Abstract—Conversion of peat land into pineapple farm by small scale farmers had resulted in modification of soil chemistry and microstructures, which was inadequately discussed in Malaysia. This study was designed to monitor the implications of pineapple cultivation on chemistry and microstructure of peat soils. Microscopic study verified samples from pineapple field demonstrate a highly degradable peat materials compared to natural peat. Despite the presence of fertilization in pineapple plot, nutrient availability specifically total N, available P, and exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and Na is much lower than natural plot. This study suggested the dynamics of peat chemistry is much affected by acidic condition and degradation of peat materials, which is highly dependent on creation of aerobic and anaerobic environment.

 

Index Terms—peat, chemistry, microstructure, FESEM, pineapple

Cite: Nur Qursyna Boll Kassim and Adzmi Yaacob, "Chemistry and Microstructure of Surface Peat Soils: Implications of Pineapple Cultivation," Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 23-27, March 2017. Doi: 10.18178/joaat.4.1.23-27