Trema micrantha (L.)Blume (Ulmaceae): A promising neotropical tree for site amelioration of deforested land

The genus Trema includes many species that are fast growing, short living pioneer trees common in early successional vegetation and large recent gaps of many tropical moist forests. They establish themselves and grow in open sites with microclimatic and soil conditions which are contrasting to those prevailing in dense forests. With time they change the environmental conditions by attenuating the wide alternations of soil temperature and lower midday air relative humidity characteristic of open places. At the same time, soil moisture and organic matter content, as well as nutrient levels increase due to the reestablishment of an organic cycle in the soil. Consequently they help generating an environment that permits the establishment of mature forest species that often do not survive under the environmental conditions of open places. The propagules of mature forest trees can be reintroduced from conserved areas nearby. The biological and ecological traits related to the potential use of T. micrantha for site amelioration previous to the reintroduction of mature forest trees are presented in this paper. Furthermore, some preliminary experiences in the field are cited. The same use may apply to other fast growing short living pioneers.