Desempenho de gramíneas nativas da FLONA de Carajás para revegetação de taludes de mineração

Abstract

The state of Pará is currently consolidating itself among the largest mineral producers in the country and the world, gaining significant prominence at the national and international levels with its production of iron, bauxite, copper, manganese, among others. On the other hand, mining activities are responsible for significant impacts and alterations in the environment, causing a degradative effect on soil quality and vegetation, resulting in the reduction of vegetative cover, partial or total loss of fauna and flora, including ecosystems, air and water pollution, and impacts on human health. Given the severity of the environmental impacts caused by mining activities, it is necessary to study and apply management and conservation practices in already degraded areas. This study aims to evaluate the performance of two native grass species from FLONA de Carajás for the recovery of vegetation on sterile slopes of iron mines. The work took place in a cut slope area of a mining sterile pile at the iron ore mine operated by the company VALE S.A. The first data collection occurred between September 18 and 20, and the second was carried out from December 1 to 3, 2023. Data were obtained for the following evaluation parameters: plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, number of stems, leaf dry mass, and root dry mass of the native grass species Paspalum cinerascens (Döll) A.G.Burm. & C.N.Bastos and Paspalum foliiforme S.Denham. There were no significant differences in the parameter means between the species (p > 0.05). It is concluded that both grass species can be viably used in mining slopes for recovery due to their extensive soil cover, persistence in the area, and excellent leaf area volume, even in the face of water scarcity and soils with very low fertility.