Comparison of undergrowth diversity between post burned and unburned land in PT National Sago Prima, Riau Province

Abstract

PT NSP is the only sago industrial plantation in Indonesia. Unfortunately, in 2014 there was a fire on the land with an area of burning estimated around 3,000 ha from the total area of 21,418 Ha. This caused PT NSP to be accused of reducing biodiversity in the area. However, there were no research results that show the amount of damage experienced by the fire. Damage caused by fire to vegetation can cause succession. Changes in vegetation caused by succession can be seen from the composition and structure of vegetation in the area. The purpose of this study was to determine the comparison of composition and structure of undergrowth between post-burned and unburned land. This research was conducted in February 2017 and 2019. The method used was a single plot method. The results showed that in post-burnt land 16 species were found in 2017 and 25 species in 2019. While in unburnt land, 20 species were found in 2017 and 21 species in 2019. The species that dominates was Nephrolepis hirsutula, this was due to the condition of the open land cover causing pioneer plants such as N. hirsutula to rapidly develop to cover all exposed land surfaces.