Peatland utilization with secure and Sustainable management: A case study in oil palm and timber forest plantations in Sumatra

Authors:
Supiandi Sabiham, Winarna, Heru Bagus Pulunggono, Dian Novarina, and Bandung Sahar

Book:
Responsible Management of Peatlands

Venue:
Kuching

Keywords:
groundwater-level, peat-decomposition, peatland, sustainable-management

Documentfile:
ipc16p95a256sabihamwinarna.etal_.pdf

Summary:

Peatland utilization for plantations requires aerobic condition at the upper peat layer and groundwater level (GWL) conditions at a certain depth to support plant growth while maintaining peat stability. These conditions can be managed by maintaining water levels in the canals. However, it has been claimed that drained peatland introduces oxygen into the peatland surface which then promotes the decomposition of peat materials resulting in carbon (C) emission as an indicator of the degree of peat stability. In addition, drainage of peatland is also thought to influence vegetation cover in certain places which could increase the risk of peat fires. In order to investigate the problemsmentioned above, we tried to analyze the use of peatland in relation to three environmental-issues: deforestation, Cemission