Abstract. Bangao BJD. 2026. Community-based climate change adaptation in upland tropical communities of the Philippines based on a cross-sectional household survey. Intl J Trop Drylands 10 (1): t100102. https://doi.org/10.13057/tropdrylands/t100102. Climate change increasingly threatens ecosystems, livelihoods, and human well-being, particularly in vulnerable tropical dryland and upland communities. This study examined climate change knowledge, vulnerabilities, impacts, and adaptive responses using a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from 240 purposively selected respondents through a validated questionnaire and structured interviews. While the sample size met statistical requirements, the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling may limit temporal analysis and broader generalizability. Findings revealed a high knowledge of climate change among respondents with overall weighted mean of 4.09, particularly on extreme climactic events such as typhoons, droughts, and landslides. Yet, 29.17% of respondents remain highly vulnerable to water shortage, 26.25% vulnerable to reduction of crop yields, soil infertility is 21.25%, and climate-induced diseases shows 19.16% vulnerability. The overall mean of 2.97 on the magnitude of climate change indicates a moderate effect on economic, environment and social domain but with major effect on economic and environmental effects and relatively minor effect on social domain. The computed Pearson correlation yielded an r-value of 0.62, indicating a moderate positive correlation between climate change knowledge and adaptation practices among the respondents. The relationship was found to be statistically significant at the 0.05. Limited institutional support was reported by 89.17% of respondents that has led respondents to rely primarily on locally driven adaptation strategies, including planting drought-resistant crops, diversified farming, and reforestation. Only 3.33% of respondents reported receiving government assistance. Moreover, the study highlights that awareness alone does not reduce vulnerability, as adaptation in tropical dryland is largely sustained through community-based initiatives.
Abstract. Paramesti H, Sheliana MS, Hapsari M, Hasan MT, Susatio R, Jumari, Suharno, Setiawan AD. 2025. Diversity and microclimatic patterns of vascular plant communities in cave-associated karst microhabitats of Ngantap Cave, Central Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 169-180. Karst ecosystems are characterized by strong environmental heterogeneity driven by limestone geomorphology, shallow soils, and localized microclimatic variation. Within these systems, caves play an important role in shaping surrounding terrestrial habitats by generating gradients in light availability, humidity, and air movement. Despite their ecological significance, vegetation associated with cave-related microhabitats outside the cave interior remains poorly documented in tropical karst regions, including Indonesia. This study examines vascular plant communities associated with cave-related microhabitats around Ngantap Cave, Wonogiri District, Central Java, Indonesia, part of the Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark. Vegetation sampling was conducted using line transects across three cave-associated microhabitat zones: entrance, cliff, and twilight. A total area of 1,800 m² was surveyed, and all vascular plant individuals were recorded and classified by species, family, growth form, and origin status (native, introduced, cultivated). Microclimatic parameters, including air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, and wind speed, were measured to characterize environmental gradients among zones. Community structure was analyzed using Shannon–Wiener diversity, Simpson dominance, and Pielou evenness indices within a descriptive–comparative framework. A total of 41 vascular plant species belonging to 22 families and comprising 1,736 individuals were recorded. Herbaceous species and ferns dominated cave-associated assemblages, whereas shrubs and small trees were less frequent, and large canopy trees were absent. Species richness and diversity were highest in the entrance zone and declined toward the twilight zone, which supported only a limited number of shade- and humidity-tolerant taxa. Microclimatic conditions exhibited clear and directional gradients, with increasing relative humidity and decreasing light intensity and air movement from the entrance to the twilight zone. Introduced and cultivated species were present but largely confined to entrance areas, reflecting historical tourism-related activities rather than ongoing biological invasion. These findings demonstrate that cave-associated microhabitats support distinct plant communities structured by fine-scale environmental filtering and provide baseline ecological information essential for conserving microhabitat diversity in tropical karst ecosystems.
Abstract. Joka U, Nubatonis A, Nino J, Tabenu O, Ludji DG. 2025. Impact of integrated crop management on rice farming efficiency in semi-arid West Timor, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 148-158. This study assesses the impact of Integrated Crop Management (ICM) on the technical efficiency of rice farmers in the semi-arid border regions of West Timor, Indonesia, specifically North Central Timor and Kupang District. These regions face significant agricultural challenges, including low soil fertility, erratic rainfall, and limited access to modern farming technologies. Despite national promotion of ICM, there is a lack of empirical evidence on how ICM adoption influences technical efficiency in semi-arid border environments, representing a critical research gap that this study aims to address. Using data from a structured survey of 150 rice farmers, the research applies a Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) with a Cobb-Douglas production function to estimate technical efficiency. The study revealed that seed input and labor significantly influence rice output, while education and full-time farming engagement are associated with reduced inefficiency. The mean technical efficiency score is 0.705, indicating that farmers operate at approximately 70.5% of their potential output. The gamma value of 0.821 suggests that 82.1% of output variation is due to inefficiency rather than random shocks. Comparative analysis revealed that high ICM adopters achieved higher efficiency (0.717) and yields (6,502 kg/ha) than low adopters (0.697 and 5,664 kg/ha, respectively). These findings demonstrate that ICM adoption improves resource-use efficiency and productivity, but its benefits depend on enabling conditions such as education, farm specialization, and extension access. Strengthening context-specific ICM adaptation, farmer training, and supportive policies is essential for enhancing resilience and reducing productivity gaps in semi-arid rice ecosystems.
Abstract. Wibowo CNP, Azizah CKG, Rizka DR, Maharani DS, Susatio R, Yasa A, Jumari, Saensouk S, Setyawan AD. 2025. Short Communication: Biocultural patterns of medicinal plant use in the Gunung Sewu Karst of Central Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 181-191. Karst landscapes represent environmentally constrained systems characterized by shallow soils, limited water availability, and strong seasonal variability, conditions that shape both ecological processes and human livelihoods. In such settings, traditional medicinal plant use constitutes an important biocultural adaptation that supports household health and resilience. Despite the ecological and cultural significance of karst regions, ethnobotanical studies integrating medicinal plant use with biocultural adaptation frameworks remain limited, particularly in the Gunung Sewu Karst of Central Java, Indonesia. This study aims to document medicinal plant diversity and to analyze patterns of plant use in relation to karst environmental constraints. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and direct plant identification in two karst villages of the Gunung Sewu Karst Region. A descriptive analytical approach was applied to classify plant use, preparation methods, application routes, and treated ailments. A total of 25 medicinal plant species belonging to 16 families were recorded. Zingiberaceae was the most represented family, reflecting both ecological suitability and cultural familiarity. Medicinal plant use was dominated by herbaceous species, with leaves and rhizomes as the primary plant parts utilized. Decoction and oral administration were the most common preparation and application methods, while treated ailments mainly comprised mild to moderate conditions related to digestion, respiration, skin health, and musculoskeletal pain. The observed patterns indicate that ecological filtering, sustainable harvesting practices, and household-based healthcare strategies shape medicinal plant use in the Gunung Sewu Karst. By explicitly linking growth forms, harvested plant parts, and preparation methods to karst environmental constraints, this study demonstrates that traditional medicinal practices function as a coherent biocultural adaptation rather than isolated cultural remnants. These findings contribute to ethnobotanical research by highlighting the adaptive role of local knowledge systems in karst environments and underscore their relevance for community-based conservation and sustainable health strategies.
Abstract. Simamora AV, Serangmo DYL, Londingkene JA, Nahas AE, Nenotek PS, Hahuly MV, Kasim M, Mahayasa INW, Gandut YRY, Widinugraheni S, Hosang EY. 2025. Evaluating trichocompost for disease control and yield improvement in potatoes under tropical dryland conditions in South Central Timor, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 159-168. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a key horticultural crop in Indonesia. In tropical dryland areas such as South-Central Timor, Indonesia, potato cultivation faces challenges including limited rainfall, poor soil fertility, and high disease pressure. Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans remains one of the most destructive diseases. This study evaluated the biocontrol efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum formulated as trichocompost for disease suppression and yield improvement under dryland conditions. Unlike many previous studies that focused on in vitro or greenhouse testing, this research prioritized native Trichoderma isolates adapted to potato rhizosphere soil and validated their performance under harsh Entisol-based dryland field conditions. Five isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere of healthy potato plants and characterized morphologically. Their antagonistic activity against P. infestans was assessed using the dual culture method. All isolates inhibited P. infestans by more than 70%, with Trichoderma 04 showing the highest inhibition. Molecular identification confirmed this isolate as T. harzianum, which was selected for field evaluation in four treatments: control, trichocompost applied two weeks before planting (T1), at planting (T2), and two weeks after planting (T3). Data from the dual culture assay and field experiment were analyzed using ANOVA and followed by DMRT at p<0.05. Field trials showed that T1 extended the incubation period, substantially reduced disease severity, and increased both tuber number and tuber weight. These results demonstrate the dual function of T. harzianum trichocompost as a biocontrol agent and organic soil amendment, supporting sustainable potato production in tropical drylands.
Abstract. Fathurohman F, Safitri LS, Vinanda G, Khairad M, Fortuna PED, Utami IRP, Indrianingsih RS. 2026. Spatial difference and economic resistance of smallholder beef cattle farming in the seasonally dry tropics of Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 10 (1): t100103. https://doi.org/10.13057/tropdrylands/t100103. Beef farming in seasonally dry tropics under Oldeman D3/E climatic conditions is characterized by a long dry season (5-7 months) with little or no precipitation (<100 mm), leading to extreme feed shortage and socio-economic exposure. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the ecological carrying capacity of agricultural by-products and the economic resilience of smallholder beef cattle systems in Subang District, Indonesia. During the study procedures, regional agronomic data were combined with socio-economic data from 150 farmers. These farmers were classified as "Conventional" and "Optimized" feeding systems depending on the use of processed crop residues. Based on spatial analysis, there was a huge potential for agricultural residues to be utilized as alternative ruminant feed (more than 1 million tons of dry matter per year). However, the available feed resources were not uniformly distributed, resulting in a geographical isolation of the forage-deficient livestock centers in the south from the high-production lowlands in the north. From an economic perspective, the "Optimized" system (mechanical chopping and local fermentation) showed better resilience, according to the descriptive deterministic modelling. This adaptability was reflected in increased daily profit margins (USD 0.70 vs USD 0.10 per animal unit) and a reduction in daily labor hours by 2.5 hours from a distant foraging. The region's feed insecurity was largely caused by inefficiencies in the distribution of resources rather than a biological deficit. Improving the ability of smallholders to survive long droughts could be achieved by implementing intelligent policy changes with regard to inter-zonal biomass mobilization and on-farm processing facilities. These interventions are key to help close the gap of geography and to promote the socio-ecological sustainability in a long-term perspective in forage-constrained environments.
Abstract. Fataya AD, Dewi WS, Hadiwiyono H, Cahyani VR. 2026. Effects of mycorrhizal inoculum, organic inputs, and carbofuran on maize growth in Alfisol. Intl J Trop Drylands 10 (1): t100101. https://doi.org/10.13057/tropdrylands/t100101. Mycorrhiza played a crucial role in enhancing nutrient absorption in plants and increasing their tolerance to pests and diseases. Its existence and diversity were affected by several factors, including planting patterns. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of mycorrhiza sourced from maize fields under intercropping and monoculture systems and of a mixture of rock phosphate, rice straw compost, and carbofuran on Alfisol soil. The greenhouse experiment used a two-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD), significance level (p<0.05), and had three replications. The first factor involved the source of mycorrhizal spores (M), categorized into four levels: no spores (M0), monoculture (M1), intercropping (M2), and mixed spores (M3) comprising 50% from each system. The second factor was treatment input, which included four levels: no input (P0), rock phosphate and straw compost (P1), carbofuran (P2), and a combination of compost, carbofuran, and rock phosphate (P3). The finding is the treatment M3P3, which combined Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) spores from the maize rhizosphere with rock phosphate, rice straw compost, and carbofuran, significantly enhanced plant growth. It resulted in increases of 58.7% in fresh weight, 52.8% in dry weight, and 69.9% in phosphorus uptake compared to the control. This improvement was linked to a high percentage of AMF infectivity (68.67%) and spore density (369 spores/100 g soil), along with increased soil fertility. Conversely, treatment M0P2, which lacked AMF spore inoculation and used high doses of carbofuran, led to poor plant growth. The findings demonstrate a significant synergistic effect of the mixed AMF derived from monoculture and intercropping systems (M3), showing significantly higher effectiveness than the separate application of AMF spores from each system, and enhancing the chemical characteristics and productivity of Alfisol soil.
Abstract. Lugundi HS, Maleko DD, Kizima JB, Nziku ZC, French P, Lugeye S, Selemani IS. 2025. Agronomic and economic factors influence the productive performance of Cenchrus ciliaris under different types of organic fertilizers. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 111-119. Cenchrus ciliaris L. (buffel grass) is among the essential tropical forage grasses, characterized by its high forage yield, nutritive value, grazing, drought, and fire resistance. However, nutrient deficiency in tropical sand soils is known to limit forage and seed yield, as well as the quality of C. ciliaris. A study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic and economic factors affecting C. ciliaris, focusing on seed yield and quality, forage hay yield, and its composition under different types of organic fertilizers during the rainy season. The results revealed that all fertilizer types significantly influenced seed yield, seed quality, hay biomass, and chemical composition over unfertilized plots; in comparison with other types of fertilizer, green fertilizer was found to increase crude protein content from 6.99 to 7.96% and decrease crude fiber and acid detergent fiber in harvested hay, respectively, from 32.98 to 31.7% and from 40.76 to 38.35%. On the other hand, the composted cow manure yielded the highest seed yield of 70 kg ha?¹ and had the highest germination percentage (29%). The application of compost cow manure also increased economic return by 0.7 times. Therefore, the application of composted cow manure on C. ciliaris under sandy soil in a tropical sub-humid climate is the best management practice for enhancing the performance of grass pasture seeds.
Abstract. Farikha KN, Arlysia V, Raharjo YAA, Santika YE, Deristani A, Setyawan AD. 2025. Traditional knowledge of karst land management in Gunung Sewu, Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 1-9. Karst is a landscape formed from the dissolution of rocks, particularly limestone, that are easily soluble in water. With the development of appropriate land management strategies, the karst area can be utilized as a productive and sustainable agricultural region. This research aims to understand how the community manages karst land by utilizing traditional knowledge in the villages of Songbledeg, Ketos, and Paranggupito of Wonogiri District, Central Java, Indonesia. The research employed qualitative method with data collection used interviews and field observations. Interviews was conducted using accidental sampling techniques, with questionnaires distributed to 100 respondents from the three research areas. The data was then analyzed using descriptively. The results show that most of the land is used to meet food and economic needs in the form of dry field (tegalan), rain-fed rice field (sawah tadah hujan), forest garden (kebon), homegarden (pekarangan), and vacant land. On rain-fed rice field that relies on rainwater, organic fertilizer is applied approximately two months before planting, continued with direct planting using rice seeds and the application of limestone to suppress insect pests. Since land productivity is highly dependent on rainfall, planting is typically done once a year or when the rainy season begins. To sustain their need, the farmers also plant drought-resistant crops such as peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), chili (Capsicum frutescens), and turmeric (Curcuma longa), as well as woody plants such as petai (Parkia speciosa), teak (Tectona grandis), etc. The local wisdom of Gesik Deso was conducted for clearing agricultural land at the end of dry season before rice planting. Additionally, any unused land is also utilized by the community for livestock, including cattle, goats, chickens, and ducks.
Abstract. Ainindya DG, Rahmadana MI, Meilani F, Gestan DA, Deristani A, Setyawan AD. 2025. Mapping hotspots of human-wildlife conflict involving porcupines, long-tailed macaques, and humans in the Karst Region of Wonogiri, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 65-73. The Wonogiri Karst Area in Indonesia is dominated by forests/shrubs that provide space for wildlife to thrive. However, the presence of species such as Javan porcupines (Hystrix javanica) and long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) can lead to conflicts with humans. This study aims to map conflict-prone areas between humans and wildlife by utilizing buffer tools in spatial analysis to gain a deeper understanding of these conflicts and develop sustainable solutions in Songbledeg, Paranggupito, and Gunturharjo Villages, located in Paranggupito Sub-district, Wonogiri District, Central Java. The research was conducted in October 2024. The methodology used includes buffer analysis using ArcGIS software. Data collection points are obtained through field surveys supported by the Avenza Map application, interviews, and equipped with spatial data. The results indicate that human wildlife, such as Java porcupines and long-tailed macaques, conflicts in the three villages occur near water sources such as rivers and coastal areas. In Gunturharjo and Songbledeg, conflicts were found in areas with elevations of 300-600 meters above sea level (masl), particularly in rice fields and drylands. Meanwhile, in Paranggupito, conflicts occurred not only at the same elevation range but also in residential areas. These conflicts highlight the need for the involvement of all stakeholders to mitigate the factors contributing to conflicts between porcupines, macaques, and humans. Efforts to reduce the occurrence of such conflicts include law enforcement and monitoring through joint patrols in the affected areas.
Abstract. Nampa IW, Mudita IW, Widinugraheni S. 2025. Managing transboundary banana blood disease through a resilience-based biosecurity framework in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 120-134. Banana Blood Disease (BBD), caused by Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis has become a critical threat to banana production in Indonesia’s dryland archipelago of East Nusa Tenggara (ENT). The fragile socio-ecological systems in this region exacerbate the impacts of biological invasions, necessitating a paradigm shift in biosecurity. This study, a comprehensive effort that combined field surveys, stakeholder interviews, PCR-based pathogen detection, statistical analysis, and policy assessment, was conducted to identify the drivers of management failure and propose an alternative framework. These findings showed that the nationally mandated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, which is reactive and focused on post-incursion responses, was unable to contain the rapid spread of this transboundary pathogen. The result has been catastrophic yield reductions of up to 65% and estimated annual economic losses exceeding IDR 4.61 trillion, alongside severe impacts on household food security, livestock systems, and rural livelihoods. Critical weaknesses were identified in Indonesia’s biosecurity governance, including fragmented policies, weak coordination across sectors, insufficient early surveillance, and the absence of effective controls on the movement of infected planting material. To address these systemic gaps, this study advocated for a paradigm shift toward a resilience-based biosecurity framework that is polycentric, adaptive, and multi-scalar. The proposed framework integrates pre-border, border, and post-border measures, empowers community-led surveillance and response, and strengthens linkages between local practices and national regulatory systems. By embedding socio-ecological resilience into crop protection governance, the framework offers a pathway to safeguard banana biodiversity, protect smallholder livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture across ENT’s vulnerable drylands.
Abstract. Rarasti KA, Astuti AR, Putra CDH, Damayanti K, Amar, Saensouk S, Setyawan AD. 2025. Diversity and traditional knowledge of wild edible plants in the karst ecosystems of Paranggupito, Central Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 74-84. Although often considered ecologically marginal due to rocky terrain and limited water availability, karst ecosystems harbor rich traditional knowledge. Communities in such environments frequently rely on Wild Edible Plants (WEP) to support daily subsistence and health. This study documents the diversity and traditional knowledge of WEP in three villages—Songbledeg, Paranggupito, and Gunturharjo—in the karst region of Paranggupito, Central Java, Indonesia. Using semi-structured interviews with 135 informants and participatory field observation, we identified 44 WEP species belonging to 30 botanical families. Each species was classified by part used, preparation method, and habitat. Ethnobotanical indices, including Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), were calculated. Leafy vegetables dominated the list, with Amaranthus hybridus, Musa paradisiaca, and Alpinia galanga showing the highest Use Values (UV), reflecting their broad use and cultural importance. High ICF values for processed food and medicinal categories indicate strong cultural agreement. Species were found across home gardens, rice fields, forest edges, and karst slopes, reflecting deep ecological knowledge. Sociodemographic analysis revealed that women and elders, as key knowledge holders, play a crucial role in preserving this knowledge. The findings underscore the importance of WEP for food security, cultural resilience, and biocultural conservation in vulnerable agroecosystems. Policy integration and youth engagement are essential to sustain this knowledge in the face of modernization and environmental change.
Abstract. Putri NRA, Setyawan AD, Kusumaningrum L. 2025. Vegetation structure and carbon sequestration potential in the tropical karst forest of Gunung Sewu, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 50-63. Karst ecosystems are ecologically fragile yet provide critical services, including biodiversity support, water regulation, and carbon sequestration. However, restoration in these environments remains complex due to thin soils, seasonal drought, and limited rooting volume. This study assesses vegetation structure, aboveground biomass (AGB), and carbon sequestration potential in the reforested karst landscape of the Paliyan Wildlife Reserve, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A systematic inventory was conducted across 100 plots stratified by tree and pole size classes, encompassing 1,180 woody individuals from 19 species. Biomass was estimated using both species-specific and general allometric equations. Results reveal a total AGB of 136.77 Mg ha-¹, corresponding to 64.28 Mg C ha-¹ or 235.88 Mg CO? ha-¹. Biomass was disproportionately stored in the tree stratum (78.23%) and overwhelmingly dominated by non-native species—particularly Tectona grandis, Delonix regia, and Senna siamea—which together accounted for over 70% of total carbon stock. Although restoration has successfully increased canopy cover and carbon storage, vertical stratification and native species richness remain low. Native taxa such as Dalbergia latifolia and Casuarina equisetifolia made minor but ecologically important contributions. These findings emphasize the ecological trade-offs of relying on fast-growing exotics, which, while effective for rapid biomass gain, may compromise long-term ecosystem resilience. The study advocates for a shift toward structurally diverse, native-enriched restoration strategies in tropical karst forests, aligned with biodiversity goals and climate mitigation targets under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, REDD+, and national policy frameworks. This research provides a critical empirical foundation for balancing carbon-oriented and biodiversity-conscious reforestation in vulnerable karst systems.
Abstract. Reza AD, Firdausi E, Kusuma LA, Sabrina MA, Fadhillah EN, Md Naim D, Setyawan AD. 2025. Traditional knowledge and utilization of non-medicinal plants in homegardens of a tropical karst landscape in Central Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 20-35. Homegardens in tropical karst landscapes of Central Java, Indonesia represent vital biocultural systems that conserve plant biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge while supporting rural livelihoods. This study documents the diversity, uses, and cultural significance of 143 non-medicinal plants across homegardens in Johunut, Paranggupito, and Gudangharjo Villages of Paranggupito Sub-district, Wonogiri District, Central Java. Through interviews with 100 respondents and field observations, plants were categorized into five functional groups: food (45.6%), ornamental (34.7%), spice (12.2%), fodder (8.8%), and other uses (6.8%). Use Value (UV) analysis identified Mangifera indica, Carica papaya, and Zingiber officinale as culturally keystone species. The predominance of trees (39.5%) and utilization of fruits (37.4%) and leaves (15.6%) demonstrate adaptive strategies to karst-specific constraints like shallow soils and seasonal droughts. Inter-village comparisons revealed localized variations, with Paranggupito emphasizing spice plants (e.g., Capsicum annuum UV=0.4) and Gudangharjo prioritizing fodder species, reflecting ecological and cultural adaptations. Notably, 26.5% of species served multiple purposes, exemplified by Cocos nucifera (food, construction, rituals) and Musa acuminata (food, fodder, ceremonial use). The study highlights homegardens as dynamic, multifunctional landscapes where biodiversity conservation intersects with cultural preservation. However, knowledge concentration among elders (51-60 years age group) signals erosion risks. We emphasize the urgency of intergenerational knowledge transfer and community-based conservation to sustain these resilient agroecosystems amidst socioeconomic and environmental changes in fragile karst regions.
Abstract. Ramadhani DD, Setyaputri AF, Almadani AR, Sholichah DM, Dianti, Hanum U, Setyawan AD. 2025. Local knowledge of environmental management of karst area in Ketro Village, Pacitan District, East Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 10-19. Karst areas are unique and complex landscapes formed by the natural dissolution of limestone, creating unique environmental conditions, and are home to the karst area in Ketro Village, Pacitan District, East Java, Indonesia. This area, with its high ecological and aesthetic values, including biodiversity and ecotourism potential. However, behind the beauty is a close relationship between the local community and the karst environment that has developed over many years. This study aims to determine the knowledge of the karst area community of Ketro Village, Kebonagung Sub-district, Pacitan District, East Java Province, Indonesia, on environmental management in accordance with the traditions prevailing in the community for generations. This research was conducted using survey and interview methods in Ketro Village community related to karst area management in Ketro Village using purposive sampling techniques in determining respondents. Based on the results of the data analysis obtained, this research shows that the management of karst areas in Ketro Village still uses hereditary habits, and the community has the principle that every house has empty land for planting crops.
Abstract. Safitri RN, Hanum U, Pratiwi VMR, Hermawan WG, Nurcahyati M, Budiharta S, Setyawan AD. 2025. Ethnobotanical knowledge of edible plants in a karst landscape of Gawang Hamlet, Ketro Village, Pacitan District, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 85-97. Karst ecosystems pose significant agricultural challenges due to shallow soils, poor water retention, and rugged terrain; however, local communities have developed adaptive food systems rooted in traditional knowledge. This ethnobotanical study documented the diversity and utilization of edible plants in Gawang Hamlet, Ketro Village, Pacitan District, East Java, Indonesia, and assessed their cultural significance using the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) index. Data were collected from 60 informants through structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. A total of 65 edible plant species from 36 families were recorded, dominated by vegetables (47.0%), spices (24.2%), fruits (21.2%), and staple foods (7.6%). The most frequently cited species were Manihot esculenta (RFC=0.95), Curcuma longa, and Arachis hypogaea. Fruits and leaves were the most utilized parts, and shrubs and herbs dominated the growth forms. Quantitative analysis was conducted using the RFC index, and patterns of species multifunctionality were visualized through a heatmap and a Venn diagram to highlight overlapping use categories. The high species diversity and multifunctionality reflect local ecological adaptation and are closely tied to socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, and occupation. Importantly, home gardens were found to function as hubs of subsistence, biodiversity conservation, and intergenerational knowledge transfer, underscoring their crucial role in the community. These findings highlight the critical role of traditional agroecosystems in ensuring food security and sustaining cultural and ecological resilience in karst environments.
Abstract. Wulakada HH, Nalle AA, Pramatana F, Keon YF. 2025. GIS-based land suitability and core-plasma partnership for sustainable cattle farming in South Lembor, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 135-147. Domestic beef production in Indonesia currently only meets about 45% of the total demand. In West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara Province of Indonesia, South Lembor Sub-district is designated to produce beef to anticipate the growing demand from tourism in the nearby Labuan Bajo. This study aims to explore the potential of cattle livestock development through land suitability analysis and partnership model design for beef cattle farming in the South Lembor. This research integrated GIS-based method (a systematic approach to analyze spatial data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve problems and gain insights from geographic patterns) and focus group discussion to capture stakeholders’ perspective. The findings propose a core-plasma partnership entity as a model for design development, with Benteng Dewa Village in South Lembor Sub-district, identified as a focal point for advancing the livestock sector. The spatial analysis delineates the core zone 943.94 ha for grazing pasture, 459.59 ha for forage plantation, and the plasma zone of 276.29 ha, and optimizes the buffer zone in other villages within South Lembor Sub-district (1,528.66 ha) to support activities in the core zone. This study suggests in the introduction of a core–plasma partnership model in East Nusa Tenggara which connects core companies with local farmers to ensure technology transfer, financial access, and sustainable market integration.
Abstract. Utomo SW, Wibowo AA, Lestari F. 2025. Modelling drought-tolerant Sorghum bicolor distributions in Eastern Indonesia using machine learning approaches. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 99-110. Tropical arid ecosystems require alternative species that are drought-tolerant. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench has been considered an alternative, drought-tolerant species. Despite its resistance to drought, information on the potential distribution of sorghum is very limited. This information is very important, especially in arid eastern Indonesia, where sorghum is nominated as an alternative species to sustain food security. This study aims to model the potential distribution of S. bicolor using machine learning (random forest), geoclimate (Bioclim), and statistical methods (GAM/GLM) on five arid islands, including Lombok, Sumba, Sumbawa, Flores, and the Timor Islands, Indonesia. Area Under Curve (AUC) was used to evaluate model performance. In general, all the models confirm that Timor, followed by Sumbawa and the Flores Islands, have large, suitable areas for sorghum. It is estimated that up to 99.71% of arid island ecosystems in eastern Indonesia are suitable for sorghum. The geoclimate and machine learning models generated the highest values for AUC in comparison to statistical methods in which the Domain model is 0.962, SVM is 0.903, and both GLM and GAM are 0.894. It is important for plant cultivation planning to consider species distribution modeling and not rely on any single modeling method. The plant cultivation should evaluate the performance of all available models for their crops and area of interest, and select the best representative methods to develop an accurate and representative sorghum crop distribution model.
Abstract. Candraningtyas CF, Charsyah C, Setyasih DMD, Mardianto MB, Chairunisa S, Md Naim D, Setyawan AD. 2025. Traditional foodways and conservation beliefs among Javanese communities in the Paranggupito Karst, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 9: 36-49. This study explores the interconnections between food traditions, ritual practices, and biodiversity conservation among Javanese communities living in the karst landscape of Paranggupito, Central Java, Indonesia. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in three villages—Songbledeg, Gudangharjo, and Gunturharjo—the research documents the use of plant and animal species in both daily diets and ceremonial contexts. It highlights how traditional foods such as tumpeng, urap, tiwul, and nagasari require specific species that are cultivated, preserved, and protected across generations. Ritual events—including mitoni, nembung, rasulan, and commemorations of the deceased—emerge as cultural drivers of biodiversity conservation, reinforcing the need to maintain agroecological diversity. Moreover, the study reveals how sacred beliefs and taboos, such as the protection of white Java porcupines (Hystrix javanica) and Danyangan trees (Ficus spp.), shape informal yet potent conservation ethics. These beliefs, deeply rooted in spirituality and upheld by social norms, significantly contribute to the sustainability of species and landscapes without the need for external regulation. The findings underscore the invaluable role of integrating indigenous knowledge and cultural practices into modern conservation frameworks, particularly in ecologically fragile regions such as karst areas. By viewing food and ritual as conduits of ecological stewardship, the study presents a compelling model of biocultural resilience where cultural identity and environmental sustainability are mutually reinforcing.
Abstract. Bolakhe S, Ghimire P, Paudel P, Lamichhane U. 2024. Trees outside forest for Chure dry land conservation in Makawanpur District, Nepal. Intl J Trop Drylands 8: 106-113. Trees outside forest (TOF) are considered as a potential strategy to meet the needs for timber, fuel wood, fodder and fruits of growing population and crop diversification to address land management problems and ecological concerns. In this backdrop, this study attempts to explore the contribution of TOF to Chure dry land conservation in Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City, Nepal. Field observation, household surveys (n=123), and in-depth discussions with local key informants were conducted to extract information about TOFs. The study documented 27 species of trees outside forest. About 19 species were present per household distributed on different locations like home gardens, terrace raisers, borderlands etc. More than 80% of these trees found on farmlands were planted, and only a few were naturally retained. Fruit trees (jackfruit and mango) dominated, followed by fodder (Litsea and Ficus) and other multipurpose species. Among the naturally regenerated trees, multipurpose species were abundant (>45%) and myriad fruit species (>60%) were seen among those planted. TOFs contributed to more than 40% of annual demands for fuel wood, fodder and bedding materials, whereas timber and poles are extracted in comparatively less amount. Almost all of the respondents agreed upon the positive impacts of TOFs on crop production, greenery enhancement and adaptation against drought. More than 90% of the respondents were positive about enhancing TOF for land productivity optimization and reducing pressure on forest to conserve fragile ecosystem of Chure dry land.
