Peat Ecosystem Restoration Through Canal Block Construction And Integrated Farming In Upt Singkuang Village, Mandailing Natal District, North Sumatera Province

Abstract

Peatland is one type of marginal land the community chooses to develop agricultural land and plantations. Sporadic use of peatlands causes extensive damage to peat ecosystems in Indonesia. Restoration of damaged peat ecosystems can be done using natural succession, rehabilitation, restoration, and other methods by scientific and technological developments. This research was conducted using qualitative methods and a literature study. This research aims to comprehensively and discursively understand the literature on a phenomenon related to how TKPPEG "Harapan Kita" restores peat ecosystems through rewetting through the construction of canal blocks and the development of Peatland Stewardship Village (DMPG) through an integrated agricultural system approach. From this literature study, it is known that there is a strong correlation between the existence of canal blocks and the increase in groundwater levels, which has an impact on agricultural land productivity. The integrated agricultural system being developed combines the Waringin variant of sheep farming, seasonal crop farming in the form of pineapple (Ananas et al..) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) cultivation, and annual crops in the form of areca palm trees (Areca catechu) and rambutan trees (Nephelium lappaceum L). This agricultural system can increase land productivity and environmental conservation in an integrated manner.