samples with different elevations and depths (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–15 cm, and
20–25 cm) were as many as 760. For peat properties, WSL-MTI analyzed the bulk
density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, moisture content, and ash
content.
3.9 Design of the Large-Scale Eco-Management of Tropical
Peatlands
It is generally believed that peatland management should be primarily concerned
with canal blocking. However, unplanned canal blockings have resulted in an
uneven distribution of GWLs, and the risk of fire increases in areas where the
GWL has been lowered. Moreover, if the GWL becomes too high, the productivity
of cultivated plants will be significantly lower. In peatland management, heterogeneity is a major negative in terms of conservation and economic efficiency. Therefore, it is important to establish not only a water storage function but also a system to
provide water to the peatlands, especially throughout the peat domes.
3.9.1 Design for Water Management Zoning
Based on the topography, peat distribution, and its depths, WSL-MTI had created a
map of water zones covering the inside and outside of the concessions. The water
zones were divided by elevation at intervals of 1 m. Each water zone became a basis
of water management and has been managed by the respective management policy.
For instance, the necessity and number of branch canals, peat dams, spillways, and
other infrastructures have been determined for each water zone (Figs. 3.13, 3.14, and
3.15). Indeed, without the map of water level zones, the GWL cannot be controlled
and the proper water level cannot be adjusted.
3 Large-Scale Practice on Tropical Peatland Eco-Management
109
20–25 cm) were as many as 760. For peat properties, WSL-MTI analyzed the bulk
density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, moisture content, and ash
content.
3.9 Design of the Large-Scale Eco-Management of Tropical
Peatlands
It is generally believed that peatland management should be primarily concerned
with canal blocking. However, unplanned canal blockings have resulted in an
uneven distribution of GWLs, and the risk of fire increases in areas where the
GWL has been lowered. Moreover, if the GWL becomes too high, the productivity
of cultivated plants will be significantly lower. In peatland management, heterogeneity is a major negative in terms of conservation and economic efficiency. Therefore, it is important to establish not only a water storage function but also a system to
provide water to the peatlands, especially throughout the peat domes.
3.9.1 Design for Water Management Zoning
Based on the topography, peat distribution, and its depths, WSL-MTI had created a
map of water zones covering the inside and outside of the concessions. The water
zones were divided by elevation at intervals of 1 m. Each water zone became a basis
of water management and has been managed by the respective management policy.
For instance, the necessity and number of branch canals, peat dams, spillways, and
other infrastructures have been determined for each water zone (Figs. 3.13, 3.14, and
3.15). Indeed, without the map of water level zones, the GWL cannot be controlled
and the proper water level cannot be adjusted.
3 Large-Scale Practice on Tropical Peatland Eco-Management
109