Analysis of the adequacy of landscape composition to the semi-arid of squares in Montes Claros

Public green areas such as squares, especially in semi-arid regions, should be planned with the choice of more resistant species that require less labor and water for irrigation. This study is aimed at analyzing the suitability of three public squares of Montes Claros to local climatic conditions and the potential for the introduction of sustainable gardens in this municipality. Three squares of Montes Claros, Southeastern Brazil, whose biome is the Cerrado, were evaluated in terms of the total number of individuals (trees, palms, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants) and analyzed according to the literature regarding their classification in relation to origin (exotic or native), drought tolerance, and the benefits they bring to fauna. Among the squares studied, it was observed that Duque de Caxias was the one with the highest percentage of drought-tolerant plants and that bring benefits to the fauna proportionally to the total number of plants. This square was also the one with the highest percentage of native plants (25.93%), however this value is still low for the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region, which, due to the scarcity of water, requires a greater number of drought-tolerant native plants. It is concluded that the studied squares have many exotic plants that are demanding in maintenance and therefore there is a need for their gradual replacement in sustainable landscaping projects, especially with the use of a greater number of native species suitable for semi-arid conditions.


Introduction
Green areas are an important factor in people's quality of life, as it provides well-being for residents, restores mental fatigue, reduces stress, and causes positive changes in mood and self-esteem. They reduce the harmful effects of over-urbanization and heat islands, promote people's contact with nature, offer leisure to the population and favors social interaction among those who frequent the environment, especially the elderly (Amato- Lourenço et al., 2016;Boldrin et al., 2016;Martelli, 2016;Person et al., 2019). It also contributes to urban drainage actions, improving the microclimate, reducing the daylight, and providing shelter and food to avifauna (Sabadini, 2017;Alves et al., 2018;Jin et al., 2021).
One of the main structures that comprise the green areas are the squares, as a result, municipalities must be provided with careful and detailed plans for the implementation and maintenance of this green areas. Thus, it is important that studies be conducted of their characterization and distribution in space, so that urban planning can be performed efficiently (Bento et al., 2018). The garden designs must be well-planned thought and implemented considering the local characteristics and population, the infrastructure and the species that will make up, with their different sizes, textures, shapes, and colors (Paiva et al., 2008). In addition to the aesthetic issue, it is necessary to study the plant's role in the urban ecosystem, its interactions and benefits, and prioritize species adapted to the region, especially native plants.
As the technological advance and the exploitation of natural resources cause the degradation of formerly balanced bio systems, society is led to live with unsustainable environments and threatened ecosystems (Paula et al., 2017). To counterbalance this problem, sustainable development arises, combining in a harmonious way the progress of cities and environmental conservation (Bento et al., 2018). Thus, the optimization of water use constitutes one of the main factors to be taken into consideration.
Due to the current water crisis, it is becoming urgent that irrigation projects and other forms of water use be structured and tailored to the climatic conditions of each region, such as the implementation of carefully planned green areas to reduce the impacts to the environment and the population. As a result, studies focused on landscape projects using species adapted to drought and that allow the constitution of an environment with freshness and increase of biodiversity are of great importance. From this perspective, this study is aimed at analyzing the suitability of three public squares of Montes Claros to local climatic conditions and the potential for the introduction of sustainable gardens in this municipality.

Material and Methods
The methodology of the study was exploratory and descriptive, and the research was carried out in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais (latitude 16º40'59.7''S, longitude 43º50'21.9'' W, altitude 680 m). According to the Köppen climate classification (Alvares et al., 2013) it is an area with a dry tropical climate; with annual precipitation between 1000-1300 mm, with dry winter and average temperature of 23.1 ºC. Montes Claros is located in the Cerrado which is the second largest Brazilian biome, constituting the richest tropical savanna in the world (Brasil/MMA, 2020). The soils in the Cerrado areas are characterized mainly by having high acidity and nutrient deficiency, with the most common soils being oxisols, present in 46% of the area (Ribeiro and Walter, 1998).
Three squares of the city of Montes Claros: Duque de Caxias Square, Flamarion Wanderley Square, and Rotary Square were chosen for evaluation because of their importance to the population. The squares were evaluated regarding the identification of species present, counting all individuals of ornamental plants that composed the landscape (tree, palm, shrub, climber plants and herbaceous species) and identifying pests and diseases observed in the species. The Microsoft Excel 2013 software was used to calculate the analyses of abundance and absolute frequency of species (Felfili et al., 2011), calculate the percentage of species native to the Cerrado (Flora do Brasil, 2020;Reflora, 2020) and attractive to fauna, as well as the classification of drought-tolerant species following the description of the literature (Lorenzi, 2002;Lorenzi et al., 2003;Lorenzi, 2008;Lorenzi et al., 2010). The quantity and physical state of structural elements in each square were also observed. Through descriptive statistics it was possible to evaluate the occurrence of species in percentage and determine the benefits and possible damage that may arise with the distribution and quantity of species introduced in the environment, maintenance conditions of the squares and their potential for the incorporation of sustainable gardens in the municipality.

Duque de Caxias Square
The Duque de Caxias Square has an approximate area of 3,457 mZ, is paved with straight paths (Figure 1 and 2) and a total of 54 individuals distributed among 14 botanical families, composing a total of 22 species. Among these, the one with the highest frequency is the amendoeira which corresponds to 14.81% of the total species, followed by hibisco, flamboyant and palmeira real, each comprising 11.11%. The table 1 lists all the species found in Duque de Caxias Square with their abundance, absolute frequency, and tolerance to drought. The plants that are highly tolerant to drought represent 63.63% of the total number of species found in this square. Ideally, most species planted should have this feature, for the built environment to be sustainable and maintain its beauty over time, with reduced maintenance needs.  The Duque de Caxias Square houses fruit species such as araçá, pitangueira and romãzeira trees ( Table 1) that are attractive to fauna, benefiting them with their fruits and the microclimate of the green space. Additionally, these fruit species do not represent any danger, because their fruits are small and light, and when fall, they do not make the ground slippery. These species are ideal in landscaping projects for promoting a pleasant urban environment, bringing the pleasant presence of birds, and increasing biological diversity (Lourenço and Biagolini, 2018). However, the fruit species must be carefully chosen to avoid the attraction of insects that can cause inconvenience to passersby, such as wasps, and should be established in specific locations so that accidents do not occur, such as fruit falling in undesirable places (CEMIG, 2011). In this case, the square has examples of mangueira and goiabeira, which are not recommended for urban afforestation.
On the landscaping characterization it was found the use of deciduous species that reduce shading in certain periods of the year, which is unfavorable for the climatic conditions of northern Minas such as amendoeira, paineira, flamboyant, aroeira-do-sertão and tamboril (Santin and Leitão Filho, 1991;Lorenzi, 2002;Thomson and Evans, 2006;Khongkaew et al., 2021). Although the trees do not cause any cracks in the sidewalks, some of them have exposed roots in the flowerbeds, which represents risks for passersby. It was observed that in areas of great movement species with succulent flowers, such as paineira, were used, which may cause accidents by making the floor slippery for the people who use the space. Nine species native to the Cerrado were found, spread over seven families. There is a variation in absolute density with a maximum of 4 units for the paineira species with a frequency of 28.57% and a minimum absolute density of 1 unit for the other 6 species, which comprise a frequency of 7.14% (Table 2). Contrary to these results, Guilherme et al. (2018), identified that Cerrado trees prevailed in the afforestation of four cities in Mato Grosso do Sul and emphasize the importance of choosing native species not only for the ecosystem, but also to preserve the region's identity.
When counting the absolute density of native species found in the area and the absolute density of all species found in the square, we found a percentage of only 25.93% of native species, which may be one of the reasons for the incidence of insects and diseases and the greater need for water of some plants. Native species are naturally more resistant to the attack of predatory insects, more adapted to the local climate, and consequently less prone to disease. The valuation of native flora over other species brings the benefit of having a richer and healthier  The structural elements found in Duque de Caxias Square were gym equipment's (outdoor gym), an access ramp for the disabled, benches and two lamp posts (Table  3).

Flamarion Wanderley Square
Flamarion Wanderley Square has an area of approximately 10,881 mZ is paved with straight paths (Figure 3 and 4) and a total of 112 individuals distributed among 18 botanical families that make up a total of 27 species. Among these species, the one with the highest frequency is sibipiruna, which corresponds to 26.79% of the total observed, followed by resedá gigante and palmeira areca, comprising 14.29% and 11.61% respectively. Table 4 lists all the species found in this square with their abundance, absolute frequency, and drought tolerance.
Flamarion Wanderley Square is very rich in species of different colors and textures. The flowers with shades of red, pink, lilac and yellow make a beautiful contrast with the different shades of green, adding balance to the landscape composition. Diversity promotes a variety of colors throughout the year due to different species flowering times (Toledo et al., 2021). The different shapes of the leaves and height of the trees create a sensation of movement in the environment (Paiva et al., 2008), calling for contemplation. The only species which provides quality shade throughout the day is the mangueira, but the other species do not have this property, a consequence of the lack of landscape planning for this purpose. The deciduous species such as plátano and ipê were used, which lose their leaves at a certain time of the year, further reducing the shaded area.
Cad. Ciênc. Agrá., v. 14, p. 01-08, DOI: https://doi.org/10.35699/2447-6218.2022.40530  The species that are highly tolerant to drought and, consequently, ideal for the Montes Claros climate, comprise 46.15% of the total that were observed. These are an important component in sustainable squares and gardens and have great potential to be used in this region. Four species native to the Cerrado were found in the square, distributed among two families. The absolute density varied with maximum of 8 units and frequency of 72.73% for the palmeira jerivá species and a minimum of 1 unit for the other species, with a frequency of 9.09% (Table 5). By computing the absolute density of the native Cerrado species found in the area and the absolute density of all species present in the square, it was possible to observe a percentage of native species of 9.82%, which is considered insufficient to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. This square has structural elements such as trash cans, adequate lighting, access ramp for the physically challenged, many benches, two courts, walks for walking, playground, and outdoor gym equipment. The entire structure of the square is very well used by residents of the neighborhood and by people who come from other places because they consider the square a good place for entertainment and sports. Table 6 shows the structural elements present in the square and their quantity and physical state.

Rotary Square
The Rotary Square is home to 27 individuals, distributed in 22 families, totaling 105 species spread over an area of 4,541 mZ, paved with straight paths ( Figure  5 and 6). Among the species, the most frequent is the sibipiruna, accounting for 28.57% of the total species, followed by the hibisco with 11.43%. This Square is very rich in ornamental and fruit species and has the potential to house insects and birds of different species. The Table 7 lists all the species found in the Rotary Square with their abundance, absolute frequency, and drought tolerance.
As can be seen in Table 7, the Rotary Square has a great diversity of fruit plants that are attractive to fauna. In its uniqueness, it includes 59.25% of highly tolerant species to drought, such as agave-dragão, espada-de-são-jorge, espadinha and iuca, ideal for the climatic conditions of the region and for the use in sustainable gardens. This Square has a great diversity of species of  (Paiva et al., 2008).     Ten species native to the Cerrado were found in the square, distributed among 10 families. The maximum absolute density was 3 units, with a frequency of 21.43% for jenipapeiro species and a minimum of 1 unit and frequency of 7.14% for the other 7 species. When counting the absolute density of the native Cerrado species found in the area and the absolute density of all species present in the Rotary Square, a percentage of native species of only 13.33% was observed ( Table 8).
The square has trash cans, access ramps for the disabled, benches and tables, ping-pong tables, court with bleachers, toys, and poles with adequate lighting. Table  9 shows the structural elements present in the square and their quantity and physical state. In the three squares evaluated, most species are attractive to wildlife, either because of their fruits, flowers or because they provide shelter. In this regard, the guarantee of food supply and shelter for the attracted species promotes greater biological diversity at the site (Lourenço and Biagolini, 2018). The Figure7 compares the frequency of species attractive to fauna in the three squares studied. The highest frequency of fauna-attractive species was found in Duque de Caxias Square, with 81.82% of the total number of species, while Flamarion Wanderley and Rotary Squares had 70.37% and 74.07%, respectively. The Table 10 shows the species attractive to fauna found in the evaluated squares.
The squares evaluated presented few species native to the Cerrado biome, totaling 35 individuals and 22 species of 19 botanical families (tables 2, 6 and 8). In regions with climatic conditions like those found in Montes Claros, it is essential that the preference be for these species that are naturally more adapted and resistant, making the environment more sustainable with reduced irrigation and pest and disease control costs. The Figure  8 compares the quantity of native species of the Cerrado in each of the three squares in relation to their respective total population. Duque de Caxias Square presents 25.93% of native species, the highest percentage found among the three squares studied. Flamarion Wanderley Square presents 9.82%, while Rotary Square has 13.33% 1

Analysis of the adequacy of landscape composition to the semi-arid of squares in Montes Claros
Cad. Ciênc. Agrá., v. 14, p. 01-08, DOI: https://doi.org/10.35699/2447-6218.2022.40530 of species from the biome of the Cerrado. It is observed that the choice of plants used in the installation of the squares did not consider important issues such as resis-tance to pests and diseases, tolerance to drought and adaptation to the soil and climate of the region.  The following phytophagous arthropods were observed in the evaluated squares: Trigona spinipes (abelha irapuá), Acromyrmex spp. or Atta spp. (formiga cortadeira), Orthezia praelonga (cochonilla ortézia), phytophagous mites and Planococcus citri (cochonilla branca) (Table 11). As for the diseases, an association of fungi of the genus Colletrochichum spp., was observed, causing anthracnose in individual species of primavera and resedá gigante and the presence of fungi of the genus Curvularia sp. causing helminthosporiosis (Silva et al., 2013;Jayawardena et al., 2016). The choice of tree species used in the three squares did not follow the recommendations in terms of the correct quantity and distribution of plants in the environment, with large quantities of a single species being found to the detriment of others that often had only one species (Jesus et al., 2015). The diversity of species brings countless benefits to green areas. The greater use of species attractive to fauna in squares, in addition to increasing biodiversity, can enable the benefit of pest insect control by natural enemies, such as ladybugs for example (Lourenço and Biagolini, 2018;Haan et al., 2019;Redhead et al., 2020).
Cad. Ciênc. Agrá., v. 14, p. 01-08, DOI: https://doi.org/10.35699/2447-6218.2022.40530 Resedá-gigante is an exotic species and consequently less adapted to the climate of the region, which may be the answer for the appearance of pathologies. Native plants are more resistant to attack by pests and diseases because they attract specific insects as pollinators, promoting ecosystem balance (Heiden et al., 2006). The lack of irrigation caused water deficiency symptoms in species such as trapoeraba-roxa, cordiline, and hibisco. It is important to have thorough planning about the ideal species for the climate, soil, and correct location for its implementation, so that expenses with irrigation and maintenance are reduced (Silva et al., 2013) and species do not show water deficiency symptoms. Also, lack of irrigation, caused lawns to become dry in the three squares evaluated. The use of grass species that are not very resistant to the climatic conditions of the region, such as grama esmeralda (Zoysia japonica), may have increased the difficulty of maintaining the evergreen flowerbeds. It is imperative that great attention be paid to the choice of grasses during planning, as these species are one of the most water and maintenance demanding in a garden (Gonçalves et al., 2018).  The implementation of sustainable garden in Montes Claros requires plant diversification associated with the use of native species. This is justified because the use of irrigation water in semi-arid region needs to be minimal. The squares studied have many exotic species and there is a need for their gradual replacement by native species resilient to the dry season that are a valuable option for public gardens.

Conclusions
The squares studied have a considerable number of species that demand a high need for water and maintenance, because they are not adapted to the climatic conditions of the municipality, turning the maintenance into an unfeasible practice. The municipality, in turn, has great potential for the implementation of sustainable landscaping projects for squares that are adapted to the climate and water availability of the region.
The use of native species of the Cerrado is an excellent alternative, since these plants are adapted to the local climate, have low water requirements, and are less susceptible to pathogen attack. As a result, they require less financial and water resources for their maintenance, enabling a viable alternative for the public sector and for the community, which will benefit from surprisingly beautiful and pleasant spaces.