Ameliorasi Formulasi: Unlocking the Potential of Peat Ponds

Transforming degraded peatlands into productive aquaculture ecosystems through scientific approaches

Article Navigation

Peatland Challenges: A Threatened Paradise

Indonesia's peatlands are unique ecosystems storing 20% of the world's carbon reserves. However, when drained for agriculture or aquaculture ponds, these lands undergo massive degradation—pH drops dramatically (to 3-4), toxic aluminum (Al-dd) is released, and essential nutrients like phosphorus become tightly bound. The result? Plummeting fish pond productivity and deteriorating water quality. This is where formulated ameliorants—a smart combination of organic and mineral materials—become a revolutionary solution 1 .

Key Challenges
  • pH drops to 3-4 when drained
  • Toxic aluminum released (2-3 cmol(+)/kg)
  • Phosphorus becomes unavailable
  • High dissolved organic carbon (>50 mg/L)

Deciphering Peat Chemistry Complexity

Acidity & Toxic Metals

Tropical peatlands are ombrogenous (rain-dependent). When drained, pyrite compounds oxidize producing sulfuric acid that lowers pH below 4.0. At this pH, dissolved aluminum reaches toxic levels (2-3 cmol(+)/kg) for microorganisms and fish 1 5 .

Nutrient Deficits

Despite high organic carbon content (≥60%), peat is poor in macro nutrients (N, P, K). Phosphorus is particularly bound by iron and aluminum compounds. Cation Exchange Capacity is very high (≥150 me/100g) but dominated by H⁺ ions .

Water Impact

Peat pond water tends to be acidic (pH 3.5-4.5) with high dissolved organic carbon (>50 mg/L). This reduces light penetration and inhibits phytoplankton growth 3 5 .

Key Experiment: Syafriadiman's Magic Formula in Riau

A research team from Riau University led by Syafriadiman tested formulated ameliorants in peat ponds. This experiment became the foundation for sustainable peatland management innovation 3 .

Methodology
Pond Design:
  • 20 ponds (5x5 m) in peatland (>1 m thickness)
  • Divided into 4 groups: control and three ameliorant doses (A1=10 ton/ha, A2=15 ton/ha, A3=20 ton/ha)
Ameliorant Composition:
  • Dolomite (6.1 ton/ha): Neutralizes acid and suppresses Al-dd
  • Manure (7.5 ton/ha): Supplies N, P, K and decomposer microbes
  • Rice husk biochar (10 ton/ha): Improves porosity and binds toxins
Test Parameters
Soil:
pH Al-dd Available P CEC
Water:
pH DOC NH₃ BOD
Biology:
Phytoplankton Zooplankton

Paradigm-Shifting Results

Table 1: Ameliorant Impact on Peat Chemical Properties
Parameter Control A1 (10 ton/ha) A3 (20 ton/ha)
Soil pH 3.8 4.7 5.2
Al-dd (cmol⁺/kg) 2.10 1.00 0.45
Available P (ppm) 8.5 23.1 38.9
Table 2: Pond Water Quality Response
Parameter Control A1 A3
Water pH 4.1 5.0 6.2
DOC (mg/L) 68.2 42.5 29.7
NH₃ (mg/L) 0.98 0.55 0.31
Key Findings
  • Toxicity Reduction: Al-dd decreased 52-78% thanks to Ca²⁺ ions from dolomite replacing Al³⁺ 1
  • Fertility Boost: Available P increased 4x as ameliorants blocked P-binding sites (Fe and Al)
  • Biota Explosion: Phytoplankton (especially Chlorophyta) increased 300%, supporting fish food chain 3

Scientist's Toolkit: Peat Amelioration Kit

Table 3: Core Ameliorant Materials and Functions
Material Scientific Function Optimal Dose
Dolomite Raises pH, neutralizes Al-dd 4-6 ton/ha
Manure Source of microbes, N, P, K, and humic acid 7.5 ton/ha
Biochar Improves aeration, binds heavy metals 10 ton/ha
Volcanic Ash Supplies silica, enhances P 5 ton/ha
Zeolite Regulates nutrient release, reduces leaching 10 ton/ha
Biochar Innovation

Coffee husk biochar (as tested in West Sumatra) increased CEC by 35% and total nitrogen by 28% thanks to its nano-pore structure that becomes a microbial habitat .

Holistic Impact: From Soil to Natural Feed

Formulated amelioration doesn't just improve soil—it transforms the aquatic ecosystem:

Food Chain Revival

DOC reduction increases light penetration, triggering phytoplankton growth. Zooplankton like Rotifera increased 150%, becoming natural fish feed 3 .

Water Detoxification

Ammonium (NH₃) decreased 68% due to biochar adsorption and enhanced nitrification activity at neutral pH 5 .

Fertilization Efficiency

Peat's previously "unproductive" CEC now effectively stores fertilizer nutrients, reducing leaching by 40% 1 .

Table 4: Pond Biota Productivity Improvement
Biota Control (ind/L) A3 (20 ton/ha) Change
Phytoplankton 12,500 38,000 +204%
Zooplankton 850 2,100 +147%
Benthos 1,200 3,800 +217%

Future: From Research to Action

The findings of Syafriadiman and team aren't just data—they've been adopted by farmers in Kapuas (Central Kalimantan) with the "IR66 in Rainy Season, Martapura in Dry Season" pattern. Combining rice varieties with formulated ameliorants increased rice yields to 4.36 ton/ha 1 .

Future Challenges
Local Biochar

Utilizing agricultural waste (husks, empty palm fruit bunches) to reduce costs

Precision Dosing

IoT sensors for real-time peat pH/moisture monitoring

Peat Restoration

Potential application in rewetting degraded peatlands

Conclusion

Formulated ameliorants are "catalysts" that transform peat from marginal land into productive ecosystems. They address three problems simultaneously: soil chemistry, water quality, and food chain foundations—proof that ecology and agriculture can go hand in hand.

References