Influencia del arado y la densidad de plantación con especies nativas en la regeneración de Ulex europaeus L.

Abstract

The Gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) is considered one of the most aggressive invasive species globally due to its ecological and economic impacts. In Colombia, it has been reported since 1932 and quickly invaded disturbed areas. Various techniques have been tested worldwide to control this invader; however, many of them are not applicable in Colombia. Therefore, the most commonly used strategy in the country to combat the Gorse is the manual and periodic removal of its shoots, even though its implementation is costly and does not efficiently prevent re-invasion. In this regard, the question arises of how the periodic removal of shoots can be optimized. To answer this question, this study evaluated the effect of manual plowing, planting density, and leaf size grouping of planted individuals on the regeneration of U. europaeus. These variables are considered complementary strategies to periodic manual shoot removal. Two experimental designs were established to reduce Gorse regeneration following initial removal; one aimed to evaluate the effect of plowing and leaf size grouping, and the other to test planting density and leaf sizes. It was found that plowing with successive manual removals significantly decreased the seed bank, while higher planting density did not lead to a significant reduction in Gorse shoots. Although leaf sizes did not have a consistent effect in the two experiments, it can be stated that merely planting reduces the invader's regeneration. In conclusion, the current management model for Ulex europaeus can be improved, and its capacity to re-invade reduced by combining manual and periodic shoot removal with soil plowing and the establishment of plantations.