Talking about Peat Land in the Evening Dialogue of RRI

Not many people know that peat land contains a lot of carbon and if it is well managed, it will increase the emission of green house gases. This was said by Dr. Maswar, alumni of the graduate school of IPB as a resource person in the dialogue of RRI, Bogor, 8/2.

Dr. Maswar added that the construction of drainages on peat land can trigger an increased emission of green house gases. Land degradation occurs because after the drainages are made and forest cutting, timbers are driven out through the drainages from the forest area, the area is abandoned and neglected and it grows dense bushes.

Dr. Maswar conducted a study in the region of Nangroe Aceh Darussalam, because according to him the area has recently been under great pressure of land conversion. This is seen from the increasingly large peat area on which drainages are made.

On the occasion Dr. Maswar suggested the surface water in the soil be managed. This can reduce the aerobic condition of peat land, and so decreasing the amount of decomposed peat materials. Additionally, the right choice of plant types should be made, those that can adapt to the condition of peat soil.

Also necessary to consider is the right fertilizing technique (time, methods, types and dosage) such as the possibility of fertilization through leaves. ”Try not to burn on the land surface and make the land surface covered by vegetation all year round,” he explained. (mtd)