Abstract
Population and activity of soil microorganisms can be used as indicators in soil management. This research aims to examine the population and activity of peat soil microorganisms based on the depth and age of oil palm plantations.
 This research is located in Katapiang, Batang Anai Subdistrict, Padang Pariaman District, which peat land is used for palm oil plantations and it getsa minimal plantation management. The research uses survey method in four stages: preparation, pre survey, main survey and sampling, laboratory analysis and data processing. Samples taken on peat land that planted with palm oil from ages 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-15 years, and samples from natural peatlands. Sampling at depths of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm. From the data analysis, the soil microorganisms population is decreasing with the increase of palm oil plantations age. The bacterial and fungal populations mostly are on the surface. Meanwhile, the highest activity of microorganisms is on 5-10 years palm oil land. Phosphate solvent bacteria mostly found in 5-10 yearspalm oil. Ground water level, water content and soil pH also affect the population and activity of soil microorganisms.
 
 
 
Highlights
West Sumatera has an area of around 140,000 ha of peatlands spreading across the South Coastal Districts, Agam, Padang, Padang Pariaman, and Pasaman (BPS, 1995)
Padang Pariaman district has an area of peatlands around 11,000 ha and which has been utilized as an oil palm plantation in Batang Anai
The purpose of this study is to determine the population and to assess bacterial activity on peatlands that have been converted into oil palm plantations at various soil depths and ages of oil palm plants
Summary
West Sumatera has an area of around 140,000 ha of peatlands spreading across the South Coastal Districts, Agam, Padang, Padang Pariaman, and Pasaman (BPS, 1995). Padang Pariaman district has an area of peatlands around 11,000 ha and which has been utilized as an oil palm plantation in Batang Anai. The plantation in the area reaches 90,00 ha with oil palm productivity of 67.75 tons in 2017 and 60.50 tons in 2015 (BPS Padang Pariaman, 2018). Management carried out by farmers during oil palm cultivation has caused damage to the peatlands, as well as damage that can occur in the biological properties of the soil. The purpose of this study is to determine the population and to assess bacterial activity on peatlands that have been converted into oil palm plantations at various soil depths and ages of oil palm plants
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