Classification and characterization of a cultivated tropical peat in Sepang district of Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

The classification of tropical peat soil is crucial in agriculture industry and there is a need for a classification system for tropical peat especially in Malaysia to suit local conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the revised classification system (Malaysian soil taxonomy) for the classification of the tropical peat in Sepang, and compare with the international system of the USDA and WRB. This study was conducted at TKPM Ulu Chucoh, Sepang and the study area covers about 9 ha. Three soil profile pits was excavated within the study area using a transect approach based on the topography of the land, soil profile description, morphological properties of the soil profile were described. Soil samples at all identified horizons were collected and processed for laboratory analysis. The colour of the peat in the study site vary from very dark brown (10 yr, 3/2) as a result of high content of organic matter at the top soil to dark gray (10 yr, 5/1) due to gleization condition in all the soil profiles. The rate of decomposition of plant litters and debris varied with depth and location of the soil profile ranging from fibric−hemic−sapric which was influenced by the depth of the ground water table fluctuation. The pH ranged from 3.16−5.11, organic matter content ranged from 12.27−29.43%, and bulk density from 0.22−0.24 g cm−3. The exchangeable bases and the base saturation were low across the study area. The variation in the properties of the peat across the study area was due to the eutrophic process, botanical origin, decomposition degree, ground water composition and depth, and the land use management. The peat is classified as dystric peat due to the acid reaction. Results showed that the peat is moderately to marginally suitable for annual and perennial crops based on the soil properties.