Stratification Properties of Peninsular-Malaysian Peat

Abstract

Peat is known for its importance as carbon storage. Peatlands in Malaysia especially forest reserve areas are generally lack of natural resources due to poor soil nutrients. Hence, many of peatlands in Malaysia have been converted to plantations and industrialized area. Peninsular-Malaysian peat properties are less studied in terms of its physical and chemical properties. A total of 38 peat samples from 5 depths (surface, 50cm, 100cm, 150cm and 200cm) from 10 locations around Peninsular-Malaysia were characterized for its physicochemical properties: moisture, organic matter, pH, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, humic acid content and its FTIR properties. Results showed that moisture content ranges from 60.92% to 94.22% and moisture increases with increasing depth. Organic matter percentage was very high, having an average of 95% (range 74-99%) with most samples having organic matter more than 90%. Peninsular Malaysian peat is quite acidic, with pH average of 3.56 owing to its humic and fulvic acid contents. The min % humic acid (HA) is 32.06% and the highest is 62.44%. There is a slight increase in HA content as the depth increases. C:N ratio increasing with depth, indicating very slow decomposition rate. FTIR results indicated the presence of polysaccharides, fat, wax, lipids and lignins content which increases as the depth increases, especially the aromatics such as humic acids and lignins. These distinct characteristics are described to provide a better understanding of the significance of sustaining peat swamp forest for long-term management.