Diversity of Seedlings in the Kerangas Forest Kersik Luway Nature Reserve
Heni Emawati
Faculty of Agriculture, University of 17 Agustus 1945 Samarinda, Jalan Ir. H. Juanda 80, Samarinda City, East Kalimantan, 75124, Indonesia.
Jumani
Faculty of Agriculture, University of 17 Agustus 1945 Samarinda, Jalan Ir. H. Juanda 80, Samarinda City, East Kalimantan, 75124, Indonesia.
Akas Pinaringan Sujalu *
Faculty of Agriculture, University of 17 Agustus 1945 Samarinda, Jalan Ir. H. Juanda 80, Samarinda City, East Kalimantan, 75124, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Extreme Kerangas Forest is an edapic type of kerangas forest dominated by a much higher quartz sand content than the soil. However, the vegetation in this area is still abundant and the species have their own criteria that are very distinctive and different from other forest types. This paper describes in detail the investigation of seedling variety in the extreme Kerangas Forest of the Kersik Luway Nature Reserve. The research focuses on sapling vegetation in a 1-hectare area of this unique forest type, which is distinguished by high quartz sand content in the soil. The study methodologies are thoroughly described, including the application of the sensus method. The investigation found 38,225 unique saplings representing 16 species from 13 different groups. The most common species were Tristania obovata, Ilex hypoglauca Laec, Podocarpus neriifolius D.Don, Ficus sp. and Calophyllum glaucum. These species thrive in the Kerangas forest's nutrient-poor, acidic soils. According to the report, conservation efforts should prioritize the preservation of these unique ecosystems as well as the rehabilitation of barren areas containing rare species. The severe Kerangas forest in the Nature Reserve is home to a broad assortment of species that have evolved to thrive in harsh environments.
Keywords: Seedling, kerangas forest, vegetation, diversity