Characterization of The Vadose Zone Using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) Method at the ITERA Botanical Garden

Alya Maylisa Putri; Rizka Rizka

doi:10.20527/flux.v24i1.27040

Characterization of The Vadose Zone Using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) Method at the ITERA Botanical Garden

Alya Maylisa Putri, Rizka Rizka

Abstract

The ITERA Botanical Garden is a plant conservation center in Lampung Province that requires information on vadose zone characteristics to support water availability for its vegetation. This study used the Schlumberger configuration of the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) method to identify subsurface lithology, characterize the vadose zone, and estimate rock porosity based on resistivity interpretation. The results show that the subsurface lithology consists of five main layers: topsoil, tuffaceous sandstone, tuffaceous claystone, and tuff, with resistivity values ranging from 2.00 to 521.00 . The thickness of the vadose zone varies from 15 to 43 meters, with estimated porosity ranging from 11.18% to 21.82%. Thicker zones indicate a deeper groundwater table and slower infiltration processes, while thinner zones have the potential to accelerate water entry into lower layers but offer less natural protection against the risk of contamination. Differences in porosity values between layers reflect the varying capacity of rocks to store and release water, depending on their lithological type and physical properties. These findings can serve as a reference for ITERA Botanical Garden managers in identifying areas that should be prioritized for groundwater conservation, as well as areas vulnerable to contamination, thereby supporting more effective water management planning in the region.

Keywords

ITERA Botanical Garden; VES; Vadose Zone

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20527/flux.v24i1.27040