Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 18192

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University, Palembang, Indonesia
Interests: water management

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Guest Editor
Institute of Study and Development Worldwide (IFSD), Sydney, NSW 2148, Australia
Interests: cropping systems; fertilizer and nutrient management; cereals and legumes; crop/systems simulation modelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
National Institute of Forest Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Interests: tree

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Guest Editor
Research Centre for Plant Conservation, Botanic Gardens and Forestry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km.46, Cibinong Bogor, Jawa Barat 16911, Indonesia
Interests: tree breeding; peatland restoration; bioenergy; climate change mitigation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Tropical peatlands provide a wide range of ecosystem goods and services (EGS), such as food, energy, climate regulation, and biodiversity. Due to increasing populations and associated demand for food, energy, and raw materials, there is greater pressure on peatlands. Unsustainable land-use practices have been modifying the structure and function of peatlands with an adverse impact on critical EGS. These concerns have raised the attention of scientists, policy makers, and practitioners, leading to a consensus to take urgent action. Research suggests that the restoration of degraded peatlands could provide potential solutions for eradicating fires and accompanying toxic haze, reducing the loss of biodiversity and achievement of the global goal of mitigating the climate crisis while supporting rural livelihoods.

This Special Issue highlights recent findings from our collaborative research on peatland restoration for food, energy, and environmental conservation in Indonesia.

The goal of this Special Issue is to present original research articles and review papers that provide insights into the science, policy, and practices associated with tropical peatland restoration in Indonesia. Specifically, the Issue aims to highlight the best practices and evidence from the literature on how degraded peatland can be restored to enhance soil fertility; improve production, income, and biodiversity on farms; and support the mitigation of, and adaptation to, the climate crisis and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This Special Issue welcomes the submission of manuscripts that link the following themes.

  • Restoration of degraded peatland;
  • Sustainable management of peatland;
  • Ecosystem goods and services from peatland;
  • Paludicultural practices.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Momon Sodik Imanudin
Dr. Jagadish Timsina
Dr. Raehyun Kim
Prof. Dr. Budi Leksono
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 635 KiB  
Article
Nutrient Resorption in Young Stands of Three Native Tree Species to Support Restoration of Degraded Tropical Peatland in Indonesia
by Ahmad Junaedi, Avry Pribadi, Nina Mindawati, I Wayan Susi Dharmawan, Dona Octavia, Hery Kurniawan, Ridwan Fauzi, Hengki Siahaan, Bambang Tejo Premono, Ardiyanto Wahyu Nugroho, Yunita Lisnawati, Yulianti, Ati Dwi Nurhayati and Mohamad Iqbal
Land 2024, 13(8), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081169 - 30 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Nutrient resorption (NR) is a critical ecological process in forest ecosystems. However, there is a lack of knowledge about this process in the peatlands of Indonesia, and this may be seen as a research gap. In the present study, NR in young trees [...] Read more.
Nutrient resorption (NR) is a critical ecological process in forest ecosystems. However, there is a lack of knowledge about this process in the peatlands of Indonesia, and this may be seen as a research gap. In the present study, NR in young trees of three native species (Macaranga pruinosa, Cratoxylum arborescens, and Macaranga gigantea) and one exotic species (Acacia crassicarpa) in a drained tropical peatland was investigated. This study was conducted at an experimental plot in Pelalawan-Riau, Indonesia. Nutrient resorption efficiency (RE) and proficiency (RP) were calculated and correlated with soil properties, foliar nutrients, and growth variables. Our results revealed that M. pruinosa exhibited an RE value for phosphorus (PRE) that was 64% higher than that for the second-ranked native species but still significantly (84%) lower than that for A. crassicarpa. RE values for nitrogen (NRE) and potassium (KRE) did not differ significantly among species, ranging from 39 to 42% and 41 to 56%, respectively, for native species, with figures of 45% and 66%, respectively, for A. crassicarpa. Finally, PRE exhibited strong and significant correlations with PRP and tree growth, a finding that indicated that the uptake and conservation of P nutrients are essential for the fitness of the three native species. Overall, the results of the present study may be seen as beneficial for species selection and the management of nutrients by those engaged in restoration of tropical peatland forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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21 pages, 3595 KiB  
Article
Economics of Peatland Ecosystem Services: A Study of Use and Non-Use Values and People Interplays in Sumatra, Indonesia
by Mohammad Yunus, Adcharaporn Pagdee and Himlal Baral
Land 2024, 13(6), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060866 - 16 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2694
Abstract
Peatlands play an important role in the global environment and the well-being of humans by providing valuable ecosystem services. Yet, anthropogenic activities pose significant hazards for peatland management, including low levels of community participation due to lack of awareness and financial incentives. Understanding [...] Read more.
Peatlands play an important role in the global environment and the well-being of humans by providing valuable ecosystem services. Yet, anthropogenic activities pose significant hazards for peatland management, including low levels of community participation due to lack of awareness and financial incentives. Understanding the social–cultural and economic value of these ecosystems will raise awareness to protect these important ecosystems. Here, we estimated a total economic value (TEV) of peatland ecosystem services and examined relationships between the TEV and landscape characteristics in Riau province, Indonesia. A questionnaire was used to investigate household socioeconomics, perception of peatland importance, peatland product collection, and willingness to pay for habitat and biodiversity protection from May to June 2023. A total of 200 household individuals (92% confidence) in five villages across distinct landscapes in the Sungai Kiyap-Sungai Kampar Kiri Peatland Hydrological Unit participated in the survey. The respondents obtained numerous advantages from the peatlands with an estimated TEV of USD 3174 per household per year (about 1.3 times their annual income). Approximately 81% showed a use value, especially food provisioning from fish and soil fertility. To a lesser extent, non-use values included a habitat for endemic and endangered species, biodiversity conservation for future generations, and community bonds with sacred forests. The landscape characteristics, illustrating habitat types, biophysical conditions, and property rights regimes, interplay with the relative benefits derived from the peatlands. Proximity to secondary peat swamp forests and riparian zones, especially within protected areas, enhanced economic value. Protected area co-management is essential to balance peatland conservation with sustainable livelihoods. Primary forests need restrictive protection. Meanwhile, buffer zone designation and agroforestry practices, especially in the peatland–farm interface, reduce land use tensions and promote local stewardship. This study can be used as a reference by planners and policymakers to recognize factors that promote effective peatland management, especially those that balance ecosystem protection and livelihood maintenance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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24 pages, 4118 KiB  
Article
Livelihood Alternatives in Restored Peatland Areas in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia
by Dessy Adriani, Muhammad Yazid, Riswani, Dini Damayanthy, Eunho Choi and Hyunyoung Yang
Land 2024, 13(5), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050643 - 9 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2467
Abstract
Livelihood loss and lower income because of peatland mismanagement are crucial issues that must be resolved in peatland areas. Although many studies have assessed farmers’ livelihoods and income enhancement, progress in addressing these problems remains inadequate. To address this issue, this study aimed [...] Read more.
Livelihood loss and lower income because of peatland mismanagement are crucial issues that must be resolved in peatland areas. Although many studies have assessed farmers’ livelihoods and income enhancement, progress in addressing these problems remains inadequate. To address this issue, this study aimed to analyze various existing alternative livelihoods in the peatland community in Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia, and analyze scenarios for creating livelihoods and increasing people’s incomes through changes in peat ecosystem management and peatland restoration programs. This study used a survey method conducted in South Sumatra Province’s OKI District, one of the four priority peat-restoration districts in the province. We used three sampling stages, while descriptive, tabulated, and mathematical methods were used for analysis. We analyzed the feasibility of livelihoods that used benefit-cost analysis. The results showed that Sonor cultivation of paddies and catching fish in Rawang (swamp) were the livelihoods of farmers in peatlands. The community has also been processing peatland commodities into other products, such as Purun woven, and Gula Puan (buffalo milk processing). Several alternative livelihood scenarios that are financially profitable and can be developed include salted and smoked fish, Purun woven handicrafts, paludiculture, and agrosilvofishery, which can provide farmers with short-, medium-, and long-term income opportunities. This study can contribute to policymaking by fully considering the role of peat resources in rural livelihoods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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17 pages, 1462 KiB  
Article
Farm Household Vulnerability Due to Land and Forest Fire in Peatland Areas in South Sumatra
by Muhammad Yazid, Dessy Adriani, Riswani and Dini Damayanthy
Land 2024, 13(5), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050642 - 9 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1282
Abstract
Land and forest fires in peatland areas in Indonesia have a widespread negative impact on surrounding communities. Possible vulnerabilities relate to economic, social, ecological, livelihoods, and environmental vulnerability. This study aimed to assess household vulnerability due to land and forest fires in peatland [...] Read more.
Land and forest fires in peatland areas in Indonesia have a widespread negative impact on surrounding communities. Possible vulnerabilities relate to economic, social, ecological, livelihoods, and environmental vulnerability. This study aimed to assess household vulnerability due to land and forest fires in peatland areas in Ogan Komering Ilir District in South Sumatra and observe changes in peat ecosystems in those areas. The study was conducted in three peatland hydrological units (PHUs)—(1) PHU Sungai Sugihan–Sungai Lumpur; (2) PHU Sungai Sibumbung–Sungai Batok; and (3) PHU Sungai Saleh–Sungai Sugihan—covering 300 households as samples. Primary data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed descriptively. The analysis revealed the following: (1) PHU Sungai Sibumbung–Sungai Batok had the highest score for livelihood vulnerability and climate change but the lowest score for social, economic, and ecological vulnerability; (2) PHU Sungai Saleh–Sungai Sugihan had the highest score for economic and ecological vulnerability but the lowest score for livelihood vulnerability; (3) PHU Sungai Sugihan–Sungai Lumpur had the highest score for social vulnerability but lowest score for climate change vulnerability; and (4) the number of household members, toddlers, and elderly, and all economic indicators except land ownership, contributed relatively similarly to social vulnerability in all PHUs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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17 pages, 3551 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Peatland Research Trends Based on BERTopic
by A-Ram Yang, Jeongyeon Chae and Eunho Choi
Land 2024, 13(5), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050628 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 1779
Abstract
Peatlands comprise approximately 3% of the land area worldwide. Peatland exists in most countries, including tropical, subtropical, and boreal regions. Accordingly, peatland has garnered increased research attention as a potential countermeasure against climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and comprise the [...] Read more.
Peatlands comprise approximately 3% of the land area worldwide. Peatland exists in most countries, including tropical, subtropical, and boreal regions. Accordingly, peatland has garnered increased research attention as a potential countermeasure against climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and comprise the topics constituting global peatland research. In this study, we applied BERTopic—a topic modeling technique—to analyze relatedness between research topics to classify global peatland research trends, evaluate changes over time, and analyze the relationships between topics. To this end, we searched the keyword “peatland” on ScienceDirect—a global academic publication data platform—and collected the titles and abstracts from 10,158 publications from 1953 to 2022 for dynamic topic modeling and network analysis. Eighty-two peatland research topics were identified, which were combined into 15 main topics. Over time, an increasing trend was observed in topics related to production, management, and fire. In addition, upon analysis of the relationships between topics, three groups centered on fire, peatland value, and carbon were identified. We anticipate that the findings of this study can be expanded to analyze trends in research related to fires in peatlands, regional characteristics of peat soil, prediction of greenhouse gases emission and mitigation due to peatland fires, and prediction of future peatland research topics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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21 pages, 7307 KiB  
Article
Local Perspectives on Agrosilvofishery in Peatlands: A Case Study of Perigi Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia
by Eunho Choi, Jaehui Jeong, Yustina Artati, Hyunyoung Yang, Dessy Adriani and A-Ram Yang
Land 2024, 13(4), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040539 - 18 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1495
Abstract
As the need for sustainable use peatlands increases, the aim of this study is to identify ways to increase the application of agrosilvofishery as an alternative to the traditional sonor system. Herein, the researchers investigate the perception of peatland degradation and the willingness [...] Read more.
As the need for sustainable use peatlands increases, the aim of this study is to identify ways to increase the application of agrosilvofishery as an alternative to the traditional sonor system. Herein, the researchers investigate the perception of peatland degradation and the willingness to participate in agrosilvofishery among peatland residents. The researchers interviewed 228 households in Perigi Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia, and surveyed 137 peatland owners. Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between the willingness to participate in agrosilvofishery and household expenses, plans to improve peatland productivity, and knowledge regarding mixed farming in farmer and non-farmer groups. Willingness to provide labor for agrosilvofishery was positively correlated with household expenses and experience with farmer organizations. For both groups, the willingness to participate had a more substantial impact on the willingness to contribute to the agrosilvofishery financially than on the willingness to provide labor. It is imperative to consider various educational, institutional, research, and cultural factors that enable peatland agrosilvofisheries to contribute to the income and livelihood of the residents of Perigi Village. Institutional arrangements should be established, including initial capital support for restoration projects and a system involving the entire village community. This study can contribute to offering guidance for implementing agrosilvofisheries and enhance the practicality of field applications for peatland restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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15 pages, 2810 KiB  
Article
Dynamics of Peatland Fires in South Sumatra in 2019: Role of Groundwater Levels
by Muhammad Irfan, Erry Koriyanti, Khairul Saleh, Hadi, Sri Safrina, Awaludin, Albertus Sulaiman, Hamdi Akhsan, Suhadi, Rujito Agus Suwignyo, Eunho Choi and Iskhaq Iskandar
Land 2024, 13(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030373 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1621
Abstract
During the dry season, extensive peatland fires in South Sumatra and another peatland in Indonesia result in environmental damage and pose health risks to humans. The Indonesian Government has implemented several measures to prevent the recurrence of these fires. One such measure involves [...] Read more.
During the dry season, extensive peatland fires in South Sumatra and another peatland in Indonesia result in environmental damage and pose health risks to humans. The Indonesian Government has implemented several measures to prevent the recurrence of these fires. One such measure involves the establishment of observation stations to monitor hydrometeorological parameters in different peatlands across Indonesia, including those in South Sumatra. To effectively control fires in South Sumatra’s peatland and minimize hotspot occurrences, it is essential to determine hydrometeorological parameters that can serve as fire control indicators. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between groundwater levels and hotspot occurrences by analyzing groundwater level data collected from six Peat Restoration Agency stations in South Sumatra’s peatland, along with hotspot data obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite measurements. The findings reveal a significant correlation between groundwater levels and hotspots at the six stations. As the GWL increased, the number of hotspots tended to decrease, and vice versa. This means that GWL can be used as a controlling variable for hotspot emergence. To effectively minimize hotspot occurrences, it is recommended to maintain a minimum groundwater level of −0.45 ± 0.09 m in the peatland of South Sumatra. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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14 pages, 2000 KiB  
Article
Synthesizing Recent Trends in Interventions and Key Ecosystem Services in Indonesian Peatland
by Hyun-Ah Choi, Cholho Song, Chul-Hee Lim, Woo-Kyun Lee, Hyunyoung Yang and Raehyun Kim
Land 2024, 13(3), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030355 - 11 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2096
Abstract
This study conducted a systematic literature review focusing on peatlands studies in Southeast Asia, specifically in Jambi, South Sumatra, and the Riau province of Indonesia, covering the period from 2001 to 2023. To ensure the quality and rigor of the analyzed articles, a [...] Read more.
This study conducted a systematic literature review focusing on peatlands studies in Southeast Asia, specifically in Jambi, South Sumatra, and the Riau province of Indonesia, covering the period from 2001 to 2023. To ensure the quality and rigor of the analyzed articles, a critical process and systematic review were employed. Journal articles were extracted using reputable resources, including Google Scholar and Scopus, to enhance the validity and reliability of the research results. We identified significant research topics based on region, province, and sector. Additionally, we synthesized the existing classification of ecosystem services, drawing on previous studies conducted in Indonesia. These services were categorized as provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. We also reviewed the classification of ecosystem service types based on peatland degradation and restoration. This study identified evidence of peatland intervention to evaluate ecosystem services in Indonesia. We found that large-scale cultivation and production of palm oil, local policies, and forest fires were the main intervening factors in Indonesian peatlands. Furthermore, Indonesian peatlands have undergone conversion to oil palm, timber, and crop plantations. It is imperative to substantiate the effectiveness of future peatland restoration plans and further refine the quantification of services provided by peatland ecosystems through cooperative projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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18 pages, 4713 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Past: Deep-Learning-Based Estimation of Historical Peatland Distribution
by Sungeun Cha, Junghee Lee, Eunho Choi and Joongbin Lim
Land 2024, 13(3), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030328 - 4 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1938
Abstract
Acknowledging the critical role of accurate peatland distribution estimation, this paper underscores the significance of understanding and mapping these ecosystems for effective environmental management. Highlighting the importance of precision in estimating peatland distribution, the research aims to contribute valuable insights into ecological monitoring [...] Read more.
Acknowledging the critical role of accurate peatland distribution estimation, this paper underscores the significance of understanding and mapping these ecosystems for effective environmental management. Highlighting the importance of precision in estimating peatland distribution, the research aims to contribute valuable insights into ecological monitoring and conservation efforts. Prior studies lack robust validation, and while recent advancements propose machine learning for peatland estimation, challenges persist. This paper focuses on the integration of deep learning into peatland detection, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding these global carbon reservoirs. Results from convolutional neural networks (CNNs) reveal a decrease in the classified peatland area from 8226 km2 in 1999 to 5156 km2 in 2019, signifying a 37.32% transition. Shifts in land cover types are evident, with an increase in estate plantation and a decrease in swamp shrub. Human activities, climate, and wildfires significantly influenced these changes over two decades. Fire incidents, totaling 47,860 from 2000 to 2019, demonstrate a substantial peatland loss rate, indicating a correlation between fires and peatland loss. In 2020, wildfire hotspots were predominantly associated with agricultural activities, highlighting subsequent land cover changes post-fire. The CNNs consistently achieve validation accuracy exceeding 93% for the years 1999, 2009, and 2019. Extending beyond academic realms, these discoveries establish the foundation for enhanced land-use planning, intensified conservation initiatives, and effective ecosystem management—a necessity for ensuring sustainable environmental practices in Indonesian peatlands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Tropical Peatlands: Science Policy and Practice)
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