integrated study in the Teles Pires River watershed within the Amazon region of Mato Grosso: Evaluation of direct seeding techniques, survey of Permanent Preservation Areas, and diagnosis of seed networks and forest nurseries.
Environmental management, Water resources, Forest restoration, Forest inputs, Degraded areas, Geoprocessing.
Forest degradation leads to biodiversity loss, impacts water resources, affects climatic conditions, and generates socioeconomic consequences. Therefore, promoting the recovery of degraded areas is essential for the reestablishment of ecosystems. Additionally, diagnosing environmental liabilities and the availability of forest inputs provides support for decision-making related to environmental management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the progress of forest restoration using different techniques of the direct seeding method, to survey Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) using geotechnologies, and to identify seed networks and forest nurseries within the Teles Pires River Basin, located in the Amazon region of Mato Grosso. The assessment of direct seeding was carried out through semiannual monitoring up to 30 months after sowing, identifying and quantifying native regenerants. Concurrently, individuals from three species were selected to measure morphometric variables and determine whether the techniques influenced species development. The indices evaluated included diversity, evenness, and dominance, and comparisons among techniques were performed using the Mann–Whitney U statistical test. The PPA survey in the study area was conducted through the manipulation of cartographic databases in ArcMap using the ModelBuilder tool, which delineated PPAs according to the rules established by Federal Law 12.651/2012. The diagnosis of seed networks and forest nurseries was conducted using an exploratory quali-quantitative approach, including consultations with RENASEM (National Registry of Seeds and Seedlings), municipal environmental agencies, and agricultural departments to identify existing structures in the region, followed by direct contact with production units to obtain additional information. Under the conditions of this study, both direct seeding techniques demonstrated efficiency in the initial establishment of individuals; however, differences emerged throughout the monitoring period. Area 1 (broadcast seeding) showed greater diversity, density, and consequently higher survival rates. In contrast, regarding species development, individuals in Area 2 (pit seeding) exhibited superior morphometric results, considering their higher medians. The PPA survey produced preliminary data for the municipality of Paranaíta, representing 5% of the delimitation and analysis results. Forest nurseries and seed networks were identified in the municipality of Alta Floresta, allowing an initial characterization of the production chain. Seven productive units were found, including six devoted to seedling production with a combined maximum capacity of 2.3 million seedlings per year, and one seed production unit with a maximum capacity of 8.8 tons per year. Direct seeding proved effective for the initial establishment of native regenerants, with performance varying between the techniques used. The mapping of PPAs and the survey of nurseries and seed networks provide essential support for environmental management in the Teles Pires Basin.