Optimization of Peat Land Management Using Ameliorant of Mineral Soil and Cover Crop on Oil Palm Plantation in Central Kalimantan
Optimalisasi Pengelolaan Lahan Gambut Menggunakan Amelioran Tanah Mineral dan Tanaman Penutup Lahan pada Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit di Kalimantan Tengah
Abstract
Peat land management research has been done in the area of the PT. Sinar Mas Agro Research and Technology (PT.SMART Tbk) which is located in Seruyan district, Central Kalimantan. The research was meant to know the role of land management to improve the quality of peat lands for oil palm plantations. This study was conducted by administering ameliorant materials derived from mineral soil that is located around the plantation area. It is also to know the role of this cover crop type of Nephrolepis sp. that have adapted well in the plantation area. The ameliorant was given to the ring of palm trees with variations of 0 kg, 40 kg, 60 kg and 100 kg, which is observed for 6 months. The position of the treatment was determined at 25 meters and 100 meters from the drainage canal at the edge of the plantation block. Observations were done to CO2 emissions and some variables of land quality, e.a: organic carbon content, C/N ratio, fiber content, soil cation exchange capasity (CEC), base saturation (BS), and it also in terms of the ecological and economic feasibility. Treatment provision with 100 kg ameliorant per tree rings or equivalent to 3,600 kg per ha for 6 months long was able to reduce the CO2 emissions of an average of 18.2%, from 7.76 mg/m2/minutes to be 6.35 mg/m2/minutes. The differences position of the canal and the difference of peat decomposition do not give significant effect to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Ameliorant treatment can improve the peat soil quality by some important variables that are reducing peat soil CEC, improve of soil BS, reduce of organic carbon content, reduce of fiber content and reduce of C/N ratio. Nephrolepis sp. growth has increased significantly that occurred 5 months after pruning. Significantly growth period of Nephrolepis sp. that was accur to the decline of CO2 emissions and increased some of the variables that determine the quality of peat land. Based on the consideration of the process of administering ameliorant, it was can prediction of cost to provide ameliorant with levels of 100 kg per tree was Rp2,571,310. To hit a target that proclaimed the Government lowers emissions by 26%, then the required ameliorant 142.8 kg per tree or 19,420 kg per ha and the necessary costs of Rp 3,673,300 per ha.