Peatland characteristics and oil palm productivity at Siak Regency, Riau Province

Abstract

The utilization of peatland as a source of livelihood from the agricultural sector is still important, especially for peatland-dominated areas. One example of its utilization is for oil palm commodities. The objective of this study was to analyze the existing condition of peatland in oil palm plantation in Siak Regency of Riau Province. The research method was field survey, literature study and interviews. The data collected was the chemical and physical properties of peat soil, groundwater table depth and oil palm productivity. The field study was carried out at 4 blocks representing sapric and hemic peat maturity. The study found that the depth of the groundwater table varies depending on the rainfall. Even though the canal blocking system has been implemented, the depth of the groundwater level still fluctuated. The productivity of oil palm increased with age and the highest was reached at the age of 14 years. The results of the chemical properties analysis showed that the land was categorized in good fertility, because of good agricultural practices management. Further research is needed regarding the dominant factor of peatland that causes fluctuations in water level depth.