Application of Sustainable Agroforestry Systems

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 145 views

Land Infiltration Study on Various Land Uses in the Buffer Zone of the Gunung Leuser National Park

Introduction

The Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) is a vital ecosystem in Indonesia, known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife. The park's buffer zone, which surrounds the national park, plays a crucial role in maintaining the sustainability of its ecosystems. The buffer zone is home to various land uses, including agroforestry and agriculture, which are the backbone of the economy of the surrounding community. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of land use and slope on the rate of soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone.

Background

Soil infiltration is the process by which water enters the soil and becomes available for plant growth. It is an essential component of the hydrological cycle, as it helps to regulate the amount of water available for plants and prevents soil erosion. Land use and slope are two critical factors that affect soil infiltration. Land use can impact soil infiltration by altering the soil's physical properties, such as its structure and porosity. For example, agroforestry systems can improve soil quality through the addition of organic matter, which can increase the soil's ability to hold water.

Slope is another important factor that affects soil infiltration. Steep slopes can lead to increased runoff and soil erosion, while flat slopes can result in reduced infiltration rates. In the TNGL buffer zone, the slope can range from gentle to steep, making it an ideal location to study the effect of slope on soil infiltration.

Methodology

To examine the effect of land use and slope on the rate of soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone, this study used the double ring infiltrometer method. This method involves measuring the rate of water infiltration into the soil using two concentric rings. The measurement was taken at 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th minutes with three replications. The data obtained were analyzed using a randomized factorial group design and a Duncan distance test to determine the significant differences between treatments.

Results

The results of the analysis show that natural forests and land use with agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural types have a very significant effect on the rate of infiltration. The Duncan distance test shows that the infiltration rate in agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural types is not significantly different, but both are very significantly different from natural forests. This difference is caused by a higher canopy closure in natural forests compared to agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural types.

Another factor that affects the infiltration rate is soil management that is continuously carried out on agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural land for planting preparation. This activity can damage soil structure, increase soil erosion, and inhibit infiltration rates.

The slope also has an important role in the rate of infiltration. This study shows that the infiltration rate on steep slopes is higher than the flat slope. This is caused by the movement of water that occurs vertically and laterally on steep slopes, while on flat slopes the movement of water is dominated by vertical movements.

Discussion

The results of this study provide important information for land management in the TNGL buffer zone in order to maintain the balance of hydrology and environmental sustainability. The study shows that land use and slope have a significant influence on the rate of soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone. Natural forests have a higher infiltration rate compared to agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural types, which are influenced by the closure of the canopy and soil management.

Steep slopes have a higher infiltration rate than flat slopes, due to more complex water movements. This study also highlights the importance of soil management in maintaining soil fertility and increasing the rate of infiltration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study shows that land use and slope have a significant influence on the rate of soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone. Natural forests have a higher infiltration rate compared to agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural types, which are influenced by the closure of the canopy and soil management. Steep slopes have a higher infiltration rate than flat slopes, due to more complex water movements.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Application of Sustainable Agroforestry Systems: Paying attention to good soil management aspects can increase the rate of infiltration and maintain soil fertility.
Increased Vegetation of Land Cover on Steep Slopes: Reducing runoff rates and soil erosion can be achieved by increasing vegetation on steep slopes.
Education and Training Programs: Providing education and training programs for the community around TNGL about environmentally friendly and sustainable land management can help to maintain the balance of hydrology and environmental sustainability.

By applying the above recommendations, it is expected to increase the rate of soil infiltration, maintain a balance of hydrological, and support the sustainability of the Gunung Leuser National Park ecosystem.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for future research on the effect of land use and slope on soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone. Future studies can investigate the impact of other factors, such as climate change and land use intensity, on soil infiltration. Additionally, research can be conducted on the development of sustainable land management practices that can maintain soil fertility and increase the rate of infiltration.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The study was conducted in a specific location, and the results may not be generalizable to other locations. Additionally, the study only investigated the effect of land use and slope on soil infiltration, and did not consider other factors that may affect soil infiltration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides important information for land management in the TNGL buffer zone in order to maintain the balance of hydrology and environmental sustainability. The study shows that land use and slope have a significant influence on the rate of soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone. Natural forests have a higher infiltration rate compared to agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural types, which are influenced by the closure of the canopy and soil management. Steep slopes have a higher infiltration rate than flat slopes, due to more complex water movements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Land Infiltration Study on Various Land Uses in the Buffer Zone of the Gunung Leuser National Park

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of land use and slope on the rate of soil infiltration in the Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) buffer zone.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study are that natural forests have a higher infiltration rate compared to agrosilvicultural and agrosilvopastural types, which are influenced by the closure of the canopy and soil management. Steep slopes have a higher infiltration rate than flat slopes, due to more complex water movements.

Q: What are the implications of this study for land management in the TNGL buffer zone?

A: The study provides important information for land management in the TNGL buffer zone in order to maintain the balance of hydrology and environmental sustainability. The study recommends the application of sustainable agroforestry systems, increased vegetation of land cover on steep slopes, and education and training programs for the community around TNGL about environmentally friendly and sustainable land management.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the fact that it was conducted in a specific location and the results may not be generalizable to other locations. Additionally, the study only investigated the effect of land use and slope on soil infiltration, and did not consider other factors that may affect soil infiltration.

Q: What are the future research directions based on this study?

A: Future research directions based on this study include investigating the impact of other factors, such as climate change and land use intensity, on soil infiltration. Additionally, research can be conducted on the development of sustainable land management practices that can maintain soil fertility and increase the rate of infiltration.

Q: What are the benefits of increasing soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone?

A: Increasing soil infiltration in the TNGL buffer zone can help to maintain the balance of hydrology and environmental sustainability. It can also help to reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and support the sustainability of the Gunung Leuser National Park ecosystem.

Q: What are the challenges of implementing sustainable land management practices in the TNGL buffer zone?

A: The challenges of implementing sustainable land management practices in the TNGL buffer zone include the need for education and training programs for the community around TNGL, the need for technical and financial support, and the need to address the social and economic factors that influence land use decisions.

Q: How can the community around TNGL get involved in sustainable land management practices?

A: The community around TNGL can get involved in sustainable land management practices by participating in education and training programs, by providing technical and financial support, and by advocating for policies and practices that support sustainable land management.

Q: What are the next steps for implementing the recommendations of this study?

A: The next steps for implementing the recommendations of this study include conducting further research on the impact of other factors on soil infiltration, developing sustainable land management practices that can maintain soil fertility and increase the rate of infiltration, and providing education and training programs for the community around TNGL about environmentally friendly and sustainable land management.

Q: How can this study be replicated in other locations?

A: This study can be replicated in other locations by using similar methods and techniques to investigate the effect of land use and slope on soil infiltration. However, it is essential to consider the specific context and conditions of the location being studied and to adapt the study design and methods accordingly.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include informing land use planning and management decisions, developing sustainable land management practices, and supporting the sustainability of protected areas and ecosystems.