VEGETATION ANALYSIS IN PART OF CATCHMENT AREA INFLUENCING WATER QUALITY IN CIKAPUNDUNG UPSTREAM, SUNTENJAYA VILLAGE, WEST BANDUNG REGENCY

Abstract

Plant coverage and land-use practices in catchment area influence water quality of the stream. Vegetation analysis in the catchment area of Cikapundung upstream was studied in three land-use areas: Production Forest (HP), Plantation (PK), and Settlement (PM) areas. The objective of this study was to analyze the vegetation as cover ground, and to relate between land uses and water quality of the Cikapundung stream. Research was conducted from February to April 2013. Equally random sampling method was conducted in three accessible land use areas with a total of 18 nested square plots (20x20 m2; 10x10 m2 and 1x1 m2) of each growth forms. There were 59 species found in the catchment area of Cikapundung upstream consisting of trees, saplings, seedlings, shrubs, herbaceous and grasses growth forms. Among two other land uses, PK had the highest (37) plant species, and HP had the highest diversity index (2,78).Similarity indices of total vegetation between HP-PK; PK-PM; and PM-HP were 12.3%,4.8%, and 10.1%. The highest similarity indices performed in trees was between HP-PK of 75%, while similarity indices both herbaceous plants and grasses were shown between PK-PM; and between PM-HP with the figures of 62%, and 70% respectively. Overall, herbaceous and grasses coverage dominated the catchment area of PM, HP, and PK, with the figures of 63%, 46%, and 43% respectively.Based on water quality standard, the best water quality was in HP. However, the streams in all stations have been polluted by coliform, due to bio-fertilizer applications. Keywords : catchment area, Cikapundung upstream, land-use practices, water quality