Utilization of deep tropical peatland for agriculture in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
2002
Jaya, A. | Sulastiyanto, Y. | Jagau, Y. (Universitas Palangka Raya (Indonesia))) | Rieley, J.O. | Artiningsih, T.
Peat swamp forest is already recognized as an important ecosystem with major ecological and economical functions. Globally, it has also been accepted that tropical peatlands have important roles as carbon stores and reservoirs of biodiversity. Regionally, these peatlands are vital water reservoirs and flood control mechanisms. However, the need to convert these areas to other, more practical and economic, land uses is very strong. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of tropical peatland in Indonesia, including deep peat, has already been developed, mostly for agriculture. Therefore, evaluation of the success of development on peatland areas, especially on deep peat, and the impact of this upon the environment and natural resource functions of the ecosystem, should be conducted as a lesson for the future. One area with deep peat areas, located near Kalampangan Village, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, has been developed for agriculture since 1979 as part of the Government's transmigration programme. In the process of land conversion farmers were advised to burn the peat and use the ash to supplement the fertilizers added to their croplands. This technique, however, causes the loss of peat as a cultivation medium as well as releasing huge amounts of carbon to the atmosphere. Studies showed that there are major differences in chemical, physical and biological characteristics of this developed deep peat area and those of the same peat in its natural condition. In terms of biological characteristics, however, there were signal responses of certain microorganisms to establish associations with crops. The outcome of such mutually beneficial symbiosis could help to conserve this natural plant-microbe association and potentially improve sustainable agriculture on peatland in the future
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