Land-Use Changes Tropical Peat Characteristics

Authors:
Mari Könönen, Jyrki Jauhiainen, Harri Vasander, Peter Spetz, Satu Repo, Marjut Wallner, Suwido Limin

Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Stockholm

Keywords:
decomposition-bulk-density-c-n-ratio-organic-carbon-composition-south-east-asian-peatlands

Documentfile:
Könönen et al 2012: Land-Use Changes Tropical Peat Characteristics

Summary:

Theme IX. Tropical peatlands

SUMMARY

Tropical peatlands are vast carbon stores and subjects of quickly advancing man made deforestation and drainage. In this study we clarified the impacts of land use change on the physical and chemical properties of tropical peat in Central-Kalimantan, Indonesia. For physical characteristics we determined peat bulk density and fractioned particle size distribution, and for chemical characteristics we analyzed extractives, holocellulose (cellulose and hemicelluloses), acid soluble lignin, Klason’s lignin, ash and total carbon and nitrogen content. The study showed that the bulk density and content of decomposition resistant lignin like compounds increased after land use change.