Changes in the physicochemical properties of tropical peat during its early decomposition under oil palm plantation environments

Authors:
Masahiro Maeda, Nagamitsu Maie, Lulie Melling, Hajime Tanji, Zulhilmy Abdullah Mohd and Akira Watanabe

Book:
Proceedings of the 15th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Kuching

Keywords:
keywords-decomposition-process, physicochemical-properties, tropical-peat, vegetation

Documentfile:
ipc16p493-496a115maeda.maie_.etal_.pdf

Summary:

SUMMARY

Peatland environment, such as groundwater level and nutrient status, determines the vegetation type of tropical peat swamp forest (TPSF). As such, tropical peat (TP) with different vegetation may have different physico-chemical properties and thus exhibit different vulnerability to environmental changes. In Sarawak, oil palm plantation (OPP) has extended into tropical peatlands, due to limited acreage of arable dry field. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the changes in the biogeochemical processes of tropical peatland under OPP environments for the sustainable management. In this study, we aim to evaluate the diversity in the decomposition rate and process…