The aim of this study was to evaluate a water absorbent polymer as a model for environmental rehabilitation with native tree species from the northern state of Rio de Janeiro forest. The use of hydro gel in the improvement of tree survival and growth resulting in the development of a larger diameter at collar height (DAC) in the species treated was monitored monthly. The monthly monitoring looked at whether use of the gel to plant survival and provide greater power through larger diameter at collar height (DAC), the species treated and which would have the best and therefore suitable for reforestation in the ecoregion. In order to indentify which species would be suitable for reforestation in the ecoregion, we have applied hydrogel in our plating system. We have selected 20 tree species from 15 different botanical groups existing in the vicinity of the studied area, that received 50 grams of superphosphate in the pit, 5 grams of hydrogel and water. The experimental model was of 05 randomized blocks with 02 treatments, with or without hydrogel, and a repetition per block average spacing of 9.00 m2 for a total of 20 plant species per plot, 04 plots, 80 trees and 400 trees per block. Cassava was planted between the lines. Mortality as well as DACS in treated plots were 5% lower, but did not differ at 5% probability of error. The species Mirindiba (Lafoenria glyptocarpa), Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora), Samanea (Samanea sp), Caja-Mirim (Spondias lutea), Pau Ferro (Caesalpinia ferrea), Chicha (Sterculia chicha), Jequitiba (Cariniana legalis), Oiti (Lycania
sp), Jatoba (Hymeneae Coubaril) and Aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolia) had ≤ 10% mortality. The mortality of seedlings with initial CAD ≤ 6.1 mm was significantly higher than those with CAD > 6.1 mm. The planting of a commercial culture represented a 23.1% savings in the cost of deployment.

Keywords: Hydrogel, Water Absorbent Polymer, Forest Rehabilitation, Native Trees in Northern Rio de Janeiro State.