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The Effects of Climatic Variation on Peat Swamp Forest Condition and Peat Combustibility
Dissertation Abstract:
A study on the effects of climatic variations on peat swamp forest condition and peat combustibility was conducted in the peat swamp forest of Sungai Karang Forest Reserve, Tanjong Karang, Selangor Malaysia. The objectives of the study were to determine (1) climatic variations in the study area, (2) the effects of climatic variation on peat swamp forest condition, (3) peat combustibility and its influencing factors, and (4) the effects of forest fire on peat swamp condition.
The study was conducted in compartment 127 during two periods, namely: October 1999 to January 2000 and May 2000 to October 2000 while the study on forest fire effects was conducted in compartment 132 from October 1999 to January 2000.
Climatic water balance, drought occurrence analysis, and drought index using Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) were employed to describe climatic variations. Investigation on peat swamp forest condition included peat characteristics such as moisture content, pH, organic content, ash content, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and water level. Heat content and combustion rate were measured to determine peat combustibility. All data obtained were analyzed statistically using multivariate cluster analysis, univariate, and multiple regression.
The study defined dry season and wet season as a period when monthly rainfall is similar or less than 125 mm and more than 125 mm, respectively. The area has two drought periods, namely: January to March as the first period, and May to August as the second period. Statistically, the season affected moisture content, bulk density, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and water level. By using weekly rainfall prediction, the critical peat moisture content to fire was 355 percent.
The high stages of KBDI in 1999/2000 were observed twice: on 25 and 26 April 2000. KBDI can be used in predicting moisture content and water level in the study area.
Based on the area burned, burning depth and ash color, the forest fire, which occurred on 9 August 1999 was a light intensity fire. The fire, however, caused the decreasing hydraulic conductivity of magnesium, and the increasing potassium and sodium levels.