Peatland and peatland forest in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Peatlands, stored with abundant organic matter, become a source of the greenhouse effect gases emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane generated by decomposition of organic matter since such lands have not been properly utilized. Rehabilitation of degraded peatlands has, nevertheless, hardly been attempted. This paper aims to clarify peatland properties of (1) peatland forest, (2) climate and water conditions, (3) physical properties, (4) chemical properties, (5) possibility of utilization of peat as organic compost, and (6) peat land-use changes in peatland of Brunei Darussalam. Natural peatland was distributed by mixed Dipterocarp forest, Alan (Shorea albida) Batu, Alan Bunga, Alan Padang, and Padang Paya. The typical peat of Brunei Darussalam was identified as the Oligotrophic Tropofibrists (Histsols-Fibrists) based on the physical and chemical properties of peat. Especially, carbon storage of the peat swamp forest ecosystems was indicated the maximum 1700 Ct/ha/m. Peat of Brunei Darussalam was also shown the possibility of organic compost, but the problems were pointed out its difficulties of natural regeneration after harvesting and the surface sink-age.