THE ROLE OF COMPACTION ON PYHSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CARBON EMISSIONS OF TROPICAL PEAT SOILS: A REVIEW

Abstract

The peat compaction method is currently adopted by Malaysia oil palm companies to mitigate the uprising environmental issues. This method is claimed to be effective in minimising the risk of fire through enhancement of soil moisture due to capillary effect. In this review, the authors discussed on the peatland function in global perspective, the important of peat soil compaction, emergence of potential peat compaction in oil palm plantation establishment, peat compaction processes and the effects of compaction on physicochemical properties and carbon emission via peat surface and fire. Authors also found that compaction terminology on tropical peatland should be defined wisely, as it closely depends on the initial water table level and the peat quality. Thus, the retrieved information could serve as basic platform to further probe into the highlighted aspects and may as well function as a guide for management of these sensitive ecosystems, particularly in light of carbon loss mitigation.