Initial growth of four endemic species in degraded peatland revegetation in Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra

Abstract

Peatland plays an important role as the storage of carbon stocks both in the soil layer and biomass. The value of carbon stocks in peatlands is strongly influenced by the peatland’s quality and potential to produce carbon emissions if the natural conditions are disturbed. Revegetation can improve the quality and land cover compared to natural succession. The success of revegetation can be seen from the survival rate and growth performance of planted species. The purpose of this preliminary study was to see the survival rate and growth of four species of revegetation plants in the burnt peatland area located in Pedamaran, Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra in 2017 and 2021. This study was carried out using quantitative descriptive methods. Results show that the growth performance of four endemic revegetation species was different, reflected by the diameter of breast height (dbh), height, and survival rate. Based on data, pulai (Alstonia pneumatophore) show the best growth performance compared to tembesu (Fragraea fragrans), jelutung (Dyera polyphylla), and balangeran (Shorea balangeran). Pulai showed the highest survival rate (98.61%), with an average dbh growth of 8.31 mm and 75.60 cm in height. Furthermore, all data obtained in this study can be used as basic data for revegetation development to increase growth and survival rate, enhance carbon stocks, and other efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.