Peat Research Articles

Biomethane produced from maize grown on peat emits more CO2 than natural gas

Cultivation of maize for biomethane production has expanded rapidly, including on drained peat soils. The resulting soil CO2 emissions at the point of feedstock production are largely overlooked when assessing biogas climate mitigation potential. On the basis of field-scale flux measurements, we calculate that soil CO2 emissions from biomethane feedstock production on drained peat exceed embodied emissions for an equivalent amount of natural gas by up to a factor of three.

Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter as Affected by Decomposition of Different Organic Materials in Alpine Wetland

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a significant role in the nutrient supply, energy flow, and pollutant transportation in the wetland ecosystem. However, little is known about the effect of the decomposition of different organic materials in alpine wetland water on the DOM characteristics. By conducting a 90-day decomposition experiment with the addition of different organic materials (peat soil, yak manure, and plant litter) alone or their combinations into alpine wetland water, we characterized the water DOM using three-dimension excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy. The results showed that the decomposition of organic materials significantly affected the chemical properties, sources, humification degree, and composition of the water DOM. The decomposition increased dissolved organic carbon and dissolved total nitrogen in the water. For most of the water samples, a fluorescence index ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 and a biological index of less than 0.8 may indicate that both autochthonous and allochthonous sources contributed to the water DOM, which may primarily rely on allochthonous sources. UVA (37.55–46.81% of total fluorescent components) and UVC fulvic-like substances (29.91–35.53% of total fluorescent components) dominated the water DOM compositions. Among the treatments, additions of peat soil and yak manure led to the highest and the lowest humification degree of the water DOM, respectively. For the treatment of the combination decomposition of all three organic materials, the yak manure may stimulate microbial activity and facilitate the decomposition of plant litter and peat soil and, therefore, boost the humic-like substances in the water DOM. These findings may help the development of wetland biomass management with the objective of maintaining alpine wetland ecosystem services.

Tropical peat soil changes across successive oil palm generations in Sarawak, Malaysia

Oil palm is commonly replanted once reaching the end of its productive lifespan. This cyclical planting practice in oil palm plantations could have long-term implications for the humification and properties of tropical peat soil. This study aimed to investigate the changes observed across successive generations of oil palm plantations in Sarawak, Malaysia. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied to examine the quality of the Soil Organic Matter (SOM), specifically the functional groups, humification index, Hydrophobicity Index (HI), and Degree of Degradation (DDI). Overall, the peat humification trend was in the order of 2nd Gen > Forest >1st Gen. The higher presence of recalcitrant compounds of lignin in the soil was attributed to the higher HI and lower DDI in the 2nd Gen. The relationship between the Pyrophosphate Solubility Index (PSI) and the humification index further revealed a significant increase in the relative abundance of humic substances with the maturity of degraded organic matter. These findings suggest a notable transition, implicating a shift towards a more stable form of SOM over the long-term utilization of tropical peatland for oil palm plantations. This is characterised by a significant increase in the relative abundance of aromatic, phenolic, and carboxylic functional groups. The study also highlights the need for further research on the linkage between these changes and greenhouse gas emissions to enhance our understanding of the long-term biogeochemical cycle of oil palm on tropical peatlands.

Geographic variation in resistance of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) to wind loading across different wind environments in Europe

The harmful impacts of wind disturbances are expected to increase in European forests more under relatively mild wind environments (e.g. North-East Europe) compared to harsh wind conditions (e.g. British Isles). They are also expected to increase particularly under loose soil conditions (e.g. organic soils). However, harmful impacts of wind disturbances may be mitigated by such adaptive management, which improves the mechanical stability of trees. Populations of widespread tree species, such as Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), are highly plastic in terms of morphology and ecology, resulting in geographic variation of the traits crucial also for tree mechanical stability. The aim of this study was to assess the regional differences in the resistance of Scots pine to wind loading between populations along the European West-East gradient of wind environments. Furthermore, the local differences between neighbouring stands on freely draining mineral and drained deep peat soils in Latvia were assessed. The loading resistance of Scots pine was consistent among the studied populations across the gradient of European wind environments, suggesting regional variation in adjustment of traits crucial for tree mechanical stability. Whereas Scots pines growing in neighbouring stands on freely draining mineral and drained deep peat exhibited differences in loading resistance, suggesting specific local acclimations. However, to account for genetic control over traits crucial for tree mechanical stability, loading resistance of Scots pine populations needs to be assessed in common gardens.

Assessment of the environmental impacts of utilizing coal ashes and OPC for soil stabilization applications: Leachate analysis in response to rainfall interaction

The construction industry is a leading sector for coal ashes utilization, including in cement manufacturing and soil stabilization applications. In soil stabilization, coal ashes, alongside Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), are the most commonly used materials. However, the environmental impact of coal ashes, particularly the leaching of heavy metals from stabilized soil when exposed to rainfall, remains underexplored. There is a notable gap in assessing the environmental impacts of this utilization, particularly when the stabilized soil interacts with rainfall in real-world scenarios. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to filling this gap. Accordingly, in this study, peat soil was stabilized by using fly ash, bottom ash, and OPC. The characterization of soil mixture materials, including physicochemical and engineering properties, was established and studied first. Following the environmental impact, simulations were conducted using a column to study soil leachate under different conditions and seasons (dry and wet) in response to its interaction with rainfall. The leachate was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the concentrations of heavy metals, including copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Additionally, Ion Chromatography (IC) was employed to determine the concentrations of major anions, including fluoride (F⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻). The findings revealed the complex interaction of the chemical stabilization processes and environmental factors with the leaching behavior of heavy metals and anions, highlighting the significant impact of stabilization on leaching patterns. To conclude, this study provides a valuable contribution to understanding the environmental and engineering implications of utilizing coal ashes in soil stabilization.

RESPON PRODUKSI TANAMAN BAWANG MERAH (Allium ascalonicum L.) TERHADAP BOKASHI KOTORAN SAPI DAN PUPUK ROCK FOSFAT PADA MEDIA GAMBUT

The development of shallot cultivation in Riau needs to be done by optimizing peatlands. However, problems such as low pH and low nutrient availability need to be addressed. The use of cow manure bokashi can increase the availability of soil nutrients and the addition of P fertilizer from rock phosphate is expected to increase the availability of P in peat soil. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of cow manure bokashi and rock phosphate fertilizer in increasing the production of shallot plants in peat media. This research was carried out at the UIR Experimental Garden, Pekanbaru, from September to December 2022. The materials used in this study were Brebes shallot seedlings, cow manure bokashi, rock phosphate, urea, KCl. The tools used in the research included hoes, tape measure, cutter knife, analytical scales, camera and stationery. The research method used a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The first factor was the dose of cow manure bokashi with 4 treatment levels: without cow manure bokashi, 40, 80 and 120 g/polybag Bokashi cow manure. The second factor was the dose of rock phosphate fertilizer with 4 treatment levels: 0, 0.8 g/polybag, 1.6, 2.4 g/polybag. Each experimental unit was repeated 3 times. Observational data were analyzed statistically and further tested for HSD the 5% level. Application of cow manure bokashi with rock phosphate can increase shallot production. Application of cow manure bokashi 80 g/polybag with rock phosphate dose of 2.4 g/polybag increased the wet and dry shallot bulb weight.

Factors controlling peat soil thickness and carbon storage in temperate peatlands based on UAV high-resolution remote sensing

Peatlands store a large amount of carbon. However, peatlands are complex ecosystems, and acquiring reliable estimates of how much carbon is stored underneath the Earth’s surface is inherently challenging, even at small scales. Here, we aim to establish links between the above- and below-ground factors that control soil carbon status, identify the key environmental variables associated with carbon storage, as well as to explore the potential for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing for spatial mapping of peatlands. We combine UAVs equipped with Red-Green-Blue (RGB), multispectral, thermal infrared, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology and traditional field surveys to provide a comprehensive, 3-dimensional mapping of a peatland hillslope-floodplain landscape in the Belgian Hautes Fagnes. Our results indicate that both peat thickness and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (top 1 m) are spatially heterogeneous and that the contributions from the surface topography to peat thickness and SOC stock varied from micro- to macro-scales. Peat thickness was more strongly controlled by macro-topography (R2 = 0.46) than SOC stock, which was more influenced by micro-topography (R2 = 0.21). Current vegetation had little predictive power for explaining their spatial variability. Additionally, the UAV data provided accurate estimates of both peat thickness and SOC stock, with RMSE and R2 values of 0.16 m and 0.85 for the peat thickness, and 59.25 t/ha and 0.85 for the SOC stock. However, similar performance can already be achieved by using only topographical data from the LiDAR sensor (for peat thickness) and a combination of peat thickness and topography (for SOC stock) as predictor variables. Our study bridges the gap between surface observations and the hidden carbon reservoir below. This not only allows us to improve our ability to assess the spatial distribution of SOC stocks, but also contributes to our understanding of the environmental factors associated with SOC storage in these highly heterogeneous landscapes, providing insights for environmental science and climate projections.

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes and Carbon Storages in Oligotrophic Peat Soils of Western Siberia

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes and Carbon Storages in Oligotrophic Peat Soils of Western Siberia

Phytomass carbon pools of Koivulambisuo mire system (South Karelia)

Koivulambisuo mire system (61,80º N, 33,56º E, middle taiga subzone) has a complex structure of vegetation cover, includes south karelian variant of aapa mires, raised bogs, transitional herb-sphagnum fens and forested sites of different trophic levels.The study was carried out within the framework of the National system for monitoring carbon pools and greenhouse gas fluxes in Russia. Phytomass and carbon pools were determined for three types of mire sites: aapa, ridge-hollow sphagnum bog and oligotrophic pine-dwarf shrub-cotton grass-sphagnum. On each type of mire sites, 3 sample plots 50x50 m in size were set up, with 8–12 sampling points on each. Tree stand estimated by total count and basic measurements of all standing trees on plots, production of needles and branches by model tree method. The above-ground vascular plants phytomass material was collected by the cutting method, mosses and underground phytomass by monoliths method, the production of sphagnum mosses by annual increment method. Aapa mire extremely poorly afforested, to the least extent among the studied sites, due to strong watering and poor development of strings. The total carbon pool in a forest stand is only 0.01 tC/ha. The carbon pool in the above-ground phytomass of aapa complexes is also minimal – 2.56 tC/ha. It is mainly provided by sphagnum mosses, while herbs and shrubs contain half as much carbon in total. Living underground phytomass deposits 21.56 tC/ha (89% of the total phytomass). Such a high carbon sequestration by living underground plant organs is a feature of aapa sites and is associated with favorable regime of water movement. Some overestimation is also possible due to the difficulty of separating living and dead tightly intertwined roots. The mortmass of a 40 cm surface layer of peat soil contains 38.71 tC/ha, most of it in the sphagnum remains. The annual ground cover production of aapa is minimal: 1.55 tC/ha, which is caused by the development of extensive flarks with sparse vegetation cover. Unlike other sites, the role of vascular plants is higher here (0.68 tC/ha) due to the predominance of herbaceous plants in cover. The afforestation degree of ridge-hollow bogs varies; the living forest stand of the most afforested sites is contains 0.31 tC/ha, while in the other two, more watered sites, the pool is less than 0.02 tC/ha. The average carbon stock in a tree stand is 0.11 tC/ha. The carbon pool in the ground cover of the ridge-hollow bogs is maximum among the studied mire sites (4.25 tC/ha), the main share in it is sphagnum mosses (3.52 tC/ha), while grasses and shrubs 0.73 tC/ha. Living underground phytomass deposits 8.62 tC/ha (66% of the total phytomass).The mortmass of a 40 cm surface layer of peat soil contains, on average, 61.77 tC/ha, most of it in the sphagnum remains. In cotton grass-sphagnum hollows the stock reaches 80.09 tC/ha due to dense cotton grass tussocks. The above-ground vascular plants annual production is 0.48 tC/ha (the minimum among the studied mire site types) and 1.56 tC/ha by mosses. Pine-dwarf shrub-cotton grass-sphagnum plots have the most developed forest stands among the studied mire sites. The average tree height here is 1-2 m, individual trees reach a 5-6 m. The carbon pool in the living tree stand is 2.92 tC/ha, in dead wood – 1.66 tC/ha. Accordingly, the forest stand contribution to the total living phytomass carbon stock is maximum here and equal to moss stock. In the ground cover is deposited 4.46 tC/ha, besides sphagnum mosses (2.9 tC/ha), a significant stock in dwarf shrubs (1.11 tC/ha). Living underground phytomass deposits 9.04 tC/ha (56% of the total phytomass). The mortmass of a 40 cm surface layer of peat soil contains 63.43 tC/ha. The total contribution of pine needles and branches to the annual production is 0.04 tC/ha. The above-ground phytomass here also demonstrates the maximum annual production – 2.21 tC/ha per year, mainly provided by sphagnum mosses (1.64 tC/ha). In general, the main living phytomass carbon pools of mire sites are concentrated in the underground parts of vascular plants. The ground cover main stock is in sphagnum mosses. Significant carbon stock in the tree stands only has pine-cotton grass-dwarf shrub-sphagnum sites, where it equal to the carbon stock of mosses. In all types of sites, carbon pool in the mortmass of the upper 40 cm of the deposit are noticeably higher than the total reserves in living phytomass. The main part of the mortmass consists of the sphagnum mosses remains. Mosses are also characterized by the largest primary annual production of carbon.

Simulated Sea Level Rise in Coastal Peat Soils Stimulates Mercury Methylation

Simulated Sea Level Rise in Coastal Peat Soils Stimulates Mercury Methylation

Removal of ammoniacal nitrogen from Malaysian palm oil mill effluent (POME) using optimized operating parameters of peat soil as natural adsorbent

Nowadays, the use of natural absorbents to remove pollutants from POME has gained remarkable attention. The main objective of this study is to investigate the suitability and performance of modified peat soil as an adsorbent for the removal of NH3-N from POME. The chemical activation method was performed using readily available NaOH for the first time to improve the adsorption performance of naturally available low-cost peat soil. The physical properties of raw and modified peat soil were determined using water-holding capacity, moisture content, bulk density, porosity, and BET surface area. The adsorbents were also characterized by SEM and FTIR to investigate surface morphology and chemical composition. To optimize the experimental parameters namely adsorbent dosage, agitation rate, and contact time for removal of NH3-N from POME, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed in this study with two different activation ratios. Substantial improvement of physical properties was attained after the modification of raw peat soil. The SEM images of modified peat soil showed a more porous space structure with larger voids while the FT-IR demonstrated the distinctive functional groups in the raw and modified peat soil. At optimized conditions of 5.71 g/L adsorbent dosage, 50 rpm agitation rate, and 38.96 min contact time predicted removal efficiency of NH3-N has been revealed 64.06 and 58.74 % at 1:20 and 1:30 activation ratios, respectively. The experimental investigation using optimized parameters showed 69.12 ± 2.5 and 61.57 ± 4.3 % removal of NH3-N. The experimental and predicted results showed good agreement. The rapid removal of NH3-N (69.1 % within 39 min) was achieved by chemically modified peat soil in this study compared to previously reported studies. Nevertheless, the raw and modified peat soil showed good stability up to three cycles of reusability.

Establishment of Dynamic Properties for Malaysian Peat Soil Using Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves

A poor understanding of peat behavior has introduced several engineering problems including differential settlements or slides which greatly impact society. Problematic characteristics of peat including a high moisture content and the presence of fresh fibers, cause a significant challenge in obtaining high-quality samples for laboratory-based investigation. Therefore, the application of in-situ geophysical methods is sought to mitigate these problems. The dynamic properties of a peat deposit in West Malaysia are described in this study. The Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) was conducted at six different locations. These peat soils had considerably different characteristics due to the different natures of decomposed materials. The samples obtained from the five locations had organic contents of 66.5 to 97.1%, water contents of 447 to 964%, and fiber content between 22.1 and 75.2%. Based on Von Post classification, the peat type ranged from H3 (fibrous) to H8 (amorphous). Shear wave velocity (Vs) and maximum shear modulus (Gmax) are presented, and their dependence on variables such as moisture content, organic content, fiber content, specific gravity and bulk density are illustrated. The general trend shows an increase in Vs and Gmaxwith decreasing moisture, organic and fiber content of peat soil. The difference in the degree of humification did not result in significant differences in Vs and Gmax obtained. The results showed that the value of Vs and Gmax ranged from 24.0 to 67.1m/s and 0.40 to 7.06 MPa respectively. Correlation between the index and dynamic properties peat shows that the Vs and Gmax increase as the moisture, organic and fiber content decreases. Successful determination of in-situ Vs and Gmax on peat soil minimized the potential of underestimation due to sample disturbance and provide a sustainable, rapid and economic method.

Peat Stabilization by Using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) Mixed with Rice Husk Ash (RHA)

Peat generally consists of high organic and water contentthatcauses the strength of peat soil to be very weak to bear any load. The strength of the soil can be increased by using binders like cement in peat soil stabilizationtechniques, but excessive cement use can pollute the ecosystem. This study aimed to determine the ideal proportion of rice husk ash (RHA) to be utilized in place of cement. A test of the basic characteristics of peat soil is carried out in order to identify the nature of peat soil. The strength of treated and untreated peat soil was determined through an unconfined compression test (UCS). By replacement at 15%, the result shows the replacement of 15% RHA in Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) demonstrates the maximum strength with the value of 531 kN/m² and 580 kN/m² for 7 and 28 curing days respectively. The microstructure image shows the difference in total porosity between the untreated and treated samples through the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) test. A chemical test via Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) shows that the strength of samples improveswhen the amount of carbon reduces and calcium content increases. The findings illustrate that the utilization of discarded agricultural waste can be used as an additive in reducing the consumption of cement to increase the strength of peat based on soil stabilization techniques.

The Use of Peat Soil for Cultivating Ginger (Zingiber officinale) using Several Types of Ash and NPK Fertilizer

The Use of Peat Soil for Cultivating Ginger (Zingiber officinale) using Several Types of Ash and NPK Fertilizer

Impact of Peat Extraction on Downstream Concentrations and Attenuation of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Nutrients

AbstractHorticultural peat extraction can mobilize dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) to surface waters, harming aquatic ecosystems and water quality. However, it is uncertain how peat extraction affects solute concentration across hydrological and seasonal conditions and how biogeochemical processing in downstream drainage networks responds. Over two years, we used repeated, spatially extensive sampling in stream networks of two mixed land‐use catchments (<200 km2) on the subhumid interior plains of western Canada. We used random forest models to disentangle the effects of land cover, hydrology, and temperature on water chemistry. Peatlands were the dominant source of DOM to streams, but we detected no substantial effect of peat extraction on DOM concentration or composition. Stream discharge was the most important predictor of DOM composition, with generally humic‐like DOM becoming fresher during snowmelt and summer base flow. We detected no effect from peat extraction on soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP) or nitrate (NO3−). However, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was an order of magnitude higher in subcatchments with >40% extracted peatland cover (median: 1.5 mg TAN L−1) compared to catchments with similar intact peatland cover. Mass balance analysis suggested that DOM and inorganic nutrients synchronously attenuated during low flows. During high flows, DOM and inorganic nitrogen were conservatively transported, while SRP was attenuated, likely sorbing to suspended particles. Our study suggests that excess TAN mobilized by peat extraction is utilized in headwaters during low flow but propagates downstream during high flow, with implications for eutrophication that land managers should consider.

Application of industrial by-product waste as soil stabilising backfill material using a multi-layering method

Peat soil presents significant challenges for construction due to its inherent weak properties, including high water content, limited permeability, low shear Strength, low specific gravity, and acidity. Despite the potential of Mg-rich synthetic gypsum (MRSG) to improve soil properties, research on its use for stabilising severely poor peat soils is limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating the efficacy of MRSG in peat soil stabilisation using a novel multi-layering backfill approach. The methodology includes soil classification of peat soil. And, to understand the mechanical and chemical changes of stabilized peat soil, the unconfined compressive Strength (UCS) testing and microstructural analysis using SEM, EDX, and XRD before and after stabilisation are studied. Peat samples were treated with MRSG through backfilling method in 5, 7, and 9 layers and evaluated the strength increment after curing periods of 7, 28, and 60 days. Results demonstrate that MRSG significantly enhanced the compressive strength, increasing it to 210.33 kPa as early as 7 days for 9 layers of backfill incomparable with the untreated soil strength of 51.87 kPa. The new cementitious product in the soil known as ettringite was observed from SEM analysis and confirmed by the EDX and XRD analysis. By recycling industrial byproducts, this environmentally friendly method encourages sustainability and lessens dependency on raw resources, which is important for infrastructure construction and other projects in areas rich in peat.

Effect of vegetation cover and soil moisture on water repellency persistence of drained peat soils

AbstractPeatlands play an essential role in the environment and their conservation requires knowledge of water-related processes. Their hydrophobicity is an important factor influencing the flow of water in soils. Drainage of fens and adapting them for agricultural production have contributed to the degradation of peat soils. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of vegetation cover (meadows, alder swamp and birch forest) of drained peat soils on the persistence of their water repellency as a function of their moisture content. Soil samples (Rheic Fibric Histosol and Rheic Murshic Hemic Histosol) were collected from four sites in the Biebrza Wetlands (Poland). The sites include extensive meadows, intensive meadows, alder swamp forest, and secondary birch forest. The study used the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) to assess the persistence of soil water repellency during the drying of soil samples in laboratory conditions. The study proposed a three-straight lines model to describe the relationship between WDPT and soil moisture content. Results revealed that the peat soils in intensive meadows showed the highest WDPT, followed by the secondary birch and alder swamp forest. and then by semi-natural meadows, which has the lowest WDPT.

Response of tomato to innovative organo-mineral fertilizers

Organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) with low organic carbon (Corg) content have been associated with higher mineral fraction nutrient use efficiency. However, the extraction of peat, which is typically used in these OMFs, from endangered ecosystems causes long-time stored Corg to mineralize and to be released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). This study analyzes the replacement of peat in OMFs with biowaste materials. These materials, considered organic byproducts that microorganisms and other living things can decompose through composting and aerobic or anaerobic digestion, offer a viable opportunity. This study investigated three stabilized biowastes—green compost (GC) from pruning residues, municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), and manure-based vermicompost (VC)—as the organic matrices for granular OMFs. These matrices were impregnated with dissolved ammonium sulfate and urea and used to coat diammonium phosphate granules. Each biowaste OMF contained 7.5% Corg, 20% mineral N, and 10% mineral P2O5 (OMF20 − 10). Fertilizers with high nutrient concentrations have the advantage of requiring low application volumes, facilitating their application in the field. Biowaste OMFs were compared with peat OMFs with the same Corg-N-P2O5 concentration. Peat and MSWC were also used to create OMFs containing 7.5% Corg, 10% mineral N, and 5% mineral P2O5 (OMF10 − 5). A 75-day tunnel trial was conducted under semi-controlled conditions using tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fertilized to an equivalent of 81 mg N kg−1 soil and 18 mg P kg−1 soil. Controls included no fertilization (N0P0) and mineral N and P fertilization (MFNP). The Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter and the BBCH (from German Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale as well as the number of shoots were measured over time, as berry and total aboveground yield, N and P uptakes, and N and P use efficiencies (NUE and PUE, respectively) were calculated at harvest. All treatments outperformed the control N0P0 in most indicators. Peat20 − 10 did not have more berry yield than other OMF20 − 10; however, the higher number of shoots indicated a higher potential yield in the event of prolonging the experiment. At the end of 75 days, VC20 − 10 and MSWC20 − 10 showed similar PUE to peat, suggesting that those materials can be used as replacements. In the case of OMF10 − 5, MSWC10 − 5 had yield and N and P uptakes like peat OMFs, confirming the potential use of MSWC as peat replacement even at different nutrient concentrations. This research provides reassuring evidence of the effectiveness of biowaste OMFs, offering a positive outlook for sustainable agriculture. However, their use is not recommendable for short growing seasons.

The Influence of Land Subsidence on Risk of Constructing 150 kV Transmission Tower for South Sumatra – Bangka Belitung Interconnector

Transmission system is one of the national essential objects and should be reliable when functioning. Moreover, disturbances in transmission system can lead to disruption of the service function. A common risk to the reliability of electric distribution is land subsidence on transmission tower. Furthermore, the 150 KV interconnector of South Sumatra-Bangka Belitung (Sumsel-Babel) is located in the coastal area of Banyuasin Dua sub-district, South Sumatra. This area is a river delta with peat and clay soil structures and is prone to land subsidence. Therefore, this research aimed to identify environmental factors that affect land subsidence and cause risk to transmission tower. In the context of this research, Copras (Complex Proportional Assessment) and MCSA (Multi Criteria Spatial Analysis) were used for parameter weighting and risk assessment of tower location, respectively. The results of an expert survey to assess risk of potential land subsidence at tower location showed five parameters, namely, land use, distance to waters or potential flooding, land slope factor, soil type, and conus value. Individual parameters were weighted quantitatively and qualitatively based on the opinions of construction experts. Specifically, the qualitative method was performed by weighting based on criteria and sub-criteria, which were analyzed using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). On the other hand, spatial analysis of locations at risk of land subsidence was conducted using GIS software. Based on the assessment results obtained, land use criteria had the largest weighting influence of 0.340 and the smallest weighting on the cone value was 0.08. Finally, tower location that are most at risk of land subsidence are on peatland, near water, and clay soil.

Microbial DNA sample preservation and possible artifacts for field-based research in remote tropical peatlands

Surveying bacterial and archaeal microbial communities in host and environmental studies requires the collection and storage of samples. Many studies are conducted in distant locations challenging these prerequisites. The use of preserving buffers is an important alternative when lacking access to cryopreservation, however, its effectivity for samples with challenging chemistry or samples that provide opportunities for fast bacterial or archaeal growth upon exposure to an aerobic environment, like peat samples, requires methodological assessment. Here, in combination with an identified optimal DNA extraction kit for peat soil samples, we test the application of several commercial and a homemade preservation buffer and make recommendations on the method that can most effectively preserve a microbiome reflective of the original state. In treatments with a non-optimal buffer or in the absence, we observed notable community shifts beginning as early as three days post-preservation lowering diversity and community evenness, with growth-driven artifacts from a few specific phyla. However other buffers retain a very close composition relative to the original state, and we described several metrics to understand some variation across them. Due to the chemical effects of preservation buffers, it is critical to test their compatibility and reliability to preserve the original bacterial and archaeal community in different environments.