The role of secondary forest in the survival and growth of native species: Tree planting field experiment in the delta of the Paraná River (Argentina)

•Post-abandonment secondary forest is a favorable environment for the survival of native tree seedlings.•In this environment the smaller the seedling, the greater nurse effect.•Tree planting is an ecological restoration technique suitable for the recovery of native riparian forest in the studied region.•Planting under a forest cover implies a slower growth rate, but greater survival.