Greenhouse gas exchange of tropical peatlands

Melling L., . and Henson I. E., . (2009) Greenhouse gas exchange of tropical peatlands. [Proceedings Paper]

This paper presents data on greenhouse gas GHG exchange of peat soils with emphasis on changes in emissions of gases during and following conversion of native tropical peatlands to grow oil palm and other crops. The relevant GHGs are carbon dioxide CO2 methane CH4 and nitrous oxide N20. Establishment of plantations on peat requires drainage which even if controlled results in peat aeration and subsidence. Subsidence is mainly due to natural consolidation often augmented by mechanical compaction both manifested as increased bulk density and to oxidation which causes carbon to be released as C02. Methods of distinguishing and quantifying these processes are discussed. Exchanges of CH4 and N20 are also affected by plantation development but the quantities involved are small and in some cases peat soils act as sinks and not sources of these gases. There are seasonal changes in the fluxes related to both water table depth and rainfall and emissions can be promoted by nitrogen application. Despite the higher global warming potentials of CH4 and N20 GHG exchange of reclaimed peat in terms of C02 equivalents is dominated by C02 release. Methods of estimating C02 fluxes are reviewed and their shortcomings are examined The importance of adequately distinguishing between emission sources when evaluating carbon fluxes at the surface of peat soils is emphasised.

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Abstract

This paper presents data on greenhouse gas GHG exchange of peat soils with emphasis on changes in emissions of gases during and following conversion of native tropical peatlands to grow oil palm and other crops. The relevant GHGs are carbon dioxide CO2 methane CH4 and nitrous oxide N20. Establishment of plantations on peat requires drainage which even if controlled results in peat aeration and subsidence. Subsidence is mainly due to natural consolidation often augmented by mechanical compaction both manifested as increased bulk density and to oxidation which causes carbon to be released as C02. Methods of distinguishing and quantifying these processes are discussed. Exchanges of CH4 and N20 are also affected by plantation development but the quantities involved are small and in some cases peat soils act as sinks and not sources of these gases. There are seasonal changes in the fluxes related to both water table depth and rainfall and emissions can be promoted by nitrogen application. Despite the higher global warming potentials of CH4 and N20 GHG exchange of reclaimed peat in terms of C02 equivalents is dominated by C02 release. Methods of estimating C02 fluxes are reviewed and their shortcomings are examined The importance of adequately distinguishing between emission sources when evaluating carbon fluxes at the surface of peat soils is emphasised.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia. mal TP684 P3I61 2009 vol. 1 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	Greenhouses
AGROVOC Term:	Gas exchange
AGROVOC Term:	Peatlands
AGROVOC Term:	Peat soils
AGROVOC Term:	emission
AGROVOC Term:	Carbon dioxide
AGROVOC Term:	Methane
AGROVOC Term:	Nitrous oxide
AGROVOC Term:	Bulk density soil
AGROVOC Term:	Subsidence
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:15
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/12369

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