Water management for the sustainable utilization of peat soils for agriculture

Melling L., . and Jaman Osman, . and Kamarudin Ambak, . and Ahmad Husni, . (2004) Water management for the sustainable utilization of peat soils for agriculture. [Proceedings Paper]

Malaysias oligotrophic peat in its natural state is waterlogged and very acidic and requires physical and chemical amendments before it can be utilized for any agricultural purposes. It is one of the most fragile wetland systems in the world. There are about 2.7 million ha of peat in Malaysia and Sarawak has the largest area of peat in the country covering about 1.7 million ha which constitutes 13 percent of the state. The Sarawak peat swamps are under increasing pressure from development especially agriculture conversion. The consequences of any uncontrolled development to the peat swamp are of particular concern not only because of the special role it plays in the support of biodiversity but also the economy of the local communities and to the economic growth of the state. Any development or reclamation problems created may be irrevocable. Potential risks must be well understood. It is very important to ensure that any agriculture development on the peat is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Water management is the key to sustainable utilization of peat land. It is the most critical issue because drainage is a prerequisite to any agriculture development on the peat.

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Abstract

Malaysias oligotrophic peat in its natural state is waterlogged and very acidic and requires physical and chemical amendments before it can be utilized for any agricultural purposes. It is one of the most fragile wetland systems in the world. There are about 2.7 million ha of peat in Malaysia and Sarawak has the largest area of peat in the country covering about 1.7 million ha which constitutes 13 percent of the state. The Sarawak peat swamps are under increasing pressure from development especially agriculture conversion. The consequences of any uncontrolled development to the peat swamp are of particular concern not only because of the special role it plays in the support of biodiversity but also the economy of the local communities and to the economic growth of the state. Any development or reclamation problems created may be irrevocable. Potential risks must be well understood. It is very important to ensure that any agriculture development on the peat is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Water management is the key to sustainable utilization of peat land. It is the most critical issue because drainage is a prerequisite to any agriculture development on the peat.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary En
AGROVOC Term:	WATER MANAGEMENT
AGROVOC Term:	PEAT SOILS
AGROVOC Term:	WETLAND SOILS
AGROVOC Term:	BIODIVERSITY
AGROVOC Term:	DRAINAGE
AGROVOC Term:	PEATLANDS
AGROVOC Term:	CHEMICOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
AGROVOC Term:	SUSTAINABILITY
AGROVOC Term:	DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
AGROVOC Term:	GROUNDWATER TABLE
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16410

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