Kajian Sifat Fisik dan Kimia Tanah Gambut Pasca Kebakaran di Kecamatan Sei Kepayang Kabupaten Asahan

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of draining and rewetting peatlands at two sampling depths on changes in the physical and chemical properties of post fire peat. This research was conducted in Dusun XIII, Perbangunan Village, Sei Kepayang District, Asahan, and the Research and Technology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. This research was conducted using a survey method based on the concept of ex-post facto using a Nonfactorial Randomized Group Design with 4 replications. The treatment factor was the drying and rewetting of post-burn peatland at two depths consisting of 6 treatments, namely: unburnt peat in wet condition at a depth of 0-30 cm (G-nb1), unburnt peat in wet condition at a depth of 30-60 cm (G-nb2), post-burnt peat in dry condition at a depth of 0-30 cm (G-bk1), post-burnt peat in dry condition at a depth of 30-60 cm (G-bk2), post-burnt peat in wet condition at a depth of 0-30 cm (G-bb1), and post burnt peat in wet condition at a depth of 30-60 cm (G-bb2). The results showed that post-fire peat underwent changes in the bulk density and color of the peat. However, there were no changes in moisture content and degree of decomposition when compared to unburned peat. In terms of chemical properties, there were changes in peat pH, peat water pH, peat CEC and Kex. However, no changes were found in ash content, C-organic, Naex, Caex, Mgex, and base saturation when compared to unburned peat with unburned peat.