Kajian Karakteristik Tanah Akibat Alih Fungsi Lahan Rawa Gambut Menjadi Lahan Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit

Abstract

The study aims to examine the characteristics of soil resulting from the conversion of peat swamp land into oil palm plantation land. The study was conducted on peat swamp land and oil palm plantation peat land in Pelalawan District, Riau. The selection of soil sampling locations was carried out using purposive sampling. The study observed soil morphology through drilling in each representative area at depths of 0-30 cm, 30-90 cm, and 90-150 cm. The parameters observed were soil color, bulk density, peat maturity, ash content, organic carbon, pH H₂O, and carbon storage. The results of this study indicate that the conversion of peat swamp land into oil palm plantations leads to an increase in peat maturity, an increase in soil bulk density, and a decrease in soil carbon content. The conversion of peat swamp land into oil palm plantations should not be done all at once but gradually, drainage should be carried out according to the growth conditions of oil palm plants, and after planting oil palms, ground cover plants should be planted.