Observations on biomass and biogeochemistry of rain-fed peat Dome Pole forest, Riau, Sumatra

Authors:
J. Bathgate, D. Probosaputro and M. Iqbal

Book:
Proceedings of the 15th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Kuching

Keywords:
basal-area, canopy-expansion, geochemical-inputs, ground-water-dome, peat-dome-pole-forest, rain-fed

Documentfile:
ipc16p203-206a404bathgateprobosaputro.etal_.pdf

Summary:

SUMMARY

APRIL group operates a half million ha of fiber plantation and restoration concessions on coastal peatland in Riau. Half the area has been permanently set aside for nature, including extensive areas of pristine peat dome pole forest (PDPF) that grows on the raised surface of large ground-water domes. Permanent sample plots (PSP) established in PDPF have gained 16-32% in basal area (BA) since 2008, raising a question of where in a rain-fed organic landscape the minerals for biomass expansion have come from. Physical and chemical analysis indicates that mineral stores in the peat topsoil are relatively small while litter stores are…