The effect of teak plantation growth on air temperature and oxygen level in green open spaces of the Research and Innovation Department of Perhutani Forestry Institute (PeFI)

Abstract

Urban land utilization for urban facilities construction continues to grow and impact the urban heat island making the city uncomfortable. Green open space (GOS) is a space within a city with its function in ecological, social, economic, and architectural functions. The purpose of the research was to determine the characteristics of GOS and the effect of teak plantation growth on air temperature and oxygen (O2) levels. The research was conducted from May to November 2021 using an observational design with a purposive sampling technique, considering the variations in measured variables: number of trees, daily climate, micro-climate difference, O2 level, and wind speed. The research analysis used a descriptive study approach relevant to the observed conditions. The teak arboretum and teak hedge orchard were the GOS at the Perhutani Forestry Institute (PeFI). Arboretum had a lower temperature and higher humidity than teak hedge orchard, making the arboretum in the cool-climate category with an ideal temperature of 26.9° C and dry humidity category. This means that the PeFi office was categorized as comfortable. The oxygen levels in PeFI were between 20.9 to 21.1%, meaning that the oxygen in the PeFI environment is highly available with the presence of GOS from the observed sites.