Comparison of dissolved organic carbon and nutrients content in Papua peatland

Abstract

Abstract Indonesia’s peatlands degrade due to land conversion and land development. Peatland conversion affects nutrient content in peat soil and peat water, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Research on the comparison of DOC and nutrient content was conducted in Papua peatland. It was carried out at Kaliki and Marga Mulia in Merauke, and also at Khanami and Yame in Mappi. This research aimed to determine DOC, soil, and water nutrients, then compare them among peatlands in Merauke and Mappi. At each location, three replications of peat water and peat soil were sampled by digging to a depth of 20 cm. The peat water was estimated for DOC concentration and nutrients, but peat soil was analyzed for nutrients only. The DOC concentration at Yame was the highest among the sites, followed by Khanami, Marga Mulia, and Kaliki. Soil carbon stored was estimated highest at Khanami, followed by Kaliki, Yame, and Marga Mulia. It was concluded that the DOC and soil carbon stored were higher in Mappi peatland than in Merauke peatland because it was still preserved by the community and no peatland conversion in Mappi.