Peat Forest Research Articles

An assessment of recent peat forest disturbances and their drivers in the Cuvette Centrale, Africa

Abstract The largest tropical peatland complex in the Cuvette Centrale, is marked by persistent knowledge gaps. We assessed recent peat forest disturbances and their direct drivers from 2019 to 2021 in Cuvette Centrale, spanning the Republic of Congo (ROC) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Utilizing peatland extent and Radar for Detecting Deforestation (RADD) alert data, we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of disturbances. Further, we examined 2,267 randomly sampled peat forest disturbance events through visual interpretation of monthly Planet and Sentinel 2A data to identify direct drivers. Our findings revealed that between 2019 and 2021, about 91% of disturbances occurred in DRC, with hotspots concentrated in the northwest Sud-Ubangi district. Disturbances predominantly followed a sharp seasonal pattern, recurring during the first half of each year with temporal hotspots emerging between February and May, closely associated with smallholder agriculture activities. Smallholder agriculture accounted for over 88% of disturbances in Cuvette Centrale, representing a leading role both in ROC (~77%) and DRC (~89%). While, small-scale logging contributed 7% to disturbances in the region, it constituted an important driver (18 %) in the ROC. Other drivers included flood, roads and settlements. Approximately 77% of disturbances occurred outside managed forest concessions in Cuvette Centrale, with 40% extending into protected areas. About 90% of disturbances were concentrated within 1 km of peat forest edges and ~76% of the disturbances occurred within 5 km of road or river networks. The insights underscore the crucial need for effective peat forest conservation strategies in Cuvette Centrale and can inform national policies targeting peatland protection, aligning with commitments in the Brazzaville Declaration and Paris Agreement. Further, our findings on direct driver assessment could serve as a reference dataset for machine learning models to automate the visual interpretation and upscale the assessment across the entire region.

Pengembangan Kapasitas Kelompok Tani Tunas Makmur Dalam Pengelolaan Produk Nanas Di Kelurahan Sungai Pakning Kabupaten Bengkalis

This research was conducted because Sungai Pakning Village, Bengkalis Regency, was one of the areas that experienced land and forest fires that occurred in Riau Province in 2015. So far, peatland management has often failed, both by the government and companies. One of their failures is that they only focus on land restoration and ignore community empowerment. With the independent peat village program created by PT. Pertamina RU II Production, Sungai Pakning, Bengkalis Regency. Among the independent peat village programs, there is an environmental conservation program which has become the center of attention for environmental observers, namely the development of peat forests to manage pineapple products. This research aims to determine the capacity development of the Tunas Makmur Farmer group in managing pineapple products and to find out what are the supporting factors for capacity development in the Tunas Makmur Farmer group in Sungai Pakning, Bengkalis Regency. This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. Data was obtained through interviews and field observations. The results of this research show that the capacity development measure according to Ilato has demonstrated good capacity in aspects of organizational structure, decision making processes, work procedures and mechanisms and inter-organizational relationships. Good capacity development is supported by 1) facilities and infrastructure, which are being developed continuously, 2) good cooperation between various parties or institutions involved in developing the capacity of the Tunas Makmur Farmers Group.

Thermal and kinetic analyses of Malaysian forest peat soil

Thermal and kinetic analyses of Malaysian forest peat soil

The Dynamics of Vegetation Structure, Composition and Carbon Stock in Peatland Ecosystem of Old Secondary Forest in Riau and South Sumatra Provinces

Lowland tropical rainforests provide an abundance of biodiversity as well as dynamic and stable ecosystems. These forests include tropical peat forests in various locations and forest types that have vegetation structure and composition characteristics, and carbon stocks that still need to be explored more deeply. Research on the structure and the composition of the vegetation and carbon stock in the old secondary peat forest was carried out in the protected areas of Bukit Batu, Riau Province, and Muara Merang, South Sumatra Province. Based on a 1-hectare permanent plot established in Bukit Batu and Muara Merang, 25 subplots of 20 m by 20 m were established in each location for measurement purposes. The results showed that Bukit Batu and Muara Merang had 42 and 36 species belonging to 26 and 20 families, respectively. Bukit Batu had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.93, and the dominant tree species were Palaquium xanthochymum with an importance value index (IVI) = 66.27%, Eugenia sp. (IVI = 32.76%), and Litsea sp. (IVI = 18.39%). The Muara Merang location had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.82, and the dominant tree species were Eugenia sp. (IVI = 60.88%), Alseodaphne insignis (IVI = 26.34%), and Adenanthera pavonina (IVI = 22.11%). In Bukit Batu, forest stands with a diameter of ≥10 cm contained a biomass of 178.10 tonnes/ha and carbon stock of 83.70 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 307.20 tonnes CO2/ha. Meanwhile, in Muara Merang, it was 190.41 tonnes/ha and 89.49 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 328.44 tonnes CO2/ha. This research, especially that in Bukit Batu, Riau Province, enriches the data and information available to date and is very useful in supporting restoration practices in Riau Province’s Giam Siak Kecil Biosphere Reserve, which was designated by UNESCO as part of the Man and Biosphere Program.

Translocation of tropical peat surface to deeper soil horizons under compaction controls carbon emissions in the absence of groundwater

Compaction is recognized as an effective method for mitigating the risk of fires by enhancing soil moisture levels. This technique involves restricting peat pore spaces through compaction, facilitating improved capillary action for water retention and rehydration. The compaction of tropical peatlands, while beneficial for fire prevention, has the potential to influence biogeochemical processes and subsequent carbon emissions. The magnitude of compaction and groundwater level are strongly coupled in such environments, making it difficult to distinguish the control of physicochemical properties. Therefore, this study seeks to understand how peat compaction affects its properties, carbon emissions, and their relationship, with a focus on geophysical processes. Intact peat samples were collected from a secondary peat swamp forest and an oil palm plantation in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Compaction treatments were applied to achieve three levels of volume reduction. CO2 and CH4 emissions were measured using an automated gas analyzer, and the physicochemical properties of the peat were determined. The results revealed that mechanical compaction significantly altered the physicochemical properties of the secondary forest peat, displaying an opposite pattern to the oil palm plantation, particularly regarding total nitrogen and sulfur. Moreover, the average reduction percentage ratio of CO2 emissions (from 275.4 to 182.0 mg m-2 hr-1; 33.9%) to CH4 uptakes (from -17.8 to -5.2 µg m-2 hr-1; 70.1%) (~1:2) indicated distinct stages of decomposition and translocation of less decomposed peat to deeper layers due to compaction, predominantly in secondary peat swamp forest samples. The oil palm plantation samples were unaffected by compaction in terms of physicochemical properties and carbon emissions, indicating the ineffectiveness of this approach for reducing fire risk in already drained systems. This study underscores the necessity of understanding the effects of compaction in the absence of groundwater to accurately evaluate the widespread application of this technique.

SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF METHANE EMISSIONS FROM SOILS OF WET FORESTS: A BRIEF REVIEW

SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF METHANE EMISSIONS FROM SOILS OF WET FORESTS: A BRIEF REVIEW

The dynamic of pH and EC in the Katingan tidal irrigation system, under influences of acid water, brackish water, and tidal movement

The Katingan tidal irrigation area frequently experiences high salinity due to its coastal position and acidity due to the acid sulphate soil type and water discharge from the neighboring peat forests. This study aims to investigate the dynamic of pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) caused by the interaction of peat water and brackish water, which is impacted by tides in an acid sulphate soil environment. Field measurements were conducted to collect data on water level, pH, and EC in both channels and fields. The dynamic of acid water from peat forests and acid sulphate soils with brackish water in the irrigation network was investigated using HEC-RAS simulations. The simulation incorporates water level, EC, and pH recorded at the Katingan River from December 22, 2022, to January 5, 2023. The results of simulations are calibrated with observed data at the main channel. The influence of brackish water on increasing pH and EC (pH = 5–7, EC = 0∼5.94 dS/m) is more significant in hydrotopography Type A, but it is less significant (pH = 4∼5.5, EC = 0∼2.25 dS/m) in hydrotopography Type B, which is less affected by brackish water. The water pH is more acidic in hydrotopography Type C, which is not impacted by tides. These simulation results may serve as a foundation for developing and operating sluice gates to improve water quality by allowing or preventing the entry of water into the irrigation network.

Identifying Issues in the Katingan I Swamp Irrigation Area Through Field Survey and Monitoring Approaches

The Katingan irrigation area is a swamp area that has undergone agricultural development. The optimization of yields necessitates the adaptation of management strategies in response to the challenges encountered within the swamp irrigation area. The objective of this study is to discern the issues in the Katingan I swamp irrigation area by conducting field surveys and monitoring. The field survey was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023. The primary data collected are water level, quality, agricultural products, and field documentation. Secondary data such as rainfall, irrigation network schemes, and institutions were also acquired. The survey result found water acidity issues due to water coming from peat forests and acid sulphate soils. The acidity of the water rises during low tide and when rain carries acidic water. There is a problem with high salinity, particularly during high tide in dry seasons. Optimal water management is achievable through continuous monitoring of water level and quality. Another issue is a lack of human resources to cultivate the land, especially because the irrigation service area has recently been expanded. The results of this study hopefully provide valuable insights for developing future management strategies in Katingan.

The Impact of Atmospheric Stability Affected by Peat Forest Fire on Surface PM2.5 Concentration in Pontianak Urban Area during La Nina Events 2022

The Impact of Atmospheric Stability Affected by Peat Forest Fire on Surface PM2.5 Concentration in Pontianak Urban Area during La Nina Events 2022

Seasonal activity of anaerobic dehydrogenase of peat soils as related with some chemical factors of the redox environment of drained forest mires

The aim of the study was to study the specifics of seasonal fluctuations of anaerobic dehydrogenase of peat soils under the influence of forestry hydromelioration, a powerful exogenous factor affecting the speed and direction of biochemical processes. Location and time of the study. The southern taiga one of West Siberia during June–October 2001–2003 (geographical coordinates 56°23'071" NL, 84°34'04" EL). Methods. Investigation of the seasonal dynamics of the activity of anaerobic dehydrogenase and chemical components of the soil environment – C, NH4+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Fec (associated with organic matter) using the method of systemic ecological analysis. Results. The profile of drained forest peat soils was clearly differentiated into three zones: 0-5 cm of high anaerobic dehydrogenase activity, 5-10 cm of moderate activity and 10-30 cm of low activity of the enzyme. The main trend in seasonal fluctuations of the dehydrogenase activity from June to October was approximated by a second-order parabola. According to the regression equation parameters, in poorly drained soils the weekly increase in dehydrogenase activity averaged 0,205 units with a weekly average deceleration of 0,022. In the strongly drained soils, there was a weekly deceleration by an average of 0,131 with a weekly average acceleration of 0,022 units. Positively increased activity of anaerobic dehydrogenase was measured in 0-5 cm soil horizons, with the highest rates detected under poor drainage. Downwards the profile, there was mainly a negative increase during the entire observation period. A functional relationship between the activity of anaerobic dehydrogenase, mobile forms of iron, water-soluble organic matter and ammonium of medium and high density according to the type of parabola was revealed. Conclusions. The chemical components of the aqueous extract are the most important environmental factors controlling the kinetics of enzymatic reactions of peat soils. The cumulative proportion of the explained dispersion of dehydrogenase activity by mobile forms of iron (Fe2+, Fe3+, Fec) was 61 and 41%, by biogenic elements (organic matter and NH4+) – 25 and 44% respectively in weakly and intensively drained soils. The dominant factors determining seasonal fluctuations of the enzyme are iron-organic complexes and ammonium, regardless of the drainage regime, and oxidized iron under poor and reduced iron under strong drainage, respectively.

AN ANALYSIS OF FOREST AND LAND FIRE EXTINGUISHING IN INDONESIA INFLUENCED BY THE EL NINO PHENOMENON USING THE WATER BOMBING METHOD

Land and peat forest fires in Indonesia are a serious environmental problem, especially in the years that experience the El Nino phenomenon. El Nino causes dry and hot conditions that trigger fires. One of the methods used to extinguish fires is water bombing, which is spraying water from the air using planes or helicopters. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of the water bombing method in dealing with land and peat forest fires in Indonesia. This study uses secondary data from various sources, such as government reports, research institutions, mass media, and non-governmental organizations. The data is then analyzed using descriptive, comparative, and evaluative methods. The results of the study show that the water bombing method has some advantages, such as fast, flexible, and able to reach areas that are difficult to access. However, this method also has some disadvantages, such as expensive, risky, and less effective in extinguishing fire in the peat soil. Therefore, this study recommends that the water bombing method should be used as one part of a comprehensive fire control strategy, which involves prevention, detection, and recovery. This study also suggests the need for improved coordination, regulation, and innovation in the use of the water bombing method in Indonesia.

Assessment of variability of peat physicochemical properties, subsidence and their interactions within Selangor forests

AbstractTropical peat swamp forests are carbon‐rich ecosystems both above‐ and belowground, which play a major role in the climate balance of the earth. The majority of the world's tropical peat forest cover is located in Southeast Asia and is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. Despite their importance for biodiversity conservation and climatic balance of the earth, pristine peatlands are almost extinct in many parts of Southeast Asia. Peninsular Malaysia is one such region, where there are no undisturbed peatlands left in the west coast. We studied the largest peat forest area in the west coast of Malaysia, located in the state of Selangor. We evaluated variability of peat subsidence (for 1 year), peat physicochemical properties and macronutrient contents between forest regions and between different depths (not for subsidence) covering the top 50 cm, and the complex interactions between them. We found that there was significant peat subsidence in all the studied regions, however, there was no significant difference in subsidence between different forest regions. Physicochemical properties such as peat moisture, pH and carbon (C) content and all macronutrient contents except phosphorus (P), either varied between regions, or showed significant interactions between region and depth in Selangor peat forests. All the measured peat physicochemical properties varied with depth. Among macronutrients, only nitrogen (N), P and calcium (Ca) showed significant change with depth, while there were no changes with depth for sulphur (S), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) contents. These changes in each peat physicochemical property and macronutrient contents correlated with changes in other peat physicochemical properties and nutrient contents; however, there is a need for controlled experiments to further understand these significant interactions. The findings show continued carbon loss in secondary peat swamp forests through subsidence, indicating the long‐term impact of selective logging and associated historical drainage. The significant variability of peat physicochemical properties and macronutrient contents with region and depth, also show the need for intensive sampling to characterise large secondary peat swamp forests.

Upaya Mitigasi Kebakaran Hutan dan Lahan Melalui Program CSR Budidaya Madu Hutan Gambut PT Pertamina RU II Sungai Pakning

Corporate Social Responsibility is social responsibility for companies as a real effort for companies to contribute to realizing the welfare of society. The incidence of forest and land fires in Riau, especially Bengkalis Regency, is a social issue that is a serious problem for the central and regional governments. The problem formulation of this research is how CSR Pertamina RU II Sungai Pakning involves the community in the process of mitigating forest and land fires. The aim of this research is to determine the process of forest fire mitigation through the CSR program of cultivating peat forest honey. The research method uses qualitative, because this research was conducted to determine, pay attention to and understand problems in social phenomena. The results of this research are that the Biene Honey Group is a pioneer in making people aware of honey seekers in the forest using traditional methods. In the future, it is hoped that PT. Pertamina RU II Sungai Pakning to be sustainable to continue the CSR program. as an effort to improve the welfare of the surrounding community.

Seasonal Activity of Soil Peroxidase in Drained Swamp Pine Forests of Western Siberia: Systematic-Ecological Analysis

We studied a mesotrophic swamp drained 25 years ago, in the northern part of the Ob and Tom rivers (geographical coordinates 56°23′710″ N, 84°34′043″ E). In forest peat soils (0–30 cm), the weighted average of peroxidase activity for the season (base level) was in the mode of weak hydro reclamation 14.4, moderate – 21.9, intensive 70 units (ml I/g of abs. dry sample in 2 min). Second-order parabola is a most adequate function of the main trend of the development of seasonal fluctuations in peroxidase activity. Numerical values and signs of the parabolic trend parameters show that from June to October, the average peroxidase activity decreased weekly by 4.4, 7.6 and 15.2 units with weekly average acceleration by 0.31, 0.59 and 1.54 units in the mode of weak, moderate and intensive drainage, respectively. The seasonal wave of peroxidase activity relative to the baseline level is characterized by a June increase in growth rates, the maximum in the 0–10 cm layer. In July, there is a decrease in the growth rate according to the depth of reclamation: in the mode of weak and moderate drainage the process already covers the entire soil profile in August, in conditions of intensive drainage – in October. The enzyme activity is significantly positively related with soil bulk moisture and pH, negatively – with redox potential and multidirectionally – with soil temperature. Environmental conditions act as duplicate parameters when assessing their contribution to the seasonal dynamics of peroxidase, creating the effect of interchangeability of environmental gradients. Canonical determination indices approximate the cumulative impact of the discussed set by 52–74%, depending on the depth of reclamation. Canonical weights show that the main factor regulating the seasonal activity of peroxidase is the hydrothermal regime. According to canonical correlations, in conditions of weak drainage, to a greater extent under the influence of temperature, intensive – humidity, moderate drainage – humidity and temperature. The differentiated contribution of peroxidase activity in the formation of the humus state of peat soils of different degrees of drainage was revealed.

MACHINE LEARNING APPLICATION IN RESPONSE TO DISASTER RISK REDUCTION OF FOREST AND PEATLAND FIRE

Peat forest is a natural swamp ecosystem containing buried biomass from biomass deposits originating from past tropical swamp vegetation that has not been decomposed. Once it burns, smoldering peat fires consume huge biomass. Peat smoldering fires are challenging to extinguish. These will continuously occur for weeks to months. Experts and practitioners of peat smoldering fires are the most recommended effort to prevent them before they occur with the strategy: 'detect early, locate the fire, deliver the most appropriate technology.' Monitoring methods and early detection of forest and land fires or 'wildfire' have been highly developed and applied in Indonesia, for example, monitoring with hotspot data, FWI (Fire Weather Index), and FDRS (Fire Danger Rating System). These 'physical simulator' based methods have some weaknesses, and soon such methods will be replaced by the Machine Learning method as it is developing recently. What about the potential application of Machine Learning in the forest and land fires, particularly smoldering peat fires in Indonesia? This paper tries to answer this question. This paper recommends a conceptual design: impact-based Learning for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) of Forest, Land Fire, and Peat Smouldering.

KOMPOSISI DAN STRUKTUR VEGETASI HUTAN GAMBUT KAWASAN RESTORASI EKOSISTEM RIAU

Forests have different species and structure compositions depending on local conditions. One of the forests that has a specific character is Peat Forest. The condition of the peat forest footprint explicitly influences the types of flora and fauna that can adapt to the condition of the forest. When there is a disturbance to the peat forest ecosystem, it is necessary to know how the effort is to reverse the condition of the forest ecosystem. Efforts can be made to restore the condition of the ecosystem by restoring the ecosystem. This study aimed to determine the composition, INP, diversity index, and stratification of peat forests in the Riau ecosystem restoration area in Pelalawan District. Data collection methods were carried out with vegetation analysis, field observations, and literature studies. The results of this study indicate that there are 11 species found in the Young Shrub land cover, with the dominant is Ficus carica L, in the Old Shrub land cover found 28 species with the dominating is Shorea sp, while in the Secondary Forest land cover found 55 species, with the type what dominates is the Syzygium sp. The species diversity index in the Young Shrub land cover is of low value, while the Old Shrub and Secondary Forest is of medium value. Based on field observations, canopy closure conditions in the study sites consisted of strata A, B, C, D, and E, which were dominated by Stratum C (4-20 m).

Fauna of Lepidoptera on wetlands damaged by peat extraction and undisturbed by human: analysis and comparison (Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia)

This paper aimed to compare the diversity and abundance of fauna of Lepidoptera on wetland sites damaged by peat extraction and remained in their natural state, which locate on the territory of the Ramsar wetland in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The surveys were curried out monthly in May–September 2021. We used methods of attracting moths to a white screen using mercury and ultraviolet lamps (5 nights per each study plot). Diurnal butterflies were being identified along pedestrian routes (total length – 11.4 km) during a day. Indices characterizing the α- and β-diversity of Lepidoptera were calculated. At both plots, we revealed the species diversity of Macrolepidoptera more than 70%. According to our results the abundance and diversity of Macrolepidoptera in the study plots seem to be the same. In the course of succession, after the complete destruction of peat bogs and forests on a site surrounded by intact communities, species abundance and diversity is rapidly restored and reaches a high level. The composition of faunas in the transformed and undisturbed plots differs significantly; the similarity in Jacquard is 44.7%. The ecological features of butterfly species recorded only on one of the study plots were evaluated. The role of the surveyed territories as habitats of rare and endangered butterfly species is shown as well.

Fitsbot (Fire Detection Smart Robot) Innovation in the Development of Drone Technology in Mitigation of Peat Forest Fire

Indonesia's forests continue to shrink due to forest fires. Indonesia's deforestation rate for 2019-2020 is 115.5 thousand hectares. The use of manual methods for forest monitoring is considered less effective because it requires a long time and a lot of resources. Natural and weather conditions affect the implementation of forest monitoring to prevent forest fires. Based on these problems, the author offers an innovation in FITSBOT (Fire Smart Robot) technology. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D) with the stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. The result of this research is a quadcopter with integrated artificial intelligence based on YOLO for forest monitoring. This technology is expected to facilitate forest monitoring in order to take preventive measures and early detection of forest fires.

Water level and soil moisture monitoring for peatland fire risk indicator

Peatland forest conversion into cultivated land often creates environmental issues in the form of increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by the decomposition of organic matter that eventually increase the risk of peat forest fires. This paper presents the results of a study of the peatland water table dynamics based on certain peatland characteristics (depth and maturity) and water management techniques (canal blocking), as well as an analysis of water level and soil moisture data for the peatland fire early warning model. This study was conducted in April-December 2018 at a palm oil plantation in Pangkalan Pisang Village, Riau Province. Peatland water table observations were carried out using a water level logger at each of the midpoints of three oil palm blocks measuring 30 ha each. Meanwhile, soil moisture contents were observed using a logger with two humidity sensors at two depths. The recorded observation data showed that the water table level was very dynamic and fluctuating, both temporally and spatially. The temporal observation data indicates that the water table levels after the rain had stopped in the three observed blocks decreased at the rates of 10.3, 10.6, and 13.6 mm/day, respectively. This research shows a significant correlation between soil moisture dry weight percent and the risk level of peatland fires. Soil moisture content was less than 100% dry weight and highly flammable.

Influence of forest management changes and reuse of peat production areas on water quality in a northern river

In Northern Finland, the most significant land use challenges are related to bioenergy production from peat extraction and forest biomass. Increasing societal demand for bioenergy may increase production rates. However, environmental impacts of peat extraction are of increasing concern, which has led to a decline in production, thereby freeing up these areas for other uses. Using storylines for different societal futures and process-based models (PERSiST and INCA), we simulated the effect of simultaneous land use change and climate change on water quality (phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended sediments concentration). Conversion of peat extraction areas to arable land, together with climate change, may pose a risk for deterioration of ecological status. On the other hand, continuous forestry may have positive impacts on water quality. Suspended sediment concentrations in the river do not exceed water quality requirements for salmonids, but nitrogen concentrations may exceed threshold values especially during high flows. A storyline emphasizing sustainable development in energy production led to the best outcome in terms of water protection.