Abstract
Microclimate of Developed Peatland of The Mega Rice Project in Central Kalimantan (A Jaya,T Inoue, SH Limin, U Darung and IS Banuwa): In Indonesia peatland covers an area of 16 to 27 Mha and this ecosystem is vitally linked to environmental and conservation issues, as well as its economic value for human survival. These peatlands are, however, the subject of various land use pressures, including forestry, agriculture, energy and horticulture. A field study was carried out 6 years after the end of failed peatland development project shows that inappropriate and unsustainable forms of peatland management have resulted in degradation of the natural forest vegetation, draw-down of the peat water table, increase of peat surface and air temperatures and recurrent surface and ground fires. Implications of microclimate for possible restoration options.
Highlights
Peatlands are wetland ecosystems characterised by accumulation of organic matter that is produced and deposited at a faster rate than it can be decomposed (Gore 1983)
Thermometer to measure soil and air temperature set at the same location with the logger and set to record every onehour intervals
The results of this study showed changes in land use as a result of the ex-Mega Rice Project (the MRP) activities cause changes in microclimate conditions in the peatland area
Summary
Peatlands are wetland ecosystems characterised by accumulation of organic matter that is produced and deposited at a faster rate than it can be decomposed (Gore 1983). Peatland in Indonesia covers about 16 to 27 Mha (Radjagukguk 1992; Rieley et al 1996) These ecosystems are vitally linked to conservation issues such as carbon sequestration affecting global climate change, and provision of key habitat for a diverse range of the world’s flora and fauna. They are the source of a significant portion of the freshwater and many economic resources vital to human survival. In 1996, 1.5 Mha of Peatland in Central Kalimantan was developed for rice production This project failed and was closed down in 1999 but left on legacy of habitat destruction and fire occurrence
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