Evaluation of peat soil properties for oil palm plantation in nine years of plant at Kubu Raya District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The aims of this research was to evaluate the nature of peat soil used for oil palm plantations in nine years of planting has been carried out in several private oil palm plantation companies in Kubu Raya District, West Kalimantan Province from May to June 2018. Research using survey methods with soil sampling was carried out intentionally (purposive sampling) in oil palm plantations planted on peatlands from 2009 to 2017. The results showed that the chemical properties of peat soils used for oil palm plantations in different planting years were qualitatively similar based on the assessment criteria of chemical properties. Quantitatively, some soil characteristics levels were very high. Mineral soil under peat at the study site cannot be used for ameliorant peat material because of pyrite compound. In order to maintain the quality of peat soils used for oil palm plantations, the application of ameliorant material which does not affect the acceleration of decomposition of peat soil material, must be continuously increased to the maximum extent possible.