LAJU PRODUKSI SERASAH POHON DI KAWASAN HUTAN ARBORETUM UNIVERSITAS RIAU

Abstract

Litter is an important component of forest ecosystems that plays a significant role in nutrient cycling, humus formation, and carbon storage. The Arboretum Forest of the University of Riau possesses diverse tree vegetation with the potential to produce substantial amounts of litter; however, information regarding its litter production rate remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the tree litter production rate in the Arboretum Forest of the University of Riau. A quantitative descriptive method was employed through direct observations at three sampling stations: shaded, transitional, and open areas. The collected litter data were analyzed to determine litter production rates based on the dry weight of the litter produced. The results showed that the tree litter production rate in the Arboretum Forest of the University of Riau was 282.8 g/m²/week, equivalent to 147.05 tons/ha/year. The transitional station exhibited the highest litter production rate at 175.02 g/m²/week, followed by the shaded station at 72.06 g/m²/week and the open station at 35.72 g/m²/week. Leaves were the dominant litter component, contributing a total production of 230.23 g/m²/week. These findings indicate that vegetation characteristics and environmental factors influence litter production within the arboretum forest ecosystem.