Water Use Optimization in Tree Species Seedlings Produced with Biosolid, Shading Levels and Cattle Wastewater
Automated irrigation. Atlantic forest. resource recovery. waste management. forest nursery. forest restoration.
The preservation and recovery of the environment associated with the rational use of water resources are crucial actions in the quest for sustainability of the planet. Thus, the use of alternative solutions in the production chain of seedlings of tree species becomes increasingly important, with a view, above all, to the forest preservation of deforested biomes. The controlled management of irrigation in nurseries associated with the use of wastewater and sewage sludge can minimize environmental impacts, in addition to the use of water resources and energy costs in the production of seedlings. From June 2021 to March 2022, controlled experiments were carried out with the objective of evaluating the production of seedlings of tree species native to the Atlantic Forest with different depths and irrigation water quality, and shading levels. In the first experiment, supply water (T1) and cattle wastewater (CWW) treated with ozonation for 1 (T2) and 2 h (T3) were applied at doses of 100; 83.3; 66.7 and 56.7% of water variation in Dalbergia nigra seedlings, cultivated with biosolid, using shading levels of 37.6 (C2); 49.4 (C3) and 75.8% (C4), and in full sun (C1). With the ozonation of CWW, there was an increase
in pH and a reduction in electrical conductivity, total solids and turbidity, allowing its use for irrigation of forest seedlings. The largest volumes of water applied ranged from 1,556 (T3C1) to 2,342 L plant-1 (T2C1). The CWW adopted seedling growth, mainly with the 1 h treatment, providing a Dickson quality index (DQI) of 2.34 in full sun, and better water productivity (3.8 g L-1), with supply total water requirement of the seedlings (100%). When planted in a forest restoration area, the initial vegetative growth of the seedlings benefited from the nutrients supplied by the ARB. In the second experiment, Cariniana estrellensis and Gallesia integrifolia
seedlings were produced with shading levels and supply water as a source for supplemental irrigation. The seedlings received, on average, from 2.97 to 3.94 L plant -1 (C. estrellensis) and from 3.31 to 3.83 L plant -1 (G. integrifólia). C. estrellensis seedlings cultivated with higher levels of shading (49.4% and 75.8%) showed greater growth both in the nursery and in the field, after 12 months of monitoring, reaching a height of up to 76 cm, on average. G. integrifolia seedlings produced with 49.4% shading showed better performance in height and diameter during the nursery phase and better adaptation after transplanting. These results can be used as
decision support tools for the rural population, logging companies and state forest management structures for silviculture.