EFEITOS DO PASTEJO DESCONTROLADO SOBRE A FITOCENOSE DE DUAS ÁREAS DO CARIRI ORIENTAL PARAIBANO

Abstract

A phytosociological comparative study was performed in two "caatinga" areas (A - productive pasture and B - degraded pasture), in the eastern "Cariri" microregion of Paraíba State, Northeast of Brazil. The multiple plots method was used, where 40 plots were established in each area, being measured living trees and shrubs with diameter at base height (DAB) ³ 3 cm and plant height (At) ³ 1 m. Eight botanic families, ten genera, and ten species were identified in area A. The Cactaceae and Mimosaceae were the best-represented families in number of individuals in this area. Six families, eight genera, and nine species were identified in area B, where Cactaceae, Mimosaceae and Euphorbiaceae were the best-represented families. The following parameters, total number of sampled individuals (N), basal area (BA), and total density (TD) had in area A 438 individuals, 12.22 m2.ha-1, and 2737 individuals per hectare, respectively, which were higher than area in B, that had the following values: 308 individuals, 11.31 m2.ha-1 e 1925 individuals per hectare, respectively. These results allow to postulate that the uncontrolled grazing practiced in that microregion of Paraíba State, is leading to an environmental degradation of the "caatinga" phytocenosis (a set of plants with ecological similar preferences, living in the same biotope).