Abstract

The topographic conditions in South Central Timor which are prone to damage, require special attention in their utilization, such as through the application of the principles of soil and water conservation. This principle is not spared from the role of floor vegetation as grounding the blow of rainwater and surface flow so as to minimize the danger of erosion. This study aims to examine the diversity of floor vegetation in the karst ecosystem at various altitudes in South Central Timor. A total of 15 plots were placed along the elevation gradient starting from altitude of 307m asl to 1782 m asl. Data was sampled using a 1mx1m subplot placed in plots of 20m x 20m. The results showed that the highest number of species was found in upland zone; as many as 61 species with the highest IV occupied by Cyperus rotundus L with a value of 40.2%. In middle and and highland zones were Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn and C. rotundus respectively, with 60.9% and 20.9% of IV. Diversity index at the research location was also classified as medium.

Keywords

diversity, floor vegetation, south central timor, biodiversity, floor vegetation, ecosystems, soil, forest, water