Changes in soil microstructure and physical characteristics of peat soils under pineapple plantation

Abstract

In Malaysia, peat soils have been successfully planted with various crops such as pineapple, oil palm, and sago. However, the development of peat soils to plantations may raise problems to the environment and alter their physical and morphological characteristics. Hence, this study was conducted to differentiate peat soils microstructure between natural peat and pineapple cultivated peat. The soil samples were taken at 0-50 cm, 50-100 cm, and 100-150 cm depth, and the Von post scale method was conducted in the field. The samples were tested in the water content, organic content, and rubbed fiber content for physical analysis. The samples were then sent to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis to determine peat soil microstructure and elemental analysis. The results showed that the pineapple cultivated peat has a higher humification degree than natural peat. The fast degradation process of cell walls also can be seen in SEM images in higher humification degrees. It is concluded that the disturbance of peatlands due to human activities may accelerate the decomposition process in peat soils.