Groundwater characteristics of peat soil under trunking and non-trunking sago palms in the Dalat sago plantation

Liew, Shuk Huey (2004) Groundwater characteristics of peat soil under trunking and non-trunking sago palms in the Dalat sago plantation. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS).

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Abstract

This dissertation entitled "GROUNDWATER CHARACTERISTICS OF PEAT SOILS UNDER TRUNKING AND NON-TRUNKING SAGO PALMS IN THE DALAT SAGO PLANTATION' is a comparative study focused on the influence of ground water regime and its properties to the growth of sago palms. Sarawak has large coverage of peat soils which are classified as marginally suitable to unsuitable for agriculture purpose. This is due to the major constraints of peat soil such as high acidity, low in nutrients and mineralisation rate, high moisture regime associated with high water table leading to water logged condition, low bulk density and bearing capacity, as well as subsidence upon drainage. Hence peat soils are basically problematic soils which are considered uneconomical for agriculture utilization. However, due to scarcity of inland mineral soils and the Sarawak Government policy of emphasizing agriculture sector in export-oriented industries, the development of agriculture on peat soils is a compromise. Therefore a first sago plantation was initiated at the Mukah-Dalat District, as sago is a major cash crop in Sarawak which is claimed to grow well on peat. However, after more than ten years of planting, the trunking rate of sago palms is still low. Therefore studies are required hence this study was commenced. The finding of this study reveals that there are differences between the water table, pH, conductivity and nitrate content in the ground water of the trunking and non-trunking sago palms. The trunking sago palms generally grow on shallower water table, having less acidity, higher conductivity and nitrate content ground water. The actual interactions of these factors and how they have an effect on sago growth characteristics are unclear. It is suggested that by introducing proper water management that is able to control the fluctuation of ground water to the favourable level, the growth of sago palms can be improved.

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