Plant diversity and structural composition of agroforestry systems along the Mount Lawu foothills, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Putri DS, Arifiandita DM, Wicaksono FR, Cahyaningsih AP, Sugiyarto, Setyawan AD. 2026. Plant diversity and structural composition of agroforestry systems along the Mount Lawu foothills, Central Java, Indonesia. Asian J For 10 (1): r100127. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjfor/r100127. Agroforestry systems play an important role in sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in tropical upland landscapes while supporting rural livelihoods. This study assessed plant diversity and structural composition of agroforestry systems along the Mount Lawu foothills, Central Java, Indonesia, to evaluate their ecological characteristics and management implications. Vegetation data were collected from three villages, namely Karangrejo, Ngargoyoso, and Berjo, using a stratified plot design distinguishing tree, pole, and sapling strata. Species composition, vegetation structure, and dominance patterns were analyzed using standard phytosociological parameters, including the Importance Value Index (IVI), while plant diversity was quantified using Shannon-Wiener Diversity (H′) and Evenness (E) Indices based on a union species richness approach across strata. A total of 95 plant species were recorded across all sites, with site-level richness ranging from 49 to 66 species, indicating high floristic diversity within smallholder-managed agroforestry systems. All villages exhibited multi-layered vegetation with active regeneration, reflected by the concurrent presence of saplings, poles, and mature trees. IVI analysis showed that a limited number of economically important species, particularly teak (Tectona grandis), bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), and durian (Durio zibethinus), dominated stand structure, with IVI values reaching up to 42.19, highlighting strong management preferences. Despite this dominance, diversity and evenness remained relatively high, with H′ values of 3.38-3.76 and E values of 0.86-0.91, indicating balanced community structures and substantial ecological heterogeneity. These findings demonstrate that agroforestry systems in the Mount Lawu foothills support high plant diversity and complex vertical structure while accommodating productive species. The integration of dominant cultivated species with diverse companion plants highlights the role of agroforestry as a sustainable land-use system that balances ecological stability and local livelihood needs. This study provides baseline ecological information to support agroforestry management and biodiversity conservation strategies in upland landscapes of Central Java.