Dynamics of Species Richness in Understory Deciduous Teak Forest (Tectona grandis)

Abstract

Teak plantation forest is a deciduous forest that sheds its leaves during the dry season. It is generally a secondary forest that is managed in a monoculture manner so that it is homogeneous. However, when teak sheds its leaves, it that may impacts the dynamics of understory species changes due to differences in environmental factors growing in the dry and wet seasons. The study observed 90 plots carried out over a year, namely two times during the dry season and 2 times during the wet season. We placed three transects around the forest edge, each (9 transects), and plotted 1 m × 1 m plots. Data collection was carried out at distances of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 m on each transect. In each plot, the composition of the understory vegetation cover, litter cover and soil bare was observed. The research was also observed canopy openness and collected rainfall data for one year from the nearest Meteorology station. Species found were recorded for identification based on origin, life form, original habitat, and seed dispersal. The study‘s results found 57 species, 16 species only in DS, then 17 species only in WS, and 24 in both seasons. The dynamics of changes in these species are influenced by the season, which will affect the environment around the plant. Seasonal differences impact light intensity, canopy openness, leaf fall and growth, and litter thickness, which impact the understory diversity and abundance.