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Fawzi NI, Sumawinata B, Suwardi, Rahmasary AN, Qurani IZ, Naufaldary RG, Nabillah R, Palunggono HB, Mulyanto B. Integrated water management practice in tropical peatland agriculture has low carbon emissions and subsidence rates. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26661. [PMID: 38444506 PMCID: PMC10912239 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrological management in the use of peatland for agriculture is the backbone of its sustainability and a critical factor in climate change mitigation. This study evaluates the application of an integrated water management practice known as the "Water Management Trinity" (WMT), implemented since 1986 on a coconut plantation on the eastern coast of Sumatra, in relation to CO2 emissions and subsidence rates. The WMT integrates canals, dikes, and dams with water gates to regulate water levels for both coconut agronomy and the preservation of the peat soil. The WMT has successfully regulated and maintained an average yearly water table depth of -45 to -51 cm below the surface. The methodology involved a closed chamber method for measuring soil CO2 flux using a portable Infrared Gas Analyzer, conducted weekly over a six-month period to cover dry and rainy season at bi-modal climate condition. Subsidence measurements have been ongoing from 1986 to 2022. The results show bare peat soil has heterotrophic respiration CO2 emissions of 7.77 t C-CO2 ha-1 yr-1, while in coconut plantations 7.99 t C-CO2 ha-1 yr-1, similar to emissions in mineral soils. Autotrophic respiration leads to the overestimation of CO2 emissions on peatland and accounts for 212-424% of the total emissions. The cumulative subsidence from 1986 to 2022 is -56.3 cm, with a soil rise of +0.8 cm in 2022, indicating a flattening rate of subsidence. This is characterized by an increase in bulk density at the surface from 0.072 to 0.144 gr/cm3, with approximately 81% of the subsidence being due to compaction. The statistical analysis found no relationship between water table depth and CO2 emissions, indicating that water table depth cannot be used as a predictor for CO2 emissions. In summary, peatland agriculture has a promising future when managed sustainably using an integrated hydrological management system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Ihsan Fawzi
- Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
- Tay Juhana Foundation, North Jakarta, 14440, Indonesia
| | - Basuki Sumawinata
- Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Suwardi
- Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Annisa Noyara Rahmasary
- Indonesian Agro-climate and Hydrology Standardization Institute, Ministry of Agriculture Republic of Indonesia, Bogor, 16111, Indonesia
| | | | - Raihan Garin Naufaldary
- Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Ratu Nabillah
- Tay Juhana Foundation, North Jakarta, 14440, Indonesia
| | - Heru Bagus Palunggono
- Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Budi Mulyanto
- Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
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Zhang J, Chen H, Wang M, Liu X, Peng C, Wang L, Yu D, Zhu Q. An optimized water table depth detected for mitigating global warming potential of greenhouse gas emissions in wetland of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. iScience 2024; 27:108856. [PMID: 38303693 PMCID: PMC10830858 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change and human activities have intensified variations of water table depth (WTD) in wetlands around the world, which may strongly affect greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we analyzed how emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O from the Zoige wetland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) vary with the WTD. Our data indicate that the wetland shows net positive global warming potential (11.72 tCO2-e ha-1 yr-1), and its emissions of greenhouse gases are driven primarily by WTD. Our analysis suggests that an optimal WTD exists, which at our study site was approximately 18 cm, for mitigating increases in global warming potential from the wetland. Our study provides insights into how climate change and human acitivies affect greenhouse gas emissions from alpine wetlands, and they suggest that water table management may be effective at mitigating future increases in emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhang
- College of Geography and Remote Sensing, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Huai Chen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xinwei Liu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Changhui Peng
- Institute of Environment Sciences, Department of Biology Sciences, University of Quebec at Montreal, Case Postale 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal Quebec H3C 3P8, Canada
- School of Geography Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Le Wang
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Dongxue Yu
- College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Qiuan Zhu
- College of Geography and Remote Sensing, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
- National Earth System Science Data Center, National Science & Technology Infrastructure of China, Beijing 100101, China
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Sobanaa M, Prathiviraj R, Selvin J, Prathaban M. A comprehensive review on methane's dual role: effects in climate change and potential as a carbon-neutral energy source. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:10379-10394. [PMID: 37884720 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30601-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented population and anthropogenic activity rise have challenged the future look up for shifts in global temperature and climate patterns. Anthropogenic activities such as land fillings, building dams, wetlands converting to lands, combustion of biomass, deforestation, mining, and the gas and coal industries have directly or indirectly increased catastrophic methane (CH4) emissions at an alarming rate. Methane is 25 times more potent trapping heat when compared to carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. A rise in atmospheric methane, on a 20-year time scale, has an impact of 80 times greater than that of CO2. With increased population growth, waste generation is rising and is predicted to reach 6 Mt by 2025. CH4 emitted from landfills is a significant source that accounts for 40% of overall global methane emissions. Various mitigation and emissions reduction strategies could significantly reduce the global CH4 burden at a cost comparable to the parallel and necessary CO2 reduction measures, reversing the CH4 burden to pathways that achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. CH4 mitigation directly benefits climate change, has collateral impacts on the economy, human health, and agriculture, and considerably supports CO2 mitigation. Utilizing the CO2 from the environment, methanogens produce methane and lower their carbon footprint. NGOs and the general public should act on time to overcome atmospheric methane emissions by utilizing the raw source for producing carbon-neutral fuel. However, more research potential is required for green energy production and to consider investigating the untapped potential of methanogens for dependable energy generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugesan Sobanaa
- Department of Microbiology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | | | - Joseph Selvin
- Department of Microbiology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Munisamy Prathaban
- Department of Microbiology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
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Zhang W, Tao X, Hu Z, Kang E, Yan Z, Zhang X, Wang J. The driving effects of nitrogen deposition on nitrous oxide and associated gene abundances at two water table levels in an alpine peatland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165525. [PMID: 37451456 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Alpine peatlands are recognized as a weak or negligible source of nitrous oxide (N2O). Anthropogenic activities and climate change resulted in the altered water table (WT) levels and increased nitrogen (N) deposition, which could potentially transition this habitat into a N2O emission hotspot. However, the underlying mechanism related with the effects is still uncertain. Hence, we conducted a mesocosm experiment to address the response of growing-season N2O emissions and the gene abundances of nitrification (bacterial amoA) and denitrification (narG, nirS, norB and nosZ) to the increased N deposition (20 kg N ha-1 yr-1) at two WT levels (WT-30, 30 cm below soil surface; WT10, 10 cm above soil surface) in the Zoige alpine peatland, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that the WT did not affect N2O emissions, and this was attributed with the limitation of soil NO3-. The higher WT level increased denitrification (narG and nirS gene abundance) resulting in the depletion of soil NO3-, but the consequent NO3- deficiency further limited denitrification, while the WT did not affect nitrification (bacterial amoA gene abundance). Meanwhile, the N deposition increased N2O emissions, regardless of WT levels. This was associated with the N-deposition induced increase in denitrification-related gene abundances of narG, nirS, norB and nosZ at WT-30 and narG at WT10. Additionally, the N2O emission factor assigned to N deposition was 1.3 % at WT-30 and 0.9 % at WT10, respectively. Our study provided comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms referring N2O emissions in response to the interactions between climate change and human disturbance from this high-altitude peatland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantong Zhang
- Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Beijing 100091, China; Insititute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610218, China; Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiuping Tao
- Insititute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610218, China
| | - Zhengyi Hu
- Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Enze Kang
- Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Zhongqing Yan
- Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba 624500, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba 624500, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba 624500, China.
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5
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Jovani‐Sancho AJ, O'Reilly P, Anshari G, Chong XY, Crout N, Evans CD, Evers S, Gan JY, Gibbins CN, Gusmayanti E, Jamaludin J, Jaya A, Page S, Yosep Y, Upton C, Wilson P, Sjögersten S. CH 4 and N 2 O emissions from smallholder agricultural systems on tropical peatlands in Southeast Asia. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:4279-4297. [PMID: 37100767 PMCID: PMC10946781 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
There are limited data for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from smallholder agricultural systems in tropical peatlands, with data for non-CO2 emissions from human-influenced tropical peatlands particularly scarce. The aim of this study was to quantify soil CH4 and N2 O fluxes from smallholder agricultural systems on tropical peatlands in Southeast Asia and assess their environmental controls. The study was carried out in four regions in Malaysia and Indonesia. CH4 and N2 O fluxes and environmental parameters were measured in cropland, oil palm plantation, tree plantation and forest. Annual CH4 emissions (in kg CH4 ha-1 year-1 ) were: 70.7 ± 29.5, 2.1 ± 1.2, 2.1 ± 0.6 and 6.2 ± 1.9 at the forest, tree plantation, oil palm and cropland land-use classes, respectively. Annual N2 O emissions (in kg N2 O ha-1 year-1 ) were: 6.5 ± 2.8, 3.2 ± 1.2, 21.9 ± 11.4 and 33.6 ± 7.3 in the same order as above, respectively. Annual CH4 emissions were strongly determined by water table depth (WTD) and increased exponentially when annual WTD was above -25 cm. In contrast, annual N2 O emissions were strongly correlated with mean total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) in soil water, following a sigmoidal relationship, up to an apparent threshold of 10 mg N L-1 beyond which TDN seemingly ceased to be limiting for N2 O production. The new emissions data for CH4 and N2 O presented here should help to develop more robust country level 'emission factors' for the quantification of national GHG inventory reporting. The impact of TDN on N2 O emissions suggests that soil nutrient status strongly impacts emissions, and therefore, policies which reduce N-fertilisation inputs might contribute to emissions mitigation from agricultural peat landscapes. However, the most important policy intervention for reducing emissions is one that reduces the conversion of peat swamp forest to agriculture on peatlands in the first place.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick O'Reilly
- School of Geography, Geology & the EnvironmentUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Mores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | - Gusti Anshari
- Magister of Environmental ScienceUniversitas TanjungpuraPontianakIndonesia
- Soil Science DepartmentUniversitas TanjungpuraPontianakIndonesia
| | - Xin Yi Chong
- School of Environmental and Geographical SciencesUniversity of Nottingham MalaysiaSemenyihMalaysia
| | - Neil Crout
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamLoughboroughUK
| | | | - Stephanie Evers
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Mores UniversityLiverpoolUK
- School of Environmental and Geographical SciencesUniversity of Nottingham MalaysiaSemenyihMalaysia
| | - Jing Ye Gan
- School of Environmental and Geographical SciencesUniversity of Nottingham MalaysiaSemenyihMalaysia
| | - Christopher N. Gibbins
- School of Environmental and Geographical SciencesUniversity of Nottingham MalaysiaSemenyihMalaysia
| | - Evi Gusmayanti
- Magister of Environmental ScienceUniversitas TanjungpuraPontianakIndonesia
- Agrotechnology DepartmentUniversitas TanjungpuraPontianakIndonesia
| | | | - Adi Jaya
- Faculty of AgricultureUniversity of Palangka RayaPalangka RayaIndonesia
| | - Susan Page
- School of Geography, Geology & the EnvironmentUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Yosep Yosep
- Faculty of AgricultureUniversity of Palangka RayaPalangka RayaIndonesia
| | - Caroline Upton
- School of Geography, Geology & the EnvironmentUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Paul Wilson
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamLoughboroughUK
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6
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Nishina K, Melling L, Toyoda S, Itoh M, Terajima K, Waili JWB, Wong GX, Kiew F, Aeries EB, Hirata R, Takahashi Y, Onodera T. Dissolved N 2O concentrations in oil palm plantation drainage in a peat swamp of Malaysia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162062. [PMID: 36804973 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia are the largest supplier of palm oil products and have been rapidly expanding in the last three decades even in peat-swamp areas. Oil palm plantations on peat ecosystems have a unique water management system that lowers the water table and, thus, may yield indirect N2O emissions from the peat drainage system. We conducted two seasons of spatial monitoring for the dissolved N2O concentrations in the drainage and adjacent rivers of palm oil plantations on peat swamps in Sarawak, Malaysia, to evaluate the magnitude of indirect N2O emissions from this ecosystem. In both the dry and wet seasons, the mean and median dissolved N2O concentrations exhibited over-saturation in the drainage water, i.e., the oil palm plantation drainage may be a source of N2O to the atmosphere. In the wet season, the spatial distribution of dissolved N2O showed bimodal peaks in both the unsaturated and over-saturated concentrations. The bulk δ15N of dissolved N2O was higher than the source of inorganic N in the oil palm plantation (i.e., N fertilizer and soil organic nitrogen) during both seasons. An isotopocule analysis of the dissolved N2O suggested that denitrification was a major source of N2O, followed by N2O reduction processes that occurred in the drainage water. The δ15N and site preference mapping analysis in dissolved N2O revealed that a significant proportion of the N2O produced in peat and drainage is reduced to N2 before being released into the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Nishina
- Earth System Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Lulie Melling
- Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute, Lot 6035, Kota Samarahan Expressway, Kuching, Sarawak 94300, Malaysia
| | - Sakae Toyoda
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
| | - Masayuki Itoh
- School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, 1-1-12, Shinzaike-honcho, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0092, Japan
| | - Kotaro Terajima
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
| | - Joseph W B Waili
- Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute, Lot 6035, Kota Samarahan Expressway, Kuching, Sarawak 94300, Malaysia
| | - Guan X Wong
- Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute, Lot 6035, Kota Samarahan Expressway, Kuching, Sarawak 94300, Malaysia
| | - Frankie Kiew
- Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute, Lot 6035, Kota Samarahan Expressway, Kuching, Sarawak 94300, Malaysia
| | - Edward B Aeries
- Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute, Lot 6035, Kota Samarahan Expressway, Kuching, Sarawak 94300, Malaysia
| | - Ryuichi Hirata
- Earth System Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takahashi
- Earth System Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takashi Onodera
- Earth System Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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McCalmont J, Kho LK, Teh YA, Chocholek M, Rumpang E, Rowland L, Basri MHA, Hill T. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantation on tropical peatland in South East Asia: Photosynthetic response to soil drainage level for mitigation of soil carbon emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159356. [PMID: 36270353 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
While existing moratoria in Indonesia and Malaysia should preclude continued large-scale expansion of palm oil production into new areas of South-East Asian tropical peatland, existing plantations in the region remain a globally significant source of atmospheric carbon due to drainage driven decomposition of peatland soils. Previous studies have made clear the direct link between drainage depth and peat carbon decomposition and significant reductions in the emission rate of CO2 can be made by raising water tables nearer to the soil surface. However, the impact of such changes on palm fruit yield is not well understood and will be a critical consideration for plantation managers. Here we take advantage of very high frequency, long-term monitoring of canopy-scale carbon exchange at a mature oil palm plantation in Malaysian Borneo to investigate the relationship between drainage level and photosynthetic uptake and consider the confounding effects of light quality and atmospheric vapour pressure deficit. Canopy modelling from our dataset demonstrated that palms were exerting significantly greater stomatal control at deeper water table depths (WTD) and the optimum WTD for photosynthesis was found to be between 0.3 and 0.4 m below the soil surface. Raising WTD to this level, from the industry typical drainage level of 0.6 m, could increase photosynthetic uptake by 3.6 % and reduce soil surface emission of CO2 by 11 %. Our study site further showed that despite being poorly drained compared to other planting blocks at the same plantation, monthly fruit bunch yield was, on average, 14 % greater. While these results are encouraging, and at least suggest that raising WTD closer to the soil surface to reduce emissions is unlikely to produce significant yield penalties, our results are limited to a single study site and more work is urgently needed to confirm these results at other plantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon McCalmont
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK.
| | - Lip Khoon Kho
- Peat Ecosystem and Biodiversity Unit, Biology and Sustainability Research Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia; Economic Planning Unit, Sarawak Chief Minister's Dept., 93502 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Yit Arn Teh
- School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Drummond Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Melanie Chocholek
- Dept. Earth and Environmental Science, University of St. Andrews, Irvine Building, North Street, St. Andrews KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Elisa Rumpang
- Peat Ecosystem and Biodiversity Unit, Biology and Sustainability Research Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lucy Rowland
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK
| | - Mohd Hadi Akbar Basri
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK; Dept. of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tim Hill
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK
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Taufik M, Widyastuti MT, Santikayasa IP, Arif C, Minasny B. Peat moisture dataset of Sumatra peatlands. Data Brief 2023; 46:108889. [PMID: 36817731 PMCID: PMC9936326 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.108889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Peatland is a unique ecosystem that is key in regulating global carbon cycle, climate, hydrology, and biodiversity. Peat moisture content is a key variable in ecohydrological and biogeochemical cycles known to control peatland's greenhouse gas emissions and fire vulnerability. Peat moisture is also an indicator of the success of peat restoration projects. Here we present datasets of peat moisture dynamic and retention capacity of degraded tropical peatlands. The data were collected from automatic daily monitoring and field campaigns. The peat moisture content data consists of daily data from 21 stations across three peatland provinces in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, from 2018 to 2019. In addition, peat water retention data were collected from field campaigns in Riau province. This dataset represents human modified peatlands which can be used as a benchmark for hydrological and biogeochemical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muh Taufik
- Department of Geophysics and Meteorology, IPB University, Jalan Meranti Wing 19 Lvl 4 Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia,Corresponding author.
| | - Marliana Tri Widyastuti
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - I Putu Santikayasa
- Department of Geophysics and Meteorology, IPB University, Jalan Meranti Wing 19 Lvl 4 Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Chusnul Arif
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IPB University, Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Budiman Minasny
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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9
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Buessecker S, Sarno AF, Reynolds MC, Chavan R, Park J, Fontánez Ortiz M, Pérez-Castillo AG, Panduro Pisco G, Urquiza-Muñoz JD, Reis LP, Ferreira-Ferreira J, Furtunato Maia JM, Holbert KE, Penton CR, Hall SJ, Gandhi H, Boëchat IG, Gücker B, Ostrom NE, Cadillo-Quiroz H. Coupled abiotic-biotic cycling of nitrous oxide in tropical peatlands. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:1881-1890. [PMID: 36202923 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas thought to be mainly derived from microbial metabolism as part of the denitrification pathway. Here we report that in unexplored peat soils of Central and South America, N2O production can be driven by abiotic reactions (≤98%) highly competitive to their enzymatic counterparts. Extracted soil iron positively correlated with in situ abiotic N2O production determined by isotopic tracers. Moreover, we found that microbial N2O reduction accompanied abiotic production, essentially closing a coupled abiotic-biotic N2O cycle. Anaerobic N2O consumption occurred ubiquitously (pH 6.4-3.7), with proportions of diverse clade II N2O reducers increasing with consumption rates. Our findings show that denitrification in tropical peat soils is not a purely biological process but rather a 'mosaic' of abiotic and biotic reduction reactions. We predict that hydrological and temperature fluctuations differentially affect abiotic and biotic drivers and further contribute to the high N2O flux variation in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Buessecker
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Analissa F Sarno
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Mark C Reynolds
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ramani Chavan
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jin Park
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - Ana G Pérez-Castillo
- Environmental Pollution Research Center (CICA), University of Costa Rica, Montes de Oca, Costa Rica
| | - Grober Panduro Pisco
- School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Ucayali National University, Ucayali, Peru
| | - José David Urquiza-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Soil Research, Research Institute of Amazonia's Natural Resources, National University of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos, Loreto, Peru
- School of Forestry, National University of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos, Loreto, Peru
- Department for Biogeochemical Processes, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany
| | - Leonardo P Reis
- Mamiraua Institute for Sustainable Development, Amazonia, Brazil
| | | | - Jair M Furtunato Maia
- Normal Superior School, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Amazonia, Brazil
- National Institute of Amazonian Research, Manaus, Amazonia, Brazil
| | - Keith E Holbert
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - C Ryan Penton
- College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, USA
| | - Sharon J Hall
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Hasand Gandhi
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Iola G Boëchat
- Applied Limnology Laboratory, Department of Geosciences, Federal University of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, Brazil
| | - Björn Gücker
- Applied Limnology Laboratory, Department of Geosciences, Federal University of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, Brazil
| | - Nathaniel E Ostrom
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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10
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Zhu Y, Xu Y, Deng X, Kwon H, Qin Z. Peatland Loss in Southeast Asia Contributing to U.S. Biofuel's Greenhouse Gas Emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13284-13293. [PMID: 36040952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Land use change (LUC) induced by biofuel production could lead to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which potentially increase biofuel's carbon intensity. Among the sources of LUC-related emissions for soy biodiesel, the contribution from peatland loss to agricultural plantations in Southeast Asia remains uncertain. Here, we analyzed LUC in Malaysia and Indonesia and modeled its impacts on the GHG emissions of soy biodiesel produced in the United States. It shows that oil palm plantations have more than doubled over 2001-2016 and the area of palm-on-peatlands (PoP) has expanded 3.7 times. Over new palm plantations, the share of PoP is about 19% regardless of time and location and the emission factor (EF) for peatland-to-palm conversion is estimated to be 41.5 Mg CO2 ha-1 yr-1. With these updates on PoP and EF, the contribution of peatland loss (0.7-5.1 g CO2e MJ-1) to biodiesel emissions is only 40-65% of previous estimates, which reduces discrepancies among model simulations used by different agencies. Based on emerging evidence on LUC and related carbon changes, our analysis reexamines regional peatland loss and its impacts on LUC emissions modeling and provides new insights into the estimation of LUC impacts on biofuels' carbon intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Zhu
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Studies, Sun Yat-sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Studies, Sun Yat-sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xi Deng
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Studies, Sun Yat-sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Hoyoung Kwon
- Energy Systems and Infrastructure Analysis Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Zhangcai Qin
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Studies, Sun Yat-sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
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11
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Swails E, Hergoualc'h K, Deng J, Frolking S, Novita N. How can process-based modeling improve peat CO 2 and N 2O emission factors for oil palm plantations? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156153. [PMID: 35609697 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oil palm plantations on peat and associated drainage generate sizeable GHG emissions. Current IPCC default emission factors (EF) for oil palm on organic soil are based on a very limited number of observations from young plantations, thereby resulting in large uncertainties in emissions estimates. To explore the potential of process-based modeling to refine oil palm peat CO2 and N2O EFs, we simulated peat GHG emissions and biogeophysical variables over 30 years in plantations of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The DNDC model simulated well the magnitude of C inputs (litterfall and root mortality) and dynamics of annual heterotrophic respiration and peat decomposition N2O fluxes. The modeled peat onsite CO2-C EF was lower than the IPCC default (11 Mg C ha-1 yr-1) and decreased from 7.7 ± 0.4 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 in the first decade to 3.0 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.3 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 in the second and third decades of the rotation. The modeled N2O-N EF from peat decomposition was higher than the IPCC default (1.2 kg N ha-1 yr-1) and increased from 3.5 ± 0.3 kg N ha-1 yr-1 in the first decade to 4.7-4.6 ± 0.5 kg N ha-1 yr-1 in the following ones. Modeled fertilizer-induced N2O emissions were minimal and much less than 1.6% of N inputs recommended by the IPCC in wet climates regardless of soil type. Temporal variations in EFs were strongly linked to soil C:N ratio and soil mineral N content for CO2 and fertilizer-induced N2O emissions, and to precipitation, water table level and soil NH4+ content for peat decomposition N2O emissions. These results suggest that current IPCC EFs for oil palm on organic soil could over-estimate peat onsite CO2 emissions and underestimate peat decomposition N2O emissions and that temporal variation in emissions should be considered for further improvement of EFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Swails
- Center for International Forestry Research, Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor 16115, Indonesia.
| | - Kristell Hergoualc'h
- Center for International Forestry Research, Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor 16115, Indonesia
| | - Jia Deng
- Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Steve Frolking
- Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, 8 College Road, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Nisa Novita
- Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, Graha Iskandarsyah 3(rd) floor, Jalan Iskandarsyah Raya 66 C, 12160 Jakarta, Indonesia
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12
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Carbon Dynamics in Rewetted Tropical Peat Swamp Forests. CLIMATE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cli10030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Degraded and drained peat swamp forests (PSFs) are major sources of carbon emissions in the forestry sector. Rewetting interventions aim to reduce carbon loss and to enhance the carbon stock. However, studies of rewetting interventions in tropical PSFs are still limited. This study examined the effect of rewetting interventions on carbon dynamics at a rewetted site and an undrained site. We measured aboveground carbon (AGC), belowground carbon (BGC), litterfall, heterotrophic components of soil respiration (Rh), methane emissions (CH4), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration at both sites. We found that the total carbon stock at the rewetted site was slightly lower than at the undrained site (1886.73 ± 87.69 and 2106.23 ± 214.33 Mg C ha−1, respectively). The soil organic carbon (SOC) was 1685 ± 61 Mg C ha−1 and 1912 ± 190 Mg C ha−1 at the rewetted and undrained sites, respectively, and the carbon from litterfall was 4.68 ± 0.30 and 3.92 ± 0.34 Mg C ha−1 year−1, respectively. The annual average Rh was 4.06 ± 0.02 Mg C ha−1 year−1 at the rewetted site and was 3.96 ± 0.16 Mg C ha−1 year−1 at the undrained site. In contrast, the annual average CH4 emissions were −0.0015 ± 0.00 Mg C ha−1 year−1 at the rewetted site and 0.056 ± 0.000 Mg C ha−1 year−1 at the undrained site. In the rewetted condition, carbon from litter may become stable over a longer period. Consequently, carbon loss and gain mainly depend on the magnitude of peat decomposition (Rh) and CH4 emissions.
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13
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Zhang D, Li J, Wu J, Cheng X. Soil CO 2 and CH 4 emissions and their carbon isotopic signatures linked to saturated and drained states of the Three Gorges Reservoir of China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 293:118599. [PMID: 34848288 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Human activities such as dams disturb the structure and function of wetlands, triggering large soil CO2 and CH4 emissions. However, controls over field CO2 and CH4 emissions and their carbon isotopic signatures in reservoir wetlands are not yet fully understood. We investigated in situ CO2 and CH4 emissions, the δ13C values of CO2 and CH4, and associated environments in the saturated and drained states under four elevations (i.e., the water column, <147 m, permanent inundation area without plants; the low, 145-160 m, frequently flooded area with revegetation; the high, 160-175 m, rarely flooded area with revegetation; and the upland area as the control, >175 m, nonflooded area with original plants) in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. The CO2 emissions was significantly higher in high elevation, and they also significantly differed between the saturated and drained states. In contrast, the CH4 emissions on average (41.97 μg CH4 m-2 h-1) were higher at high elevations than at low elevations (22.73 μg CH4 m-2 h-1) during the whole observation period. CH4 emissions decreased by 90% at low elevations and increased by 153% at high elevations from the saturated to drained states. The δ13C of CH4 was more enriched at high elevations than in the low and upland areas, with a more depleted level under the saturated state than under the drained state. We found that soil CO2 and CH4 emissions were closely related to soil substrate quality (e.g., C: N ratio) and enzyme activities, whereas the δ13C values of CO2 and CH4 were primarily associated with root respiration and methanogenic bacteria, respectively. Specifically, the effects of the saturated and drained states on soil CO2 and CH4 emissions were stronger than the effect of reservoir elevation, thereby providing an important basis for assessing carbon neutrality in response to anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Jinsheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Junjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China.
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14
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Land Cover and Land Use Change Decreases Net Ecosystem Production in Tropical Peatlands of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12111587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deforested and converted tropical peat swamp forests are susceptible to fires and are a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, information on the influence of land-use change (LUC) on the carbon dynamics in these disturbed peat forests is limited. This study aimed to quantify soil respiration (heterotrophic and autotrophic), net primary production (NPP), and net ecosystem production (NEP) in peat swamp forests, partially logged forests, early seral grasslands (deforested peat), and smallholder-oil palm estates (converted peat). Peat swamp forests (PSF) showed similar soil respiration with logged forests (LPSF) and oil palm (OP) estates (37.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, 40.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, and 38.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, respectively), but higher than early seral (ES) grassland sites (30.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1). NPP of intact peat forests (13.2 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) was significantly greater than LPSF (11.1 Mg C ha−1 yr−1), ES (10.8 Mg C ha−1 yr−1), and OP (3.7 Mg C ha−1 yr−1). Peat swamp forests and seral grasslands were net carbon sinks (10.8 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1 and 9.1 CO2 ha−1 yr−1, respectively). In contrast, logged forests and oil palm estates were net carbon sources; they had negative mean Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) values (−0.1 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1 and −25.1 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, respectively). The shift from carbon sinks to sources associated with land-use change was principally due to a decreased Net Primary Production (NPP) rather than increased soil respiration. Conservation of the remaining peat swamp forests and rehabilitation of deforested peatlands are crucial in GHG emission reduction programs.
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15
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Geographic Setting and Groundwater Table Control Carbon Emission from Indonesian Peatland: A Meta-Analysis. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Peat restoration is a key climate mitigation action for achieving Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emission reduction target. The level of carbon reduction resulting from peat restoration is uncertain, owing in part to diverse methodologies and land covers. In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of rewetting on reduction of total CO2 in soil and heterotrophic emissions at the country level. The tier 2 emission factor associated with the land cover category in Indonesia was also calculated. The analysis included a total of 32 studies with 112 observations (data points) for total CO2 emissions and 31 observations for heterotrophic emissions in Indonesia. The results show that the land cover category is not a significant predictor of heterotrophic and total soil emissions, but the highest observed soil emissions were found in the plantation forest. Using the random-effects model, our results suggest that an increase in the water table depth of 10 cm would result in an increase in total CO2 emissions of 2.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1 and an increase in heterotrophic emissions of 2.3 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1. Our findings show that managing water table depth in degraded peatlands in various land cover types is important to achieve Indonesia’s emission reduction target by 2030.
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16
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McCalmont J, Kho LK, Teh YA, Lewis K, Chocholek M, Rumpang E, Hill T. Short- and long-term carbon emissions from oil palm plantations converted from logged tropical peat swamp forest. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2361-2376. [PMID: 33528067 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Need for regional economic development and global demand for agro-industrial commodities have resulted in large-scale conversion of forested landscapes to industrial agriculture across South East Asia. However, net emissions of CO2 from tropical peatland conversions may be significant and remain poorly quantified, resulting in controversy around the magnitude of carbon release following conversion. Here we present long-term, whole ecosystem monitoring of carbon exchange from two oil palm plantations on converted tropical peat swamp forest. Our sites compare a newly converted oil palm plantation (OPnew) to a mature oil palm plantation (OPmature) and combine them in the context of existing emission factors. Mean annual net emission (NEE) of CO2 measured at OPnew during the conversion period (137.8 Mg CO2 ha-1 year-1 ) was an order of magnitude lower during the measurement period at OPmature (17.5 Mg CO2 ha-1 year-1 ). However, mean water table depth (WTD) was shallower (0.26 m) than a typical drainage target of 0.6 m suggesting our emissions may be a conservative estimate for mature plantations, mean WTD at OPnew was more typical at 0.54 m. Reductions in net emissions were primarily driven by increasing biomass accumulation into highly productive palms. Further analysis suggested annual peat carbon losses of 24.9 Mg CO2 -C ha-1 year-1 over the first 6 years, lower than previous estimates for this early period from subsidence studies, losses reduced to 12.8 Mg CO2 -C ha-1 year-1 in the later, mature phase. Despite reductions in NEE and carbon loss over time, the system remained a large net source of carbon to the atmosphere after 12 years with the remaining 8 years of a typical plantation's rotation unlikely to recoup losses. These results emphasize the need for effective protection of tropical peatlands globally and strengthening of legislative enforcement where moratoria on peatland conversion already exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon McCalmont
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Lip Khoon Kho
- Tropical Peat Research Institute, Biological Research Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yit Arn Teh
- School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Kennedy Lewis
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Melanie Chocholek
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Elisa Rumpang
- Tropical Peat Research Institute, Biological Research Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Timothy Hill
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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17
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Kopittke PM, Menzies NW, Dalal RC, McKenna BA, Husted S, Wang P, Lombi E. The role of soil in defining planetary boundaries and the safe operating space for humanity. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106245. [PMID: 33161202 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We use soils to provide 98.8% of our food, but we must ensure that the pressure we place on soils to provide this food in the short-term does not inadvertently push the Earth into a less hospitable state in the long-term. Using the planetary boundaries framework, we show that soils are a master variable for regulating critical Earth-system processes. Indeed, of the seven Earth-systems that have been quantified, soils play a critical and substantial role in changing the Earth-systems in at least two, either directly or indirectly, as well as smaller contributions for a further three. For the biogeochemical flows Earth-system process, soils contribute 66% of the total anthropogenic change for nitrogen and 38% for phosphorus, whilst for the land-system change Earth-system process, soils indirectly contribute 80% of global anthropogenic change. Furthermore, perturbations of soils contribute directly to 21% of climate change, 25% to ocean acidification, and 25% to stratospheric ozone depletion. We argue that urgent interventions are required to greatly improve soil management, especially for those Earth-system processes where the planetary boundary has already been exceeded and where soils make an important contribution, with this being for biogeochemical flows (both nitrogen and phosphorus), for climate change, and for land-system change. Of particular importance, it is noted that the highly inefficient use of N fertilizers results in release of excess N into the broader environment, contributes to climate change, and results in release of ozone-depleting substances. Furthermore, the use of soils for agricultural production results not only in land-system change, but also in the loss (mineralization) of organic matter with a concomitant release of CO2 contributing to both climate change and ocean acidification. Thus, there is a need to markedly improve the efficiency of fertilizer applications and to intensify usage of our most fertile soils in order to allow the restoration of degraded soils and limit further areal expansion of agriculture. Understanding, and acting upon, the role of soils is critical in ensuring that planetary boundaries are not transgressed, with no other single variable playing such a strategic role across all of the planetary boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Kopittke
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Neal W Menzies
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ram C Dalal
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Brigid A McKenna
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Søren Husted
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Peng Wang
- Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Enzo Lombi
- University of South Australia, Future Industries Institute, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
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18
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Abstract
Sustainable soil carbon sequestration practices need to be rapidly scaled up and implemented to contribute to climate change mitigation. We highlight that the major potential for carbon sequestration is in cropland soils, especially those with large yield gaps and/or large historic soil organic carbon losses. The implementation of soil carbon sequestration measures requires a diverse set of options, each adapted to local soil conditions and management opportunities, and accounting for site-specific trade-offs. We propose the establishment of a soil information system containing localised information on soil group, degradation status, crop yield gap, and the associated carbon-sequestration potentials, as well as the provision of incentives and policies to translate management options into region- and soil-specific practices. Reducing soil degradation and improving soil management could make an important contribute to climate change mitigation. Here the authors discuss opportunities and challenges towards implementing a global climate mitigation strategy focused on carbon sequestration in agricultural soils, and propose a framework for guiding region- and soil-specific management options.
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