Uso de compost, hidrogel y drenes de piedras como acondicionadores de suelo en reforestación con especies nativas en Chile Central

Abstract

The great challenge of restoring Mediterranean ecosystems consists of considering climate uncertainty and the existing limitations due to anthropogenic disturbances within restoration actions, with water scarcity being the main limiting factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of irrigation and the use of soil conditioners to reduce water stress on three native species of the Mediterranean sclerophyllous forest, established in a degraded area of Central Chile. The effects of conditioners and irrigation application on the survival and morphological response of S. polygamus, Q. saponaria and L. caustica, and on the physiological response of L. caustica were evaluated. The interaction of the treatments did not have significant effects on any of the variables evaluated. The stone drain had significant effects on the DAC of the three species and on the height of Q. saponaria. The maintenance of monthly summer irrigation had a significant effect on the height of Q. saponaria. The application of irrigation seems not to be necessary to ensure survival in the second year of establishment. However, it should be considered that species with higher water requirements could benefit from their morphological development. The results obtained in this study suggest that the effect of the strategies and techniques depends on the specific conditions of the microsite. It highlights the need to expand knowledge about these and other techniques, with emphasis on the effects they could have on other species of the sclerophyllous forest.