Effect of Converting Secondary Tropical Peat Swamp Forest into Oil Palm Plantation on Selected Peat Soil Physical Properties | Science Publications

American Journal of Environmental Sciences

Mohd S. Firdaus¹  Nik M.A. Majid¹  Osumanu H. Ahmed¹  Seca Gandaseca¹ 

关键词: Secondary tropical peat swamp forest;    oil palm plantation;    soil physical properties;   

DOI  :  10.3844/ajessp.2010.402.405

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

来源: Science Publications

【 摘 要 】

Problem statement: The conversion of forest land into oil palm plantation is considered tobe one of the causes of soil degradation and loss of tropical land forest in Southeast Asia. Theobjective of this study was to compare selected peat soil physical properties of secondary tropical peatswamp forest and oil palm plantation to determine the effect of forest conversion. Approach: Peat soilsamples were collected from secondary tropical peat swamp forest and oil palm plantation at BatangIgan, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Experimental plots of 300 m³ were set up in both sites and thirty peatsoil samples were collected randomly in both sites at 0-15 cm depth using a peat auger. Undisturbedcores and bulk samples were collected for analysis of bulk density and moisture content. Fiber contentof the total mass of organic materials was determined by wet sieving method. Soil bulk density,moisture content, organic matter, mineral content, soil porosity and particle density were determinedby standard procedures. Hydraulic conductivity was measured in the field using Model 2800K1Guelph Permeameter and soil strength was determined using Hand Operated Cone PenetrometerEijkelkemp. Unpaired T-test was used to compare the variables of the two sites. Results: Both siteshad similar degree of decomposition classified as hemic peat. No significant differences in fibercontent, moisture content and particle density. Bulk density, mineral content and soil strength weresignificantly higher in the oil palm plantation while organic matter content, porosity and saturatedhydraulic conductivity were significantly higher in the secondary tropical peat swamp forest.Conclusion: Conversion of secondary tropical peat swamp forest to oil palm plantation hassignificantly increased soil bulk density, mineral content and soil strength but significantly decreasedorganic matter content, porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. However, degree ofdecomposition, fiber content, moisture content and particle density were not affected by theconversion.

【 授权许可】

Unknown