Strategies for rehabilitation of Tuk Anjar springshed in Mount Merbabu National Park

Abstract

Spring is one of the freshwater sources for human life and as a groundwater potential indicator. The springs' quality and the quantity depend on the springshed condition. However, anthropogenic activities such as forest burning, forest encroachment, illegal logging, and land-use change have caused springshed degradation. Therefore, a proper and efficient springshed rehabilitation strategy is urgently needed. This research was carried out during September-December 2020 to formulate Tuk Anjar springshed rehabilitation strategies at Mount Merbabu National Park, Indonesia. The strategies cover methods to delineate the springshed, identify site characteristics and design rehabilitation plots. Springshed delineation was done using spatial analysis. Site characteristics were obtained by field surveys and laboratory analysis through data collection in a 10x10 m sample plot (spring protection) and 20x20 m (springshed protection). The spatial analysis result showed that Tuk Anjar springshed area was 35.06 ha, with zone I: 0.01 ha, zone II: 2.54 ha, and zone III: 32.5 ha. The priority area to rehabilitate is zone II with a low tree density. Tree species selection is based on on-site species matching, optimal rainwater storage, and having fruits as an animal feed source. Species from the genus of Ficus like wilodo, kebeg and beringin should be used since it has great potential in water storage.