Study of Dissolved Organic Carbon Concentration in KHDTK Forest Peatland Area, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine whether are differences in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in three different types of peatland conditions. The study was conducted from March 1st to April 30, 2020. The research was carried out in the Tumbang Nusa Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK). Furthermore, the analysis of DOC samples was carried out at the BALITRA Laboratory, Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan. The analysis of water pH samples was conduct at the UPT. LLG – CIMTROP, UPR Laboratory. The results showed that DOC in degraded peatlands site ranged from 36.18 mg L-1 to 76.86 mg L-1 with an average of 53.1 mg L-1, water pH between 3.6 to 4 with an average of 3.88, and the water table of 26.51 cm. Then in the forest site ranged from 37.12 mg L-1 to 49.81 mg L-1 with an average of 40.95 mg L-1, water pH ranged of 4 to 4.4 with an average of 4.32, and water table -5.13 cm. Furthermore, the re-vegetation site ranged from 29.27 mg L-1 to 34.90 mg L-1 with an average of 30.73 mg L-1, water pH between 4 to 4.3 with an average of 4.18, and water table 36.28 cm. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that there is a difference in DOC in three sites, in the degradation site contributes higher dissolved organic carbon than other sites with an average amount of 53.1 mg L-1, compared to forest site with an average amount of 40.95 mg L-1, and re-vegetation site with an average amount of 30.73 mg L-1. Therefore, sustainable management of peat is expected to minimize the rapid decomposition of organic material in peat.