Abstract:
Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu (GSK-BB) Biosphere Reserve is one of the areas in
Riau Province which has the largest area of peatland. Most of the peatlands in
Riau have been converted into plantations and industrial plantations (HTI). The
conversion of land functions has an impact on changes in vegetation, decreases in
the surface of the peat, and affects the quality of the peat soil. This study aimed to
determine the effectiveness of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis
measurement as an indicator of peat soil quality. In addition, measurements of the
physico-chemical characteristics of the soil were also carried out. Peat soil
samples were taken from secondary forest (HS), industrial forest plantations
(HTI), oil palm plantations (KS), rubber gardens (KK), burnt land (LBT), and
restoration land (LR) using a purposive sampling method. Soil physicochemical
characters were calculated using standard methods with varying pH results
between 3,22-4,22, soil temperature ranged from 27,0-30,25 ℃, soil volume
weight ranged from 0,16 to 0,21 g/cm3, soil dry weight ranged from 0,18 to 0,24
g, and groundwater content ranged from 282,02- 442,42 %. The FDA hydrolysis
activity ranged from 37,15 to 91,17 μg fluorescein/g soil dry weight/hour. Rubber
plantation locations had the highest FDA hydrolysis activity and industrial
plantations had the lowest hydrolysis activity. In general, land use change has an
effect on changes in the physicochemical character of the soil and the hydrolysis
activity of the FDA. From the research results, it can be concluded that the
measurement of FDA hydrolysis activity is effective enough to be used as an
indicator of the quality of peat soils.
