Potentials of peatlands for agriculture in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi Province

Abstract

Peatlands are considerably vulnerable and fragile. Despite this, peatlands serve as a place to live and to exercise sustainable farming for some communities. This study aims to examine the potentials of peatland in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency for agricultural activities. Peatland distribution map with scale of 1:50,000 and the unanimous map on forest functions (TGHK map) are the main sources for this study. Laboratory analysis over seven soil samples were used for the assessment of land suitability, before overlaid with TGHK map to determine potentials and availability of lands for agriculture activities. Results showed that only 20,285 ha were suitable for agricultural activities. About 18,433 ha peatlands were classified as marginally suitable (S3) for food crops or horticulture, while the same level of suitability for annual crops occupied around 20,142 ha. Main limiting factors in land suitability were root condition (rc) due to deep to very deep peat depth categories; and nutrient retention (nr) due to high soil acidity. Utilization of peatlands for agricultural activities needs to appropriately conserve pristine condition to allow sustainable environment in the long term while maintaining and economic benefits. This research suggests that local water management, liming, fertilizer and minimum tillage would improve the quality of peatlands.