Diversity of Riparian Plants Across Different Soil Characteristics in the Kampar Watershed for Ecosystem Conservation

Abstract Indonesia has committed to increasing ecosystem protection by targeting 32.5 million hectares of water conservation areas or 10% of Indonesia’s water area by 2030, despite challenges from over-exploitation of resources. Protecting riparian vegetation is crucial for maintaining water quality and supporting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This study aims to determine the diversity of riparian plant vegetation in the Kampar watershed according to two different soil types: peat soil and red-yellow podzolic. The methods used are plot installation, identification of riparian vegetation types, and analysis using the Shannon-Wiener index importance value index. The results show that the Kampar watershed riparian area has 129 plant species in 40 families with peat soil and an importance value index of 1.03-25.17 with the highest diversity index at 2.178 (Moraceae). The riparian area with podzolic soil has 140 species in 43 families, with an importance value index of 1.07-32.57 and the highest diversity index of 2.43 (Euphorbiaceae). The structure and composition of species found differ in each area, influenced by different soils and anthropogenic impacts experienced. The trees’ height ranges from 35-50 m with an average of 37 m dominated by Durio zibethinus Merr., Baccaurea macrocarpa (Miq.) Müll.Arg. in red-yellow podzolic, Vatica pauciflora Blume , Koompassia excelsa (Becc.) Taub in peat soil.