Hydrology and peat-land development in Indonesia

抄録

Indonesia peat is a tropical peat, which is deferent from the temperate and cold climate peat. Water logged and oxygen deficient condition are the main factors determining the formation of peat in tropical areas. So the sustainability of peat and its function in the area is determined by the status of biology (organic input) and hydrology, of which hydrology is the most important. Peat hydrology and thickness determine the forest type and hydrology controls the peat decomposition process.
There are many options for peat utilization, either extractive or non-extractive uses. The local community of Central Kalimantan and Riau (Sumatra) have been developing and utilizing peat land for a long period of time. And the government program of peat land development began in the early 1950s, mostly for agricultural purposes. In this last decade of the 20^th century many types of land uses have been also developed in peat land areas, such as palm oil plantation, plantation forest, and peat use for energy.