The potential of peatland fires estimated from physical properties for several land uses

Abstract

The construction of drainage channels following the opening of peat ecosystems without proper water management results in rapid decline of water level in peat swamp ecosystems, which potentially causes fires. Peat land fires triggered by intentional or unintentional human negligence and are supported by long dry season. This research aims to examine the potential of peat land fires based on the physical characteristics of peat on the type of use of secondary forest land, shrub land, and oil palm land. The study was conducted on peat ecosystems for one year using survey methods and field observations. The results of study indicate that changes in peat land use from secondary forests to shrubs and oil palm plantations result in changes in some physical characteristics of peat, namely humification level, bulk density, peat thickness, organic matter content, hydraulic conductivity, and soil water content. The depth of the ground water table affects the ground water content. Potential fires occur on oil palm land and on shrub land from July to September, whereas secondary forest land does not have the potential to cause fire. In order to avoid fires in oil palm and shrub land areas, it is necessary to manage water by maintaining the groundwater level above 50 cm.