Groundwater Level Fluctuations in Cultivated Land on Peatlands in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan

Nurhayati, Nurhayati and Rizki, Purnaini and Kiki Prio, Utomo and Slamet, Widodo and Rosmina, Ahmad Bustami and Darrien Yau Seng, Mah and Yoke Seng, Wong and Sartika Ananta, Hanun (2025) Groundwater Level Fluctuations in Cultivated Land on Peatlands in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan. Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, 133 (1). pp. 169-183. ISSN 2289-7879

PDF ARFMTSV133_N1_P169_183.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

The depth of the groundwater table is significant for the sustainability of the peatland environment. One indicator of peatland degradation is the depth of the groundwater table. The decline in groundwater levels is connected to peat fires, where the reduced water levels expose the organic matter on the peatland surface, rendering it dry and flammable. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia regulates peatland ecosystems, and the function of cultivation is declared damaged if the depth of the groundwater table in peatlands is more than 40 cm below the peat surface. Peat is a hydrological regulator and climate controller because it can absorb and store carbon, biodiversity conservation, energy sources, and cultivation sites. This study aims to analyze the hydrological dynamics of cultivated land in the peri-urban areas of Pontianak City by measuring groundwater levels, rainfall, air temperature, water levels in drainage channels, peat depth, and peat physical properties. The findings are expected to provide deeper insights into the interaction between hydrometeorological factors, peat characteristics, and land hydrology conditions, supporting sustainable water management and peatland conservation efforts. The research was conducted in Siantan Hulu Village and Siantan Hilir Village, North Pontianak District, Pontianak City, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Peatlands in the North Pontianak District are included in protected peat indicatives. The groundwater table depth was measured on three community-owned lands planted with aloe vera, papaya, and oil palm, and one location was on secondary forest land. One piezometer was installed within 50 m of the canal at each research site. Groundwater level measurements are carried out daily at 07.00 AM and 4.00 PM for seven days. The physical properties of peat measured in this study are peat depth, content weight, particle-specific gravity, porosity, permeability, gravimetric moisture content, and volumetric moisture content. Rainfall and temperature measurements were conducted daily at 07.00 AM and 4.00 PM for seven days. The results showed that groundwater level fluctuations varied based on the water table in the canal, rain, air temperature, and physical properties of peatlands.

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item