Peatland In Central Kalimantan Research Articles

TRAINING ON MAKING A WATER LEVEL INSTRUMENT AS AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR PEATLAND IN TUMBANG TAHAI VILLAGE, CENTRAL KALIMANTAN

Indonesia has 14,905,575 ha of peatlands spread across Sumatra (43.18%), Kalimantan (32.06%) and Papua (24.76%) (Balai Besar Sumberdaya Lahan Pertanian, 2011). The area of peatland in Central Kalimantan reaches 2.65 million ha or 16.83% of the total area of Central Kalimantan (Balai Besar Litbang Sumberdaya Lahan Pertanian, 2013). Land and forest fires are becoming increasingly severe not only in Central Kalimantan, but also in other regions. This is triggered by activities where peatlands are used for agriculture or plantations coupled with the construction of drainage canals, causing peat water to dry out and become flammable during the dry season. In 1997, catastrophic fires destroyed no less than 2.2 million hectares of peat swamp forest, and destroyed 0.14 - 0.17 Gt of peatland carbon. In addition, it also caused several health problems, for example in Central Kalimantan, during the fires in 2015 there was data on cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Central Kalimantan until the fourth week of September 2015, the number of sufferers reached 20,274 people (KMNLHRI and UNDP; 2015). These forest fires also cause great losses in the socio-economic field. This service aims to prevent drought in peatlands by measuring the water level at several points in Tumbang Tahai Village by measuring the water level so that an Early Warning System for peatland drought is formed in the village. It is hoped that the community of Tumbang Tahai Village in particular and the people of Central Kalimantan in general will be able to prevent peatland drought and this can be an initial experience in the practical experience of making, installing and using a water level measuring instrument.

Insights for restoration: Reconstructing the drivers of long-term local fire events and vegetation turnover of a tropical peatland in Central Kalimantan

Fire events in tropical peatlands often relate to dry peat conditions associated with climate variability (drought) and anthropogenic-driven ecosystem degradation. However, drought is not the only driver of long-term fire events and peatland ecosystem changes. This study used palaeoecological and geochemical proxies to investigate the long-term drivers of charcoal influx to identify local fires and examine the associated responses to the tropical peatland ecosystem in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The results showed local fire events increased after 756 cal. yr BP, and possible drivers of charcoal influx include changes in sea level, increased frequency of El Niño events, increased biomass, and anthropogenically-driven ecosystem degradation. However, the vegetation composition showed changes since ∼2300 cal. yr BP from a mix of peat swamp forest (PSF) and open vegetation (OV) during the late Holocene (∼2300 to 1129 cal. yr BP), to predominantly PSF from 1128 to 375 cal. yr BP, dry lowland mixed with swamp forest (LMS) and open vegetation (OV) from 374 to 135 cal. yr BP, and predominantly OV and freshwater swamp forest (FSF) from 134 to −62 cal. yr BP. The possible drivers of the vegetation turnover were hydrological conditions and the availability of peat nutrients, while the vegetation turnover affected the accumulation and decomposition of recalcitrant organic matter in peat. The thresholds of the peatland ecosystems over longer-term timeframes provided the following restoration insights: 1) PSF species (i.e. Eurya and Ilex) showed high fire tolerance and increased in abundance up to charcoal influx threshold of ∼23 grains mm−2 cm−3 yr−1 while LMS and OV species increased up to a lower threshold of ∼13 grains mm−2 cm−3 yr−1before declining; 2) PSF species expanded during periods of wet conditions and high peat nutrients (i.e. TN - enriched); and 3) Future revegetation in the region can focus on tree taxa such as Euphorbiaceae, Arenga, Ficus, and Trema as they were historically able to thrive in fire events and dry hydrological conditions.

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF FEMALE BEEF CATTLE AGAINST PEATLAND MICROCLIMATE STRESS IN CENTRAL KALIMANTAN

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological response of female beef cattle to peatland microclimate stress in Central Kalimantan. This study used direct observation on small holder beef cattle farm. Microclimate data on 41 units cattle barns and physiological parameters of female cattle were collected in the morning, at noon and in the afternoon. The physiological parameter measurements involved 215 female beef cattle, consisting of 119 Bali and 96 crossbred cattle with different physiological stages including pregnant cows, lactating cows, dry cows, heifers and calves. The microclimate condition within cattle barns on peatland of Central Kalimantan is not the comfort zone for beef cattle. It is characterized by high air temperature and relative humidity, and low wind speed, which result in high temperature humidity index (THI). The barn with gable roof type and asbestos materials gave the lowest THI. This Microclimate caused heat stress to beef cattle reared on the peatlands, indicated by the high rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and heat tolerance coefficient, although it was still categorized as mild to moderate stress. Bali cattle showed better physiological responses to microclimate stress than crossbred cattle. Pregnant crossbred cows were the most susceptible to peatland microclimate stress.

Insights for Restoration: Reconstructing the Long-Term Responses and Resilience of Vegetation, Hydrology and Peat Conditions to Fire Events in a Tropical Peatland in Central Kalimantan

Insights for Restoration: Reconstructing the Long-Term Responses and Resilience of Vegetation, Hydrology and Peat Conditions to Fire Events in a Tropical Peatland in Central Kalimantan

ANALISIS MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIP DALAM PENGURANGAN DEFORESTASI LAHAN GAMBUT DI KALIMANTAN TENGAH TAHUN 2017-2020

This study aims to determine efforts to reduce deforestation on peatlands in Central Kalimantan through the formation of the Peat Restoration Agency in 2016 by President Joko Widodo. Based on the BRG program, cooperation from various stakeholders is needed, such as regional officials through the Regional Peat Restoration Team, International Institutions, and Community Groups to maximize activities in efforts to reduce peatland deforestation. With an analysis of liberalism institutional theory and the method used is descriptive qualitative by collecting data through interviews and related documents. This restoration program was carried out in the first phase for 5 years from 2016-2020 through the 3R program (Rewetting, Revegetation, Revitalization) which focused on 705,458 hectares of burnt areas in 2015-2019. Over time, significant progress has been shown in reducing peatland deforestation in Central Kalimantan, which involves many stakeholders by prioritizing contributions from the community. The results of this study indicate that in 2015-2017 there was deforestation of 228,954.26 hectares which was significantly reduced to 6,926.10 hectares in 2019-2020.

Forest structure change after forest fire in peatland of Central Kalimantan

The hydrological system of tropical peatland has been changed due to drainage. The condition caused prone to peatland burning. Forest fire affected the vegetation composition in peatland. Repeated fire causes more severe impact on vegetation and the change the peatland characteristics. The aim of the study is to obtain species composition on peatland after fire in Central Kalimantan. The research was conducted on several plots of vegetation observation on peatland that burned in 2015 (three years after fire and forth fire frequency). The plot sizes were depending on vegetation stage (seedling, sapling, poles, and trees) of 2 Ha or 50 observation plots. The measurements of parameter were species, density, frequency, and important value index. The species composition was described by ecological indices such as Shannon wiener index, Simpson index, and evenness index. The results showed that species diversity and ecological index were very low. That condition indicated that the fire has changed the species composition and the natural regeneration has been obstructed. Combretocarpus Rotundatus and Cratoxylon glaucum were presented on overall tree stage as pioneer species, but the climax species didn’t found on three years after forest fire. Based on the results, the repeated fires caused an extreme decrease of natural regeneration so the ability of recovery is not running well. The parameters can be used in determining the priority of revegetation program on large scale.

Risk analysis of social forestry business management of national economic recovery program in the peatland of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the countries in the world that has experienced a negative economic impact due to the Covid-19 pandemic since early 2020. In overcoming this impact, the government has taken strategic steps by implementing the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program. One of the PEN programs implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is community economic development for peat farmer groups through the development of agroforestry food in 35 Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS) in Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. It is one of the regencies known to have quite a large peatland area in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the risk management of the 35 KUPS PEN program in peatland. A qualitative desk study methodology was used along with the fishbone model analysis. The results showed that various types of business activities had been developed by KUPS. In the management of social forestry businesses, various risks were identified starting from regional governance, institutional governance, and business governance. The PEN program implemented in 2020 showed a positive impact in improving the community's economy with a positive impact on ecology and socio-culture. This PEN activity has absorbed around 9,110 HOK (Working People's Day) local workers with 565 KUPS members. The implementation of this program can be replicated, especially for social forestry business groups in other areas.

Assessing the effects of water flow patterns on dam construction in degraded tropical peatlands

Tropical peat swamp forest becomes degraded through forest removal and drainage, usually followed by land use change and fire. Restoration of the degraded peatland requires rewetting, which involves canal blocking and water level management. The purpose of canal blocking is to rewet the peat so that peat-forming trees can re-establish or crops be grown with minimal greenhouse gas emissions and peat subsidence. In addition, wet peat is more fire resistant than degraded dry peat. Canal construction faces several technical problems, including stress that causes bending, water seepage under the dam, and erosion of peat by water forcing its way around the sides when the water level upstream exceeds the dam height. This research examined the behaviour of water flows in canals in peatland in Central Kalimantan after blocking with dams of different designs. This study used a survey method and hydraulic physical model test with a horizontal scale of 1:30 and a vertical scale of 1:10. Field measurements were carried out on the primary canal of the former Mega Rice Project (MRP) Block C to build a physical model test prototype for laboratory research, includes measurement of cross-sections, canal length and water flow for a distance of 100 metres upstream and downstream of the construction. The test included three types of the physical model, reviewed for the effect of flow patterns caused by flood discharge frequencies of 5, 25, 50 and 100 years. The effects of flow patterns on canal dam construction in peatland were obtained from the physical model test.

Litter Decomposition in Wet Rubber and Fruit Agroforests: Below the Threshold for Tropical Peat Formation

Peatlands are shaped by slow litter decomposition, but threshold decomposition rates that allow peat formation remain unclear. Can agroforestry in the tropics be compatible with paludiculture that allows peat formation? We explored the determinants of litter decomposition in wet agroforests adjacent to tropical peatlands in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia) by litterbag studies (up to 16 weeks) with standing litter sources to estimate rate constants, characterize litter quality (especially lignin (L), polyphenolics (Pp) and nitrogen (N)), and monitor temperature and groundwater levels. In litter transfer experiments we tested for home-field advantage (HFA) effects between land cover types. Mean residence times around 85 weeks at 27 °C were associated with a high (L + Pp)/N ratio. However, in the crossover treatments, mean residence times varied from 30 to 180 weeks and strong HFA effects (up to 80% faster decomposition at “home”) were found when litter from other sources was tested in old fruit-based agroforests. HFA indicates a local decomposer community well-adapted to its normal litter diet. Litter residence times of around two years are below the apparent peat formation threshold. Maintaining wet agroforest conditions adjacent to peat domes supports peatland rewetting and restoration but does not contribute to on-site peat formation processes.

Molecular identification of Streptomyces sp. isolated from peat land of Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah using 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis

Bacterial identification with 16S rRNA accompanied with cloning techniques to obtain a purer sequence are now highly developed. This research aims to identify Streptomyces bacteria from peatlands in Central Kalimantan as a source of new antibiotics compound using 16srRNA and cloning techniques. Streptomyces sp. isolate was studied in detail and characterized. The morphological and biochemical characterization and tentative identification methods was described following the Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. Further identification and phylogenetic study were done using molecular tools. 16S rRNA helped to determine the species using PCR. Results of tabulation data from BLAST® indicate that isolates 2.1 belong to the genus Streptomyces sp. with the percentage of identity reaching 99.73% with Streptomyces sp. VEL 17 gene for 16S rRNA, partial sequences.

Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) growth performance on different types of degraded peatlands in Central Kalimantan

To achieve its national goals in climate and landscape resilience, including bioenergy production, the Government of Indonesia has launched an initiative to restore 14 million hectares of degraded land, including 2 million hectares of peatlands, by 2030. Here we present early findings on tamanu adaptability and tree growth (height, diameter and branches) on two types of degraded peatlands in Central Kalimantan. The paper reports peatland type and tamanu tree growth and adaptability in a 3-ha plantation trial plot over three years and a 2-ha plot over two years in Kalampangan and Buntoi villages. Results show survival rates of 82% in the plot on ombrogenous peat in Kalampangan and 81% on topogenous peat in Buntoi. Furthermore, the growth performance of 2-year-old tamanu trees on topogenous peat in Buntoi with an average height of 1.74 m and diameter of 3.97 cm at 5 cm above ground level and 15 branches was better than on ombrogenous peat in Kalampangan with an average height of 0.68 m and diameter of 1.43 cm at 5cm above ground level and five branches. While initial survival and tree growth results are promising, further monitoring of flowering and fruiting is necessary to determine tamanu’s viability for biodiesel production on degraded peatlands.

Water Balance of Various Peatland Typologies in Central Kalimantan

The water balance of a peatland area is important information for the management of water resources. This study aims to predict the water balance in several typologies of peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The method used is a Thornthwaite Mather water balance analysis model. This method is based on input data in monthly rainfall and temperature in 2019 at the study locations. The output of this method is predicted monthly runoff. The method analyzes the evapotranspiration process and the soil’s ability to hold water. There are four types of peatlands analyzed: (1) primary forest (Mangkok), (2) secondary forest (Forest Area with Special Purpose/FASP Tumbang Nusa), (3) Shrubs (RePeat), and (4) open area. Research results show that the annual rainfall in Mangkok is 2,555 mm/year, with the actual evapotranspiration of 1,594 mm/year, yield the annual water of 653 mm/year. In the FASP Tumbang Nusa, the annual rainfall is 2,570 mm/year, with the actual evapotranspiration of 1,592 mm/year, yield the annual water of 648 mm/year. In the RePeat location, the annual rainfall is 2,550 mm/year, with the actual evapotranspiration of 1,580 mm/year, yield the annual water of 549 mm/year. The open area location (Kahayan) has an annual rainfall input of 2,375 mm/year, then the actual evapotranspiration is 1,598.98 mm/year, while the annual water yield is 823.08 mm / year. The water deficit in the four study locations occurred from July to September, while the water surplus occurred from January to June and continued from October to December. August to November is the month with the lowest water yield in the four study locations.

PENINGKATAN PERTUMBUHAN SEMAI SENGON MENGGUNAKAN FUNGI MIKORIZA ARBUSKULA ASLI GAMBUT TROPIS

The research aimed to determine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal isolates from Central Kalimantan peat swamp forest on the growth of sengon (Falcataria moluccana (Miq) Barneby & Grimes). Arbuscular mycorrhizal isolates consisted of Glomus sp.2 (blackish brown) & Glomus sp.3 (dark brown) isolated from the peatland of Central Kalimantan. The mycorrhizal colonization was observed and plant growth parameters were measured for five months. The design used in this research was a complete randomized design and there were 6 treatments including Glo1S2 (Glomus sp.2, 2 spores), Glo1S4 (Glomus sp.2, 4 spores), Glo2S2 (Glomus sp.3, 2 spores), Glo2S4 (Glomus sp.3, 4 spores), control I and control II. The result showed that arbuscular mycorrhiza colonization significantly different between the treatments of inoculation compared with control. Glo2S4 treatment gave a significant effect on the growth of sengon in terms of plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length and total biomass. Keywords: AMF, spore, Glomus, Kalimantan

Growth and yield of shallot using KCl fertilizer at peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

In order to develop horticultural commodities, especially for shallots (Allium ascalonicum L), Central Kalimantan province attempts to develop the areas as new agricultural centers on sub-optimal lands. Peatlands have been recognized as potential land for agriculture and shallot development has been carried out since 2013. For shallot, KCl fertilizer plays role in facilitating photosynthesis process, growth plant at the starting level, strengthen the stem and reduce yield decay. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of addition of KCL fertilizer on growth and productivity of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L) in peatlands. This study was conducted in Palangka Raya starting from August 2019 to December 2019. Statistical approach used randomized block design (RBD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments given involved without fertilization K0 = 0 kg/ha, K1 = 50 kg/ha, K2 = 100 kg/ha, K3 = 150 kg/ha, K4 = 200 kg/ha. Several parameters observed included plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, weight of wet biomass, dry biomass and bulb weight. The results showed that the application with addition of KCl with dosage of 150 kg/ha showed a higher yield and it was significantly different from other KCl dosage treatments.

Productivity of Bali Cattle on Peatland in Central Kalimantan

This study aims to compare the productivity of Bali cattle bred on wet peatland and on dry peatland. This research was conducted in Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province on September-November 2019. The research method used were a survey, observation and measurement of calf directly in the field. The samples of the area used were four districts using purposive sampling based on the largest population of Bali cattle on dry peatland and wet peatland. The total number of Bali calves were 186 tails. The observations consist of birth weight, weaning weight, and weight gain.The data were processed using the t-test (Independent t-test) with SPSS 2.2. The results obtained that productivity of male calf and female calf were higher productivitiy in dry peatland than wet peatland.

Defining ecological restoration of peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Indonesia declared an ambitious plan to restore its degraded and fire‐prone peatlands, which have been a source of significant greenhouse gas and haze. However, the progress has been slow and the plan cannot succeed without sustained social supports and political will. Although many previous studies argued for the need to see ecological restoration in socio‐economic contexts, empirical assessments have been lacking for how restoration is operationalized on the ground. We interviewed 47 key informants involved in four different projects in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, and assessed their definitions, goals, and practices of peatland restoration. Most of the actors we interviewed defined peatland restoration primarily in an ecological context following the global concept of ecological restoration. However, all four restoration projects were designed without determining reference and trajectory conditions. Their intermediate goals and practices were more focused on engaging local communities and developing sustainable livelihood options than improving the ecological conditions of peatlands. To be internally consistent, peatland restoration needs to recognize a social dimension in its process, as well as in its goal. Setting clear trajectory conditions is also important to clarify achievable goals and measurable intermediate outcomes. We propose the following definition of peatland restoration: a process of assisting the recovery of degraded peatland ecosystems to achieve the appropriate trajectories defined through multi‐stakeholder collaboration within social‐ecological contexts. We hope to generate healthy debates to further refine the definition that encompasses both social and ecological dimensions to generate broader support for sustaining and expanding peatland restoration projects in Indonesia.

Carbon and Water Interaction Model in Tropical Peatland

As the water issue relates the carbon issue in peatland, carbon and water interrelation has been studying for long term (more than 10 years) in peatland of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The Soil Moisture Content (SMC) and Ground Water Level (GWL) in long term have been monitoring by auto-monitoring system called SESAME, developed by our team, and Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) has been measured by Eddy Covariance on the tower. By these long-term monitoring, it is found that

The effect of tropical peat land-use changes on plant diversity and soil properties

Alterations in land use of a million hectares of peatlands in Central Kalimantan and other regions, without an understanding of the characteristics of tropical peatlands, have led to land degradation. This study aimed to determine the effect of land-use changes on plant diversity and soil characteristics of peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The conversion of secondary forests to critically degraded land, acacia forest, agroforestry land, rubber gardens, and palm oil plantations by clear-cutting and fire converted organic materials to available nutrients and increased soil pH at the soil surface. However, the nutrients are easily leached by high rainfall intensity thus resulted in a more degraded land at long-term periods. Land-use change resulted in high humic acid levels, aromatic area, hydrophobic surface area, but low water storage capability. This condition made it easily burn during the dry season and is prone to flooding during the rainy season. The Shannon indexes for all tropical peatland land uses at all levels of plant growth categorized plant diversity and number of individuals as low to moderate due to waterlogging, low pH, low soil fertility, high metal toxicity, and fire. Land with oil-, sap- and litter-producing plants, which resist decomposition, and monoculture plantations tended to contain higher amounts of humic acid, hydrophilic areas, aromatic areas, and bulk density than naturally regenerated forests, although these land uses had lower organic C, available N, and water-holding capacity. Closed cycles of organic matter, carbon, water, nutrient, energy, production, and crops should be maintained for rehabilitation of peatland.

Drought Index for Peatland Wildfire Management in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia During El Niño Phenomenon

Peatland wildfires, especially in tropical ecosystems, are often caused by drought, and lead to smoke and other related problems in all aspects of community life in Indonesia, especially in Central Kalimantan. Drought is worsened by the number of dry days in the dry season, known as the El Niño phenomenon, and the drainage system in a peatland. Additionally, drought decreases the water table and increases the probability of occurrence of wildfires in peatland areas. This study aims to modify the numerical formula of the drought factor (DFt) in the Keetch–Byram drought index (KBDI) based on tropical peatland wildfire conditions in Central Kalimantan during the El Niño phenomenon in 2015. Furthermore, it applies a revised peatland water table reference of 400 mm below the ground surface, based on previous research and the Government regulation on peatland ecosystem protection and management in Indonesia. These El Niño conditions caused a rain decline of approximately 35% in Block A, Ex-Mega Rice Project, Mantangai sub-District, Kapuas District, Central Kalimantan Province. The modified KBDI is compared with the Number of Fire Alerts (NFA) using NASA’s Active Fire Data in 2015. The analysis results demonstrate that the modified DFt under tropical peatland conditions leads to an increase in the drought index value, beginning on the driest days between July and November 2015. The value of the KBDI drought index increases from the high to the extreme index from September to November 2015, when as many as 61 extreme drought indices became indicators for peatland wildfire risk assessment. The extreme KBDI is directly proportional to the NFA recorded during 2015, and the highest number of fire alerts is observed for October 2015, with 1746 fire alerts within 31 days and extreme drought indices from 27 days. Hence, this modified formula is suitable for wildfire conditions on this peatland in Central Kalimantan. Overall, the modified DFt can be successfully applied to the El Niño phenomenon in 2015.

Https://doi.org/10.36873/agp.v20

ABSTRACTSince 1990s, the conversion of peatlands in Central Kalimantan from forest land cover and shrubs toagricultural land can cause the change of the characteristics of the peat. For this reason, this researchon the condition of peat properties is needed, especially the physical properties as a reference materialin the management of sustainable peatlands. This study was aims to determine the characteristics ofpeat under several land cover in the transition peat and the inland peat as well as the relationshipbetween the parameters. The research was conducted in September - December 2017, where located inWest Kanamit Village, Maliku Subdistrict and Taruna Jaya Village, Jabiren Raya Subdistrict, PulangPisau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. The laboratory analysis at the Laboratory of Agronomyand the Laboratory of Analytical, University of Palangka Raya. Sampling in this study was uses aprofile with the size of one m2. This study was uses regression analysis and correlation methods thatare conducted to determine the pattern of relationships and the relationship between the variables ofthe physical properties of the peat. The results of the study indicate there is a similarity in the physicalproperties of the transition peat of West Kanamit Village and the inland peat of Taruna Jaya Village.The level of decomposition of peat from all locations was sapric with black to reddish black color. Theaverage values of the peat in West Kanamit Village are bulk density (0.09-0.18 g cm-3), water content(451.52-1,013.18%), fiber content (7.62-14.60%), ash content (1.73-26.15%), and organic C (42.83-57.00%). The results of the study in Taruna Jaya Village had the average values as follows as bulkdensity (0.10-0.17 g cm-3), moisture content (361.79-846.99%), fiber content (7.62-14.60 %), ashcontent (0.84-2.69%), and organic C (56.44-57.52%). Hydrophobicity in all study locations were 1.1-3.4 seconds with the WDPT method and the ratio of 0.06-0.49 with the FTIR methods. Moreover, therelationship between the peat characteristics shows a positive relationship and a negative relationship.Keyword : Acrotelm, Catotelm, Transition, Inland Peat