Assesing Infiltration Rate and Soil Physical Properties at Different Vegetation Densities in the Jasinga Silviculture Teaching Industry (JSTI) Area

Abstract

The Jasinga Silviculture Teaching Industry (JSTI) area is a research forest with ecosystem conditions that have yet to be widely known. Research on the local ecosystem is needed, especially regarding vegetation, soil, and the hydrological cycle. Vegetation densities in the JSTI area are uneven, which affects groundwater absorption (infiltration rate). This study aimed to identify the infiltration rate and soil physical properties at different vegetation densities. The research plot was determined through purposive sampling techniques based on the level of vegetation density. The research methods carried out were analysis of vegetation density and composition, identification of soil physical properties (such as organic matter content, bulk density, porosity, and moisture content), measuring field infiltration rates using a double-ring infiltrometer, and analyzed the Spearman correlation. The results showed that dense vegetation has the highest score of organic matter content (> 4%), the bulk density is moderate, the porous category dominates the porosity, and the water content and infiltration rate were greater than sparse vegetation plots. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out planting activities at sparse vegetation density in the JSTI area.