Ensaio de espécies arbustivas da flora portuguesa para intervenções de engenharia natural

Abstract

We present the results on the ability for vegetative propagation of Coronilla glauca L., Daphne gnidium L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Myrtus communis L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., species from the Portuguese flora, and their biotechnical traits to assess the ability of these species for soil bioengineering techniques, especially in areas not adjacent to watercourses. These species were selected from a group of candidates considered probably suitable for soil bioengineering works and that need to be tested for this suitability. These species were chosen based on the following criteria: references on their vegetative propagation ability, wide geographic distribution and adaptability to the intervention site. The tests were conducted from cuttings taken from mother plants in the Lisbon area and installed in Tapada da Ajuda (Centre for Applied Ecology "Prof. Baeta Neves", Institute of Agronomy, CEABN - ISA), Lisbon. After 3 months, the results of the cuttings were analyzed through an statistical analysis as for their root development using the software GiA Roots, to assess their biotechnical traits. Because they can combine good biotechnical features and ability to be vegetatively reproduced, we can conclude that Coronilla glauca the Dittrichia viscosa and Myrtus communis species are indicated for use in soil bioengineering interventions. The results obtained in this study allow us to provide new construction materials, - living ones - for soil bioengineering works in mainland Portugal, contributing these species to the acceleration of soil stabilization in areas particularly susceptible to erosion and where the use of riparian species may not be the appropriate choice.