The performance of paludiculture commodities at different peat depths in Central Kalimantan

Abstract

Paludiculture is one of the alternative efforts to restore degraded peatland. It involves rewetting, revegetation and revitalization of local livelihood. This research evaluated three paludiculture demonstration plots at Central Kalimantan, one in the shallow peat of Pilang village and two plots in the deep peat of Tumbang Nusa village. The plots were evaluated in terms of the plant’s growth, productivity, commodities introduced and environmental monitoring, including water table, soil physical and chemical properties, carbon stocks and CO2 emission. The results showed that the three plots were categorized as “compromised” paludiculture plots because some of the commodities were not local peatland species. Belangeran (Shorea balangeran) and horticultural plant species such as rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) showed good growth performance. Liberica coffee (Coffea liberica) was not suitable for deep peat due to its low survival rate and poor growth. The result also showed that soil peat characteristics of the sites were still in good condition; however, the impact of peatland utilization should have been monitored to support land-use sustainability. Moreover, stingless bee cultivation and vegetables could become potential commodities to be developed in shallow and deep peatland.