Authors:
K.Hergoualc‘h , V.H. Gutierrez-Velez , J. van Lent and L.V. Verchot
Book:
Proceedings of the 15th International Peat Congress
Venue:
Kuching
Keywords:
biochemical-cycle, carbon-dense-forests, flexuosa-dominated-palm-swamp-forest, peatlands
Documentfile:
ipc16p288a194hergoualchgutierrez-velez.etal_.pdf
Summary:
Peru has the second largest area of peatlands in the Tropics. Little, however, is known of how the biogeochemical cycle of its peat forests can be affected through anthropogenic intervention. The most representative land cover on peat is a Mauritia flexuosa-dominated palm swamp forest which has been under human pressure over decades due to the high demand for the M. flexuosa fruit often collected by cutting down the entire palm. Degradation of these carbon-dense forests can severely affect emissions of greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change. The…