Peatland water conservation by agroforestry system

• Main Authors: Lestari Yuli, Mukhlis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2021-01-01
• Series: E3S Web of Conferences
• Subjects: sustainable agriculture; intercropping; water retention capacity
• Online Access: https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2021/81/e3sconf_rubis2021_03004.pdf

Peat swamp forest have a high economic value and are potential for agricultural development. However, peatlad are fragile ecosystems because they are easily damaged and difficult to restore. The main problem of all peat soil types is their irreversible drying. In this condition the peat soil is easy burning, unable to store water, and if the groundwater is far from the surface, the plants will be stressed from lack of water. Therefore to support sustainable agricultural development on peatlands it requires careful planning, application of appropriate technology and suitable management. One of the land management systems that can be applied on peatlands is combining agricultural crop and forest plant (agroforestry). Forest plant and seasonal agriculture crops can increase CO2 absorption so that photosynthetic efficiency and oxygen production increase. These proses increase the production of biomass which can maintain soil organic matter and prevent erosion. Organic matter enhance the effectiveness of rewetting and water retention capacity. In addition, this system also affects the microclimate, such as the soil becoming more humid because it gets shade from the vegetation above it, so reduce temperature and elevated air moisture. Indirectly, agroforestry can reduce excessive evaporation and maintains the ground water level, especially during the dry season. This review aim to explain the role of intercropping system in peatland water conservation.