Restoration of degraded peatlands has been taken into serious action in Indonesia. Paludiculture, which is defined as a cultivation on wet and rewetted peatlands, has been promoted as a solution of ...peatland restoration. The drained peatland should be blocked and rewetted to increase water table and reduce emission. While planted suitable plants and trees on wet and rewetted peatlands which have economic benefit is challenging. We conducted review and synthesis based on published and unpublished papers resulted from activities of peatland restoration in Indonesia, to show whether paludiculture may provide a balance of both ecology and economic benefits. Results show that rewetted on degraded peatlands reduces green-house-gas emission. However, few tree options for wet and rewetted peatland restoration which provides economic benefit. Tree selection usually based on specific site, price and market. Peatland restoration is complexs, therefore the paradigm of peatland restoration should focus on socio-ecological restoration first. Economic benefit will come later as both tangible and intangible economic benefits. Economic friendly schemes, such as REDD+ and rewards for environmental services (RES) may be more suitable as a trade-off in peatland restoration.
Rattan Agroforestry is usually developed by smallholder farmers in Katingan district, Central Kalimantan. The rattan is planted under woody tree species, mainly rubber. Both rubber and rattan have ...contributed in the economic development of Central Kalimantan. A vegetation analysis with purposive sampling plot was conducted in two villages in Katingan district to assess flora diversity in the gradient of Agroforestry system (simple to complex Agroforestry) compared with forest. The Agroforestry system consisted of baliang, bahu, complex rubber rattan agroforest, and simple rubber agroforest. Results showed forest has the highest tree diversity (H'=3.39), while simple rubber agroforest has the lowest tree diversity (H'=1.09). During the survey, 43 rattan species were encountered in the landscape of two villages (Tumbang Malawan and Tumbang Runen). The commonest rattan's genus was Calamus (consisted of 22 species). Farmers applied an extensive management of rattan-rubber agroforest and they allowed regeneration occurred naturally in the farm. In the rattan agroforests, other tress with economic value, which produce food and fruits were intentionally planted to support food security to their family. Owing to low price, rattan currently is not intensively managed and harvested; nevertheless, the Dayak is still maintaining the rattan agroforest for their domestic and cultural needs.
Abstract Land use with mixed crop cultivation practices, or agroforestry, is currently important for small farmers because it provides economic resilience and ecosystem-based solutions for climate ...change adaptation. This research is to examine the role of agroforestry in the homegarden of communities living on peatlands in supporting household economic resilience and the impact of climate change on their livelihoods. In-depth interviews using questionnaires and field observations were carried out for data collection. The research results show that agroforestry based on fruit plants such as Durio kutejensis, Artocarpus champeden, Lansium domesticum , and Parkia speciosa is found in Pulang Pisau Regency, while the mixed crop pattern of Pinang catechu, Coffea liberica , and Cocos nucifera is found in West Tanjung Jabung Regency. This type of land use provides economic stability for farming households on peatlands. Farmer experience and knowledge, species preferences, markets, land ownership, and labor availability are considered in implementing mixed cropping systems. Access to credit and capital and increasing farmers’ abilities during harvest and post-harvest are really needed by farmers. Therefore, support from various stakeholders and pro-farmer policies is needed so that mixed cropping systems can improve the livelihoods of small farmers and reduce their vulnerability to climate change.
Sengon (Falcataria moluccana), a fast-growing timber tree that naturally grows on mineral soils, is currently promoted in peatlands. This study aimed to (1) experimentally test the response of sengon ...seedlings in waterlogged conditions in the nursery; (2) describe and analyze the biophysical condition of a sengon plantation and its growth; (3) describe sengon farm practices on peatlands; and (4) identify key actor’s perception on planting sengon on peatlands. This study combined an experiment in nursery, field measurements, and key-informant interviews. The nursery experiment showed that peat soil affected seedling’s growth: survival rates decreased by 25–33% after 3 months of inundation. Sengon growth at age 1–5-years-old in peat soil was slower than that on mineral soils. Sengon growth in peatland was influenced by peat depth and peat maturity. Sengon plantation in Central Kalimantan was driven by market availability and industrial wood demand. Fourty-three percent of respondents thought sengon does not grow well in peat soils, but 57% of respondents thought that additional soil treatment will enhance site suitability. Based on key-informants’ experience, 64% disagree with sengon development in peatlands. Our study provides evidence that sengon is predominantly not suitable to be planted on peatlands. Therefore, cautions need to be taken when planting sengon on peatland areas.
The success of peat swamp ecosystem restoration needs to be supported by the supply of good quality native plant species, one of which is influenced by the growing media. This study aimed to evaluate ...the effect of cocopeat, compost, and biochar as a mixture of peat media on the growth of Dyera polyphylla and Shorea balangeran seedlings in a greenhouse for six months. The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with one factor, growing media (100% peat as M1 (control); 70% peat + 30% cocopeat as M2; 70% peat + 30% compost as M3; and 70% peat + biochar 30% as M4). The survival rate of both types of seedlings in all growing media treatments was 100%. Dickson Quality Index (DQI) of D. polyphylla seedlings on M1, M2, M3, and M4 was 0.32, 0.29, 0.46, and 0.31, respectively, and for S. balangeran was 0.15, 0.10, 0.09, and 0.12, respectively. Adding cocopeat, compost, and biochar could increase the nutrient content of peat media. The growing media with the best quality for D. polyphylla was M3, while for S. balangeran was M1.
Keywords: Dickson Quality Index, Dyera polyphylla, growing media, growth response, Shorea balangeran
The rubber agroforestry experiments in Jambi started with the theory of change that productive clonal rubber could be economically used in low-labour intensity rubber agroforests, allowing selective ...retention of forest species or planted fruit trees in interrows. At the end of what was expected to be a 25-year production cycle we revisited the farmers (or their next generation), recorded what had happened to the plot and registered farmer plans for a way forward. Qualitatively, the results showed a wide range of directions of actual change. The envisaged plots, with full-grown tapped rubber in a secondary forest setting did occur – but as exception rather than rule. Some plots had early on been converted to oil palm when white root rot disease killed many of the rubber trees. Others were in a gradual transition to oil palm, already interplanted, or depended on natural regeneration of rubber within the plot for the trees currently being tapped. Some plots had been completely destroyed as the land was sold to a local coal-mine developer. Overall tapping frequency was low, as farmgate rubber prices have in recent years been low and farmers had other options (including participating in small-scale gold mining). Farmer experience with the various clones tested led to mixed opinions on which (if any) of the clones introduced were superior to what farmers used in the past (and what still regenerates in the landscape). GT1, a robust clone, was seen as hardly more productive as local germplasm, the PB260 and BPM1 clone were productive, but especially PB260 clone sensitive to white root rot disease. The quality of rubber wood was a concern for some farmers. The most successful intervention, from farmers’ as well as environmental perspective, has probably been the interplanting of meranti (
Shorea leprosula
) or tembesu (
Fagraea fragrans
) trees in young rubber stands, with good prospects for generating substantial income.
Soil organic matter (SOM) is a crucial component of soil, through which physical, chemical, and biological characteristics interact in a local context. Within the forest category, the conversion of ...natural forests to monoculture plantations has raised concerns in Indonesia over the loss of soil functions, similar to conversion to agriculture. In natural forests, SOM can accumulate as part of a closed nutrient cycle with minimal nutrient losses; in plantation forestry, SOM decline and recovery can alternate over time, associated with larger nutrient losses. We reviewed existing studies to quantify how shifts from natural forests to short-rotation plantation forests (SRPF) affect SOM dynamics, soil nutrient contents, and soil-borne pathogens that cause disease. The review combines descriptive and quantitative methods (meta-analysis). The results show that conversion affects the soil C balance, soil structure and water balance, soil nutrient balance, and soil-borne diseases. Contributing factors include the reduced diversity of plant and rhizosphere communities, lower annual litter production, more uniform litter quality, and nutrient removal at the harvest cycle. Conversion from natural to plantation forest conditions also increases plant disease incidence by changing biological control mechanisms.
In Indonesia, smallholders have historically practiced agroforestry, which warrants examination in terms of food and livelihood security within sustainable community forest frameworks. Based on a ...literature review, we analyzed these two forms of security related to smallholder agroforestry practices. Findings indicate diverse agroforestry systems, with 88% focusing on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and 12% on timber. While 42% prioritize direct food supply, 58% emphasize income generation through product sales. However, agroforestry that does not produce food for direct consumption by smallholders generates revenue for purchasing food necessities. Agroforestry supports both food needs (46–61%) and income (51–54%) for smallholders, surpassing traditional agriculture (13%). Semi-commercial agroforestry (57%) is a predominant livelihood prospect. The remaining 27% are purely subsistence, and 15% are purely commercial. However, the commercialization of agroforestry that focuses only on high-value commodities results in a negative impact on biodiversity. There is a concomitant decrease in environmental services for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Biodiversity remains crucial for climate resilience, health care, and food security in rural communities. Semi-commercial agroforestry is a midpoint for achieving multifunctional agriculture (biodiversity, soil and water conservation, food security, and income) in the climate change era. The research directly related to food security and ecosystem services quantification remains limited, necessitating further investigation. Policy support and incentives are essential for smallholders practicing complex agroforestry for climate adaptation and mitigation.
A strategy that has the potential to contribute to the achievement of the targets established under SDG 8 ("Decent Work and Economic Growth") involves the development of sustainable tourism to create ...productive job and livelihood opportunities and to promote local culture and products. In the province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, ikat weaving is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the region, with ikat characterized by unique design motives and the use of natural dyes. Unfortunately, in some areas, the use of natural dyes is diminishing as a result of competition with synthetic dyes and the limited availability of raw materials, particularly for the production of blue dye. The development of Indigofera spp. to produce natural, plant-based blue dye has significant potential to contribute to community incomes and employment. This study outlines a strategy for developing the use of Indigofera spp. as a natural dye and describes its potential for contributing to community incomes, especially on Timor Island, NTT. The study shows that weavers currently use indigo plants that grow naturally in gardens and yards. Although the community has a tradition of using these plants, informed by local wisdom, to develop the cultivation and processing of this plant through the application of the appropriate techniques, including innovative approaches to producing indigo paste, could enable the development of Indigofera spp. cultivation on a larger scale. The study shows that the availability of suitable land is high (±370 thousand ha), with 80% of the suitable land being categorized as critical. The study proposes a development based on the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to assess the manner in which these opportunities could be leveraged with the support and participation of local communities and other stakeholders by leveraging the culture and wisdom of the community regarding the use of Indigofera spp.
Tata HL, Narendra BH, Mawazin. 2018. Forest and land fires in Pelalawan District, Riau, Indonesia: Drivers, pressures, impacts and responses. Biodiversitas 19: 544-551. Pelalawan District of Riau ...Province, Indonesia was one of the districts most damaged by fire in 2015. Analysis of factors driving the fires, of pressures arising from the fires and of responses to the fires in Pelalawan District was conducted using two approaches: semi-structured interviews regarding social and policy aspects, and analysis of biophysical factors such as soil properties and spatial data. Results showed that forest functions (i.e. the functions served by different forest types) was positively related to hotspot density (R2=0.9868), while distance to nearest road less affected hotspot distribution (R2=0.1612). Multiple regression analysis of the relationship between hotspots density and four variables resulted in the following model: Y = 0.005384 + 0.000021 Soil Type + 0.000019 Distance to Road + 0.000038 Forest Functions + 0.000017 Land Use type. The pressures were expansion for agriculture, plantation and forest encroachment. Despite many negative impacts of fire, the burning practice on peatland could improve the pH and peat soil fertility (particularly ash and P contents). As a response to fire, a standard operational procedure for forest- and land-fire prevention was launched by the Governor of Riau Province in late 2015. A comprehensive and integrated policy package for forest and land fire prevention and control should include a social dimension in order to effectively reduce fire risk in the district.
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