The effect of mining on highland peats of Toba Plateau North Sumatra

Zulkifli Nasution, . and Mashhor Mansor, . (2004) The effect of mining on highland peats of Toba Plateau North Sumatra. [Proceedings Paper]

To date approximately 2 000 ha of peats have been observed on the southern part of Toba Plateau at an altitude of 1 114 m above sea level. As a result of tectonic movement during the late tertiary a volcanic lake was formed which is currently surrounded by 800 km square of catchment areas. The existence of the peatland was estimated around the same period. Large parts of Toba Plateau consis of Tuff liparite. In early 1996 the peats were mined in order to supply energy for the pulp factory. In the process of peat mining highland peat ecosystems were destroyed. Some colonies of endemic species namely Pinus mercusii have been destroyed. In addition to this a traditional rice farming system which depends on the water supply from the peat area has been gradually reducing its production. Although the mining techniques is based mainly on Finlands operational system however environmental side effects are not overcome. Perhaps this sensitive highland peat should not be exploited and should be placed under total protection. The special characteristic of peat is the ability to retain considerable amount of water. However in dry condition the ability of its colloid structure will not be able to retain water. Therefore the thickness of peat decreases and is termed as subsidence. For example in some sites about 4 to 6 m of peatland surfaces have gradually dropped within a period of four years. In some cases drainage and also removal of parts of dead plants in the peat area created the subsidence. The local inhabitants turn parts of the plant such as trunks and branches into charcoal. Generally one meter of wood can be made into five bags of charcoal which is sold at US1/bag. Consequently during the operational process the sites are relatively high in dusk particles.

Full text available from:

Abstract

To date approximately 2 000 ha of peats have been observed on the southern part of Toba Plateau at an altitude of 1 114 m above sea level. As a result of tectonic movement during the late tertiary a volcanic lake was formed which is currently surrounded by 800 km square of catchment areas. The existence of the peatland was estimated around the same period. Large parts of Toba Plateau consis of Tuff liparite. In early 1996 the peats were mined in order to supply energy for the pulp factory. In the process of peat mining highland peat ecosystems were destroyed. Some colonies of endemic species namely Pinus mercusii have been destroyed. In addition to this a traditional rice farming system which depends on the water supply from the peat area has been gradually reducing its production. Although the mining techniques is based mainly on Finlands operational system however environmental side effects are not overcome. Perhaps this sensitive highland peat should not be exploited and should be placed under total protection. The special characteristic of peat is the ability to retain considerable amount of water. However in dry condition the ability of its colloid structure will not be able to retain water. Therefore the thickness of peat decreases and is termed as subsidence. For example in some sites about 4 to 6 m of peatland surfaces have gradually dropped within a period of four years. In some cases drainage and also removal of parts of dead plants in the peat area created the subsidence. The local inhabitants turn parts of the plant such as trunks and branches into charcoal. Generally one meter of wood can be made into five bags of charcoal which is sold at US1/bag. Consequently during the operational process the sites are relatively high in dusk particles.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary En
AGROVOC Term:	mining
AGROVOC Term:	Highlands
AGROVOC Term:	Peat
AGROVOC Term:	Peatlands
AGROVOC Term:	Lowland
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16414

Actions (login required)

View Item