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Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a major contributor to global vegetable oil production; however, ensuring its sustainability remains a critical challenge, particularly concerning soil health. In this study, we investigated the impact of long-term organic matter application as part of good soil management (GSM) practices on oil palm plantations and compared it with poor soil management practices to determine the presence of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in soil communities. The ten-years regular application of organic matter to the soil in the GSM plots led to notable improvements in soil chemical properties, including total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and cation exchange capacity. Metagenomic analysis revealed a significantly higher abundance of beneficial microbial species exclusively found in GSM plots, supporting oil palm growth. Furthermore, a novel finding emerged from this study, as it successfully predicted the metabolic function of PGPB in soil communities using PICRUST2 provided by the soil microbiome. PICRUST2 analysis indicated that the long-term application of organic matter in GSM plots increased functional enzymes related to PGP activities, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, potassium solubilization, and phytohormone synthesis. This study underscores the significance of implementing GSM practices in oil palm plantations by incorporating eco-friendly materials, such as organic matter, to enhance soil health and fertility and ensure oil palm sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land reform policy constituted guidelines to ensure equitable distribution of land geared at promoting the development of a nation. The aim of this study was to investigate the adequacies of the land reform policy in Côte d‘Ivoire in promoting agribusiness, both from content-based analysis and local perspectives, using oil palm plantation farming in South Comoé as a case study. Qualitative methods were employed, including individuals and focus group discussion. The findings from the content analysis revealed inadequacies in the policy on issues of land acquisition, tenureship and benefit sharing mechanisms. The above findings were corroborated by the views of various stakeholders. For example, local actors revealed the lack of secured tenure rights for rural community members operating under the customary system and their non-involvement in negotiations on land acquisition for plantation farming and the attendant benefits from such investments. Therefore, the adoption and implementation of policy that strengthen land tenure system, enhance land leasing practices and eliminate intermediaries in land acquisition process are recommended. The outcome of this study, therefore, contributed to the quest for a strong institutional and legislative basis for the establishment and growth of agribusiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation in Indonesia remains a significant issue due to various factors. This article reveals the impact of demographic variables on deforestation, using oil palm plantation expansion as a case study. The study applies Hunter's model, considering population dynamics and intermediate variables, namely science and technology, institutions, policies, and culture. Through traditional literature review methods, demographic data and field research results from 2010 to 2020 were elaborated, focusing on Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. The findings underline that Indonesian rapid population growth drives high consumption rates. Additionally, the development of oil palm plantations is faced with high demand for CPO, policies that attach too much importance to investment, and agrarian deregulation. All these intermediate variables are visible through the agricultural expansion as a pattern of agricultural development. The massive expansion by private companies resulted in a change in the socio-ecological landscape. In addition, there are dilemmas in the villager's livelihood system, such as shifting traditional livelihood bases, livelihood dualism, the emergence of new vulnerabilities, and land grabs. In order to realize sustainable palm oil development, we suggest governance reforms at the global, national, and local levels.

This research seeks to elucidate the conflict over PT PHP I's Cultivation Rights Title (HGU), claimed as customary land by some communities in Nagari Kapa. It aims to detail the customary elements that legitimized the 1997 land rights transfer to the West Pasaman Regency government. The issue stems from internal conflicts among Nagari Kapa's customary elites, impacting PT PHP I as the HGU holder. The disputed area encompasses 315 hectares of PT PHP I's land, occupied by the community since 2020. Using ethnographic methods, the study explores community and tribal leaders' (Ninik Mamak) perspectives on customs and land status. Interviews were conducted with 10 groups of tenant farmers on PT PHP I's core HGU land and 5 Ninik Mamak. Findings reveal that land status, under the Babingkah Adat system, is determined by the Pucuk Adat and transferred according to Adat Diisi Limbago Dituang and Siliah Jariah customary requirements. However, some community members oppose this mechanism, occupying land designated as PT PHP I's HGU, and thus, they collectively claim the land as customary territory of the Nagari Kapa community.

The conversion of tropical peat swamp forests to oil palm plantations has become a focal point in relation to global change. However, it is difficult to understand the ecological consequences of this conversion because little is known about how the microorganisms in these ecosystems respond to landuse conversion. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the microbial community structures of tropical peatland under two land uses, peat swamp forest and oil palm plantation (OP), to investigate how changes in local environmental conditions due to the conversion from forest to OP may have affected the microbial communities. For each land use, the microbial communities were assessed at three depths (0-5 cm, 20-25 cm, and 40-50 cm) using meta-16S amplicon analysis with Illumina Miseq. We found that the microbial communities under both land uses were dominated by anaerobes and fermenters, such as Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, which accounted for 80%-90% of the total abundance. There were strong similarities between the microbial communities in the 0-5 cm forest samples and the OP samples at all depths. However, the microbial communities in the 20-25 cm and 40-50 cm forest samples were different from the other samples. The differences in the deeper forest samples were likely related to water table and peat quality. CO2 fluxes from the forest were significantly higher than from OP, with mean fluxes of 190 ± 66.92 and 57.86 ± 33.66 mg m-2 h-1, respectively (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in either CH4 or N2O fluxes between the forest and OP. We detected nine microbial taxa that characterized the differences in the microbial communities between the forest and OP (p > 0.05); Bathyarchaeia, Dadabacteriales, Syntrophobacter, and Subgroup_13 were significantly more abundant in the forest, especially in the deeper peat layers, whereas Acidobacter, Bryobacter, 11-24, Leptospirillum, and WPS-2 were significantly more abundant in the OP (p > 0.05). This study helps improve our understanding of the differences in microbial community structures between peat swamp forests and OP systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of a finding a Lutra lutra in the wild was recorded by a camera trap. Then we report a new record of the existence of Lutra sumatrana in the central part of the island of Sumatra and a new record in Indonesia of the existence of three sympatric otter species in one habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the fact that any anthropogenic load or economic activity has an impact on the functioning of natural ecosystems, as demonstrated by the widespread practice of oil palm expansion. The purpose of this study was to develop methods for assessing strategies that play an important role in strengthening measures to protect biodiversity and ecosystems in Africa and Latin America, considering the impact of the decisions of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The study considers the materials of various international organisations on the problems of biodiversity related to climate crises, inefficient territorial planning, expansion of land for growing crops that deplete the soil or reduce the area of land needed to accommodate biota. The paper presents a sequence of steps to assess the impact of the decisions of the United Nations Climate Change Conference on biodiversity and ecosystems. The aspects of conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in the context of the expansion of palm plantations are substantiated. The indicators of the ratio between the available land area for palm oil cultivation and the area threatening to reduce the biodiversity of Africa are analysed. Environmental solutions are substantiated, which correspond to the provisions of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in the context of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, taking into account the expansion of large areas for palm plantations in Colombia. The practical significance of this study lies in the development of a methodology for the economic and mathematical assessment of the decisions of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which affect the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and are the driving mechanism in creating an effective control system for tracking oil palm plantations, territorial development with the least environmental losses and high economic efficiency

Drainage associated with land use change in tropical peatlands has increased the rate of decomposition of peat soils and contributed to CO2 emissions. Increased decomposition may result in changes in the composition of the soil organic carbon (SOC). We examined the carbon functional group composition and degree of decomposition of peat soils under five different land uses to understand the effects of changing management intensity on tropical peatland soils. Samples were collected from seven sites spanning five different land uses (forest, shrubland, fernland, revegetation, smallholder oil palm) at the Pedamaran peatland in South Sumatra, Indonesia. SOC composition, measured by Solid-state 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, was dominated by the alkyl carbon (C) functional group in managed peatlands. However, in the forest far from drainage canals, the SOC comprised predominantly O-alkyl C. The contributions of the functional groups ketone C, carbonyl C and O-aryl C were low and tended to occur in stable proportions throughout the soil profiles. Drainage and land use change significantly affected peat carbon chemistry. The effects were greatest under oil palm, where O-alkyl C had been depleted rapidly under aerobic conditions leading to a change in the dominant carbon functional group from O-alkyl C to alkyl C. Furthermore, our results indicate that the alkyl C:O-alkyl C ratio is a more useful and informative indicator of the degree of decomposition of peat soil than the traditionally used C:N ratio. This more nuanced understanding of the different types of carbon that make up tropical peat soils under different land uses can be applied to support peatland restoration. In particular, nutrient cycling and water availability are likely to be influenced by carbon functional group and degree of decomposition. In order to reduce fire risk and support Indonesia’s aspirations to manage the national forest estate as a net carbon sink, further research into the links between peat soil organic carbon chemistry, revegetation performance and new peat accumulation is recommended.

Compaction is recognized as an effective method for mitigating the risk of fires by enhancing soil moisture levels. This technique involves restricting peat pore spaces through compaction, facilitating improved capillary action for water retention and rehydration. The compaction of tropical peatlands, while beneficial for fire prevention, has the potential to influence biogeochemical processes and subsequent carbon emissions. The magnitude of compaction and groundwater level are strongly coupled in such environments, making it difficult to distinguish the control of physicochemical properties. Therefore, this study seeks to understand how peat compaction affects its properties, carbon emissions, and their relationship, with a focus on geophysical processes. Intact peat samples were collected from a secondary peat swamp forest and an oil palm plantation in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Compaction treatments were applied to achieve three levels of volume reduction. CO2 and CH4 emissions were measured using an automated gas analyzer, and the physicochemical properties of the peat were determined. The results revealed that mechanical compaction significantly altered the physicochemical properties of the secondary forest peat, displaying an opposite pattern to the oil palm plantation, particularly regarding total nitrogen and sulfur. Moreover, the average reduction percentage ratio of CO2 emissions (from 275.4 to 182.0 mg m-2 hr-1; 33.9%) to CH4 uptakes (from -17.8 to -5.2 µg m-2 hr-1; 70.1%) (~1:2) indicated distinct stages of decomposition and translocation of less decomposed peat to deeper layers due to compaction, predominantly in secondary peat swamp forest samples. The oil palm plantation samples were unaffected by compaction in terms of physicochemical properties and carbon emissions, indicating the ineffectiveness of this approach for reducing fire risk in already drained systems. This study underscores the necessity of understanding the effects of compaction in the absence of groundwater to accurately evaluate the widespread application of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of tropical peat swamp forests to oil palm plantations has become a focal point in relation to global change. However, it is difficult to understand the ecological consequences of this conversion because little is known about how the microorganisms in these ecosystems respond to land-use conversion. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the microbial community structures of tropical peatland under two land uses, peat swamp forest and oil palm plantation (OP), to investigate how changes in local environmental conditions due to the conversion from forest to OP may have affected the microbial communities. For each land use, the microbial communities were assessed at three depths (0–5 cm, 20–25 cm, and 40–50 cm) using meta-16S amplicon analysis with Illumina Miseq. We found that the microbial communities under both land uses were dominated by anaerobes and fermenters, such as Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, which accounted for 80%–90% of the total abundance. There were strong similarities between the microbial communities in the 0–5 cm forest samples and the OP samples at all depths. However, the microbial communities in the 20–25 cm and 40–50 cm forest samples were different from the other samples. The differences in the deeper forest samples were likely related to water table and peat quality. CO2 fluxes from the forest were significantly higher than from OP, with mean fluxes of 190 ± 66.92 and 57.86 ± 33.66 mg m−2 h−1, respectively (p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in either CH4 or N2O fluxes between the forest and OP. We detected nine microbial taxa that characterized the differences in the microbial communities between the forest and OP (p > 0.05); Bathyarchaeia, Dadabacteriales, Syntrophobacter, and Subgroup_13 were significantly more abundant in the forest, especially in the deeper peat layers, whereas Acidobacter, Bryobacter, 11–24, Leptospirillum, and WPS-2 were significantly more abundant in the OP (p > 0.05). This study helps improve our understanding of the differences in microbial community structures between peat swamp forests and OP systems.

Compaction is recognized as an effective method for mitigating the risk of fires by enhancing soil moisture levels. This technique involves restricting peat pore spaces through compaction, facilitating improved capillary action for water retention and rehydration. The compaction of tropical peatlands, while beneficial for fire prevention, has the potential to influence biogeochemical processes and subsequent carbon emissions. The magnitude of compaction and groundwater level are strongly coupled in such environments, making it difficult to distinguish the control of physicochemical properties. Therefore, this study seeks to understand how peat compaction affects its properties, carbon emissions, and their relationship, with a focus on geophysical processes. Intact peat samples were collected from a secondary peat swamp forest and an oil palm plantation in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Compaction treatments were applied to achieve three levels of volume reduction. CO2 and CH4 emissions were measured using an automated gas analyzer, and the physicochemical properties of the peat were determined. The results revealed that mechanical compaction significantly altered the physicochemical properties of the secondary forest peat, displaying an opposite pattern to the oil palm plantation, particularly regarding total nitrogen and sulfur. Moreover, the average reduction percentage ratio of CO2 emissions (from 275.4 to 182.0 mg m-2 hr-1; 33.9%) to CH4 uptakes (from -17.8 to -5.2 µg m-2 hr-1; 70.1%) (~1:2) indicated distinct stages of decomposition and translocation of less decomposed peat to deeper layers due to compaction, predominantly in secondary peat swamp forest samples. The oil palm plantation samples were unaffected by compaction in terms of physicochemical properties and carbon emissions, indicating the ineffectiveness of this approach for reducing fire risk in already drained systems. This study underscores the necessity of understanding the effects of compaction in the absence of groundwater to accurately evaluate the widespread application of this technique.

Drainage associated with land use change in tropical peatlands has increased the rate of decomposition of peat soils and contributed to CO2 emissions. Increased decomposition may result in changes in the composition of the soil organic carbon (SOC). We examined the carbon functional group composition and degree of decomposition of peat soils under five different land uses to understand the effects of changing management intensity on tropical peatland soils. Samples were collected from seven sites spanning five different land uses (forest, shrubland, fernland, revegetation, smallholder oil palm) at the Pedamaran peatland in South Sumatra, Indonesia. SOC composition, measured by Solid-state 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, was dominated by the alkyl carbon (C) functional group in managed peatlands. However, in the forest far from drainage canals, the SOC comprised predominantly O-alkyl C. The contributions of the functional groups ketone C, carbonyl C and O-aryl C were low and tended to occur in stable proportions throughout the soil profiles. Drainage and land use change significantly affected peat carbon chemistry. The effects were greatest under oil palm, where O-alkyl C had been depleted rapidly under aerobic conditions leading to a change in the dominant carbon functional group from O-alkyl C to alkyl C. Furthermore, our results indicate that the alkyl C:O-alkyl C ratio is a more useful and informative indicator of the degree of decomposition of peat soil than the traditionally used C:N ratio. This more nuanced understanding of the different types of carbon that make up tropical peat soils under different land uses can be applied to support peatland restoration. In particular, nutrient cycling and water availability are likely to be influenced by carbon functional group and degree of decomposition. In order to reduce fire risk and support Indonesia's aspirations to manage the national forest estate as a net carbon sink, further research into the links between peat soil organic carbon chemistry, revegetation performance and new peat accumulation is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical peatlands serve as huge carbon (C) pools in the global C balance, and degradation due to agricultural use is a major concern. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between the C loss rate in agriculturally drained tropical peat soils in relation to groundwater level (GWL) and the chemical structure of the resulting soil organic matter (SOM). Soil mesocosms containing three peat soils collected from three forest types in Malaysia, Mixed peat swamp (MPS), Alan Batu (ABt), and Alan Bunga (ABg) forests, which are classified based on dominant plant species, species diversity, and forest structure, were buried in an oil palm plantation for a period of five years. Soil samples packed in the top layer (0–20 cm depth) and the bottom (60–80 cm depth) layer were then analyzed and the results were compared with the initial values for these soils. Weight loss, total C and N contents, ash content, and pyrophosphate solubility index (PSI; an index of the degree of humification) were measured. Changes in the chemical structure of the SOC were investigated using solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with phase-adjusted spinning side bands and thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (THM-GC/MS). The C loss in the MPS forest soil, 2–12%, was smaller than that in the ABt and ABg forest soils, 20–37%, especially in the bottom layer. The higher C loss in the ABt and ABg soils, without significant difference between the top and bottom layers, can be attributed to the greater accumulation of less decomposed plant components as evidenced by the larger yields of lignin-derived phenols and polysaccharide-related compounds in THM-GC/MS analysis. The C composition as estimated by 13C NMR did not vary during incubation of the ABt and ABg soils while the yields of lignin-derived and other phenols as well as polysaccharide-related compounds in THM-GC/MS were decreased, especially in the top layer. These findings suggest that plant components with a low degree of decomposition are susceptible to drainage regardless of their structure. The progression of the oxidative degradation of lignin in the top layer of all soils was also suggested by the increases in PSI and the vanillic acid/vanillin ratio. The % O-alkyl C and % alkyl C may control the rate of C loss positively and negatively, respectively. PSI also appears to be useful for roughly estimating the decomposability of tropical peat SOM in various GWLs.

Mosquito surveillance programmes are essential to assess the risks of local vector-borne disease outbreaks as well as for early detection of mosquito invasion events. Surveys are usually performed with traditional sampling tools (i.e., ovitraps and dipping method for immature stages or light or decoy traps for adults). Over the past decade, numerous studies have highlighted that environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling can enhance invertebrate species detection and provide community composition metrics. However, the usefulness of eDNA for detection of mosquito species has, to date, been largely neglected. Here, we sampled water from potential larval breeding sites along a gradient of anthropogenic perturbations, from the core of an oil palm plantation to the rainforest on São Tomé Island (Gulf of Guinea, Africa). We showed that (i) species of mosquitoes could be detected via metabarcoding mostly when larvae were visible, (ii) larvae species richness was greater using eDNA than visual identification and (iii) new mosquito species were also detected by the eDNA approach. We provide a critical discussion of the pros and cons of eDNA metabarcoding for monitoring mosquito species diversity and recommendations for future research directions that could facilitate the adoption of eDNA as a tool for assessing insect vector communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of the oil palm plantations impact on biodiversity mostly compares oil palm plantations to natural forests. However, in reality, most land cover types before oil palm plantation establishment are no longer primary forests. Observations were made on two oil palm plantations (2 companies) in the West Kalimantan Province. Tracking data on the origin of land cover types was carried out using an interview method and analysis of the interpretation of land satellite imagery. The results showed that the baseline of oil palm plantations studied were shrubs/fields and secondary forests. The number of species (mammals and birds) in the oil palm area was higher than in the baseline area. The establishment of oil palm plantations originally in the form of shrubs or fields has affected the increasing diversity of mammals (3 species) and birds (11 species). The same results were also observed in areas that were originally in the form of secondary fields and forests, which also increased the number of species of mammals (5 species) and birds (18 species). Thus, it can be concluded that the land cover changes in 2 oil palm plantations studied has a positive impact on the mammals and birds’ species diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaysia's palm oil exports may experience a steady increase due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Although the demand for palm oil is increasing, there is still a significant labor shortage in the plantation industry. As a result, the use of machinery has become a key component in Malaysia's oil palm plantation industries, particularly for in-field collection. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a three-wheeler machine and BAIC as a harvesting mechanization in the oil palm estate. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study involved a time and motion study to make a comparison between the performance of a three-wheeler machine and BAIC. Findings: The trials proved that the total average productivity for three-wheeler machines and BAIC is 12.81 mt/day and 4.55 mt/day, respectively. Additionally, the average productivity for each harvester that uses a three-wheeler machine is 3.2 MT/day/harvester, while for BAIC it is 2.27 MT/day/harvester. The cost-effectiveness of a three-wheeler machine is MYR 7.28/mt/harvester, while for BAIC it is MYR 1.41/mt/harvester (MYR = Malaysian Ringgit). Conclusion: The use of a three-wheeler machine has been proven to increase the productivity of FFBs. Although using a three-wheeler machine requires more caution, it really makes the in-field collection process for labour much easier for the laborers, ultimately improving productivity rates and increasing laborers' pay. Research Limitations: It is quite difficult to find an estate that still uses buffalo for in-field collection because most of the estates have switched to machinery. Practical Implications: This research can be used as a reference and guidelines to improve estate management and ensures the sustainability of the oil palm industry around the world. Contribution to Literature: The literature on BAIC will be expanded by this study, particularly in the area of oil palm plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm plantations have dramatically expanded in tropical Asia over the past decades. Although their establishment has been projected to increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, earlier reports have shown inconsistent results. This study analyzed these previously published data to compare N2O emissions in oil palm plantations to reference forests. A linear mixed-effects model was used to examine the significance of the effect of establishing oil palm plantations on N2O emissions, rather than to calculate mean effect sizes because of limitations in the data structure. The results indicated that N2O emissions were significantly greater from oil palm plantations than from reference forests, as expected. This is the first study to report the effect of oil palm plantations on N2O emissions by synthesizing previously published data. To quantify the size of this effect, additional studies with frequent and long-term monitoring data are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that oil palm is one of the most efficient and productive oil crops. However, oil palm agriculture is also one of the threats to tropical biodiversity. This study aims to investigate how set-aside areas in an oil palm plantation affect bird biodiversity. The research area includes two set-asides areas: peat swamp forest and riparian reserves and two oil palm sites adjacent to reserved forest sites. A total of 3,074 birds comprising 100 species from 34 families were observed in an oil palm plantation landscape on peatland located in the northern part of Borneo, Sarawak, Malaysia. Results showed that efforts by set-asides forest areas in large scale of oil palm dominated landscapes supported distinct bird species richness. High percentage of the canopies and shrub covers had a positive effect on bird species richness at area between oil palm and peat swamp forest. Herbaceous cover with height less than 1 m influenced the abundance of birds in the plantation closed to the peat swamp forest. The set-aside areas in oil palm plantations are essential in supporting bird’s refuges and should be part of oil palm landscape management to improve biodiversity conservation. Thus, provided the forest set-aside areas are large enough and risks to biodiversity and habitat are successfully managed, oil palm can play an important role in biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil palm plantation industry has been competitive in the face of the global economy. Competitive advantage can be created through employees and organizations. Work engagement is the primary antecedent of a successful organization. This study is to investigate work-family conflict, and personality traits that determine work engagement among oil palm plantation officers. Participants were 782 executive officers from 36 oil palm plantation estates. The Hierarchical regression analysis showed that work-family conflict and personality traits are predictors of work engagement. Work-family conflict and neuroticism traits are associated with a low level of work engagement. Meanwhile, extraversion trait, agreeableness trait, openness to experience trait, and conscientiousness trait are associated with a high level of work engagement. The demands of work, job resources, and personal resources contribute to work engagement. These findings could be a policy in balancing work-family and training programs to develop employment opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development policies implemented in Jambi Province, Indonesia, since the New Order era, have encouraged transformations in demography, regional paradigms, growth base sectors, and growth actors. This study aims to understand how the central government's demographic policies and plantation development program have impacted regional land cover change, rural development transformation, and economic development in Sumatra Island's biodiversity-rich rainforest region (Jambi Province). This study explores the shifts in village typology that have occurred. Descriptive analysis and cluster analysis were applied to collect data at the provincial level that included population, poverty rate, levels of education, HDI, GRDP, Gini index, and land cover. Village Potential Data at the village level was then used to build an infrastructure index and a diversity of activities index. The results of this study indicated that macro development indicators are in a positive trend: HDI, educational levels, GRDP per capita, and the proportion of the tertiary sector in GRDP have all increased. The growth of the tertiary sector was largely driven by the trade and motorized-vehicle repair sectors. The provincial landscape has changed significantly due to the expansion of oil palm plantations. At the village level, the infrastructure index and diversity index show an increase in the number of facilities and variations in economic activity in most villages. Some shifts in rural typology are highlighted: the increase in urban villages and in villages that specialize in oil palm plantation or other industrial plantation crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Studies on the social impacts of oil palm development have focused on various communities with distinct characteristics. Due to the rarity of comparative investigations, this study aimed to examine the impact of oil palm plantation expansion on the Suku Anak Dalam, Jambi Malay, and the Javanese transmigrant, the three communities with different socio-economic characteristics. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted to understand the communities' interaction and dependence on forest resources. The study also conducted a household census to assess 67 Malay and 66 Javanese transmigrant families. However, a household census could not be conducted to asses 45 families of the Suku Anak Dalam due to some limitations. This necessitated indirect data collection through the community leader. The results showed that the oil palm development significantly and negatively impacts the Suku Anak Dalam more than the Malay community and the Javanese transmigrant. The Suku Anak Dalam face difficulties in meeting their basic needs because the conversion of forest areas into oil palm plantations has reduced their access to these resources. In contrast, the Malay community and the Javanese transmigrants have enjoyed various benefits, such as ownership of oil palm gardens, employment opportunities as daily laborers, and partnerships with companies through the nucleus-plasma program. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to protect the Suku Anak Dalam community from the negative impacts of oil palm plantation development activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Management & Agribusiness / Jurnal Manajemen & Agribisnis is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The development of oil palm has a significant impact on Indonesia's economic growth. Therefore, this study seeks to analyze the company’s strategy, government policies, and partnership in the joint performance of oil plantation companies in Indonesia. This study used a qualitative approach, data obtained through interviews and document review. The result showed that accelerating, strengthening, and socializing the implementation of joint performance using the existing network established by palm oil plantations combined with the government’s support is the best strategy for developing sustainable policies for the Indonesian palm oil plantation sector.

Unpredictable conditions of rice cultivation on fragile peatlands in Indonesia due to land-use changes would be an obstacle to agricultural food production and food security. This study aimed to determine the changes in land usage in Bengkulu, from prospective rice fields to oil palm plantations. The study was conducted from June to October 2020 at Air Manjuto irrigation paddy fields in Mukomuko Regency, Bengkulu Province. The analysis used satellite imagery with appropriate resolutions and multitemporal time from the United States Geological Survey's Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper + (ETM+), and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) collected from the years of 2000, 2008, and 2019. (USGS). The landscapes covering the Air Manjuto area were mostly marginal swampy peaty soils with ordo of Inceptisols, Histosols, and Entisols, which favor intensive rice cultivation. Oil palm plantation covers about 80% of the area, and in the last ten years, the cultivation by small-scale farmers increased sharply, about 8,219 ha or 68% from the previous decade, and no bush and bare land. In contrast, rice fields were an extraordinary loss of 6,819 ha or about 74% in the last decade, from 9,187 ha in 2008 to 2,308 ha in 2019. The loss of a huge area for rice cultivation at the Air Manjuto irrigation area threatens production in Bengkulu. The loss should be reversed through supporting infrastructure facilities and incentives, agrochemical subsidies, and agricultural insurances, and no more rice fields should be converted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predation by insectivorous birds is naturally considered as an important biological pest control in oil palm plantations. The abundance and species richness of insectivorous birds and their arthropod preys were examined along a distance gradient from secondary forest into the oil palm plantation at SALCRA Stenggang Oil Palm Estate in Bau, Sarawak between March to August 2020. The point count survey (total effort of 600 minutes), recorded 318 insectivorous birds representing 35 species from 18 families. Pitfall traps and sticky traps (total effort of 300 trap nights) collectively recorded the highest arthropod count in secondary forests. The results suggested that the decline in the abundance and diversity of insectivorous birds are mostly due to the increasing distance from the forest edge, while it diminishes the predation pressure on arthropod prey. The increase in insectivorous birds has a negative effect on arthropod abundance at secondary forests and forest edge, but not within the interior of oil palm plantations. This study proposed retaining natural forest found within and surrounding the oil palm plantation, as this is imperative for the ecological biodiversity to naturally spill over the predator movement into the oil palm plantation for the provision of important ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm plantations are the most invasive land use changes in Southeast Asia. It must have affected unique natural biodiversity. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of soil bacteria based on 16S rRNA gene profiles from tropical forest and oil palm plantation in Jambi Province, Indonesia. Soil sample was taken from tropical forest and oil palm plantation from Jambi province, Indonesia. The forest site is in Bukit Duabelas National Park, and the nearby oil palm plantation is in Sarolangun District, Jambi Province, Indonesia. The diversity of bacterial communities from topsoil was studied using Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA gene and common biodiversity indices. PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene was successfully conducted primers-using 33F/518R primers. Phylogenetic approach was used for revealing the community shift of bacterial phyla and genera in both areas. Phylogenetic analysis showed there were 4 phyla of bacteria i.e., Firmicutes, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, respectively. Actinobacteria was the most dominant group in both areas. The composition of soil bacterial community in the oil palm plantation, based on total number of bands 16S rRNA generated from DGGE was richer than that in the Bukit Dua Belas National Park. It was probably caused by plantation year circle more than 10 years and routine activities during the plantation management, such as applications of agricultural lime, herbicide and fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used worldwide for the control of rodent pests and are the main method of control of rat pest populations in agricultural areas. The main aim of this review is to discuss the risk of ARs to non-target wildlife in oil palm areas in Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia and Malaysia. We discussed AR use in oil palm areas and toxicities of ARs on target and non-target animals. We also reviewed published literature on wildlife species reported in oil palm areas in Southeast Asia and utilizing this information, we assessed the hazard risk of ARs to non-target wildlife in oil palm plantations. ARs are a secondary exposure hazard to rodent-consuming mammalian carnivores, such as leopard cats and civets, and rodent-consuming raptors, such as barn owls. Consumption of dead poisoned prey puts scavengers, such as water monitors, at high risk for AR exposure. Domestic livestock and granivorous birds are at high risk for AR exposure via primary exposure to toxic bait, while omnivores such as macaques and wild pigs are at moderate risk for both primary and secondary exposure to ARs. The effects of ARs on barn owls have been well studied in the field and in laboratory secondary toxicity studies. Thus, the nest-box occupancy and reproductive parameters of local barn owl populations can be monitored as an indicator of the AR exposure level in the area. Clinical Trials Registration: No clinical trials were involved in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm plantations are the fundamental units in a palm supply chain. The fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield at a plantation varies based on the maturity (age) of the oil palm trees. Failure to account for the maturity can lead to a demand-supply mismatch. To address this issue, Rajakal et al. (2021) have developed a mathematical optimisation model to determine the optimal maturity of the plantations needed to meet the crude palm oil demand. This article presents the data set on the FFB production and land use change (LUC) emissions at the plantations. The model was coded and solved in LINGO 18.0. The data can be used for further investigation in optimising other related activities in a palm supply chain.

The development policies implemented in Jambi Province, Indonesia, since the New Order era, have encouraged transformations in demography, regional paradigms, growth base sectors, and growth actors. This study aims to understand how the central government’s demographic policies and plantation development program have impacted regional land cover change, rural development transformation, and economic development in Sumatra Island’s biodiversity-rich rainforest region (Jambi Province). This study explores the shifts in village typology that have occurred. Descriptive analysis and cluster analysis were applied to collect data at the provincial level that included population, poverty rate, levels of education, HDI, GRDP, Gini index, and land cover. Village Potential Data at the village level was then used to build an infrastructure index and a diversity of activities index. The results of this study indicated that macro development indicators are in a positive trend: HDI, educational levels, GRDP per capita, and the proportion of the tertiary sector in GRDP have all increased. The growth of the tertiary sector was largely driven by the trade and motorized-vehicle repair sectors. The provincial landscape has changed significantly due to the expansion of oil palm plantations. At the village level, the infrastructure index and diversity index show an increase in the number of facilities and variations in economic activity in most villages. Some shifts in rural typology are highlighted: the increase in urban villages and in villages that specialize in oil palm plantation or other industrial plantation crops.

In Sumatra, Indonesia, increased oil palm production encourages land expansion for oil palm plantations. And soil Actinobacteria have a potential role in agriculture and plantations ecosystems. The use of fertilizer and herbicide affects soil microbial diversity, including Actinobacteria. This research analyzed and investigated the community composition and diversity of Actinobacteria in soils of oil palm plantations in Jambi Sumatra. Amplicon-based analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 hypervariable region) was used to amplify actinobacterial full-length 16S sequences. The V3-V4 actinobacterial specific 16S rRNA gene sequencing was done using Next-Generation Sequencing. This study confirmed that actinobacterial specific 16S rRNA gene primer could amplify the actinobacterial 16S rRNA gene. Frankiales dominated the community composition of soilborne Actinobacteria. The diversity and community composition of soilborne Actinobacteria were not significantly affected by the interaction between fertilization and weed treatments. Furthermore, the use of NPK fertilizer significantly affected the abundance of Kineosporiales, whose abundance increased with the increasing concentration of NPK fertilizer. The interaction between fertilization and weeding treatments in the oil palm plantations has no impact on soil Actinobacteria's community composition and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm plantations are the most invasive land use changes in Southeast Asia. It must have affected unique natural biodiversity. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of soil bacteria based on 16S rRNA gene profiles from tropical forest and oil palm plantation in Jambi Province, Indonesia. Soil sample was taken from tropical forest and oil palm plantation from Jambi province, Indonesia. The forest site is in Bukit Duabelas National Park, and the nearby oil palm plantation is in Sarolangun District, Jambi Province, Indonesia. The diversity of bacterial communities from topsoil was studied using Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA gene and common biodiversity indices. PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene was successfully conducted primers-using 33F/ 518R primers. Phylogenetic approach was used for revealing the community shift of bacterial phyla and genera in both areas. Phylogenetic analysis showed there were 4 phyla of bacteria i.e., Firmicutes, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, respectively. Actinobacteria was the most dominant group in both areas. The composition of soil bacterial community in the oil palm plantation, based on total number of bands 16S rRNA generated from DGGE was richer than that in the Bukit Dua Belas National Park. It was probably caused by plantation year circle more than 10 years and routine activities during the plantation management, such as applications of agricultural lime, herbicide and fertilizer.

Several previous studies stated that land cover changes to oil palm plantations caused the loss of wildlife species, one of which was from the mammals. Therefore, data on the magnitude of this type of loss is needed. This study estimates the amount of loss and gain of mammal species due to the development of oil palm plantations. Data were taken by direct observation (strip transect method) in parallel at the oil palm plantation of PT. Rambang Agro Jaya, South Sumatra. This research was conducted on the land cover before (shrubs) and after the development of oil palm plantations. The study shows that the change from shrubs to oil palm plantations does not change the number of mammal species but increases the species richness index and decreases the species richness index. The similarity index of shrubs and oil palm plantation is 0.56. The development of oil palm plantations also causes the loss and gain of mammal species with the same percentage of 67%. The presence of mammals in oil palm plantation is thought to be due to the feed availability.

From 1999 onwards, level, lowland forests (altitude < 150 m, slopes < 10°) in the Tanintharyi Region of southern Myanmar have been cleared on a large scale and replaced by oil palm plantations. This has resulted in a drastic decline in suitable habitat for several species, including Gurney's pitta Hydrornis gurneyi (Passeriformes, Pittidae). The habitat for this species has decreased by > 80%, leading to its categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2019. As threats in the region have continued, we updated information on the status of the species' habitat in January 2020, and examined forest loss in the three strongholds where the species still persists in the wild. Since the previous estimate in 2017, suitable habitat in these locations has decreased by 8% (from 656 to 603 km2), with > 10% of the remaining area now in fragments of < 1 km2, which are unsuitable for the mid- to long-term survival of the species. Forest degradation and edge effects from increased fragmentation have led to further loss of suitable habitat in these strongholds. Projections indicate that unless conservation action is taken, all suitable habitat will disappear by 2080. The main threat to the long-term survival of Gurney's pitta is the lack of legal protection of primary lowland forests, resulting in uncontrolled clearance for small- and large-scale agriculture and industrial development. We provide recommendations to reduce the rate of loss of the remaining suitable habitat for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive agricultural practices and heavy use of inorganic fertilizers have significantly accelerated soil degradation. Mineralization of the organic matter of soil affects soil health and the abundance of soil beneficial microbes (SBMs) and its dynamics in the soil. The research to investigate the shifting of microbial population and the soil health was conducted in natural forest, agricultural, and degraded ecosystems. The research setting involved randomized block design consisting of six ecosystems, namely, natural forest, agricultural soil (oil palm: 10, 9, 8, and 7 years old), and degraded soils. The soil samples were taken with four replications from rhizomicrobiome of each land use. In the soil health analysis, it was understood that soil beneficial microbes (SBMs) consist of total bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, total actinomycetes, and total fungi). The results showed that natural forest, oil palm plantation, and degraded land demonstrated a significant effect on the changes in biodiversity of SBM in rhizomicrobiome. The highest population of SBMs was in natural forest followed by the 10-year-old oil palm plantations and the lowest was recorded in degraded soils. These results confirm that the shift of forest ecosystems to agricultural soils will accelerate the degradation and decline of soil health.

The expansion of oil palm monocultures into globally important Southeast Asian tropical peatlands has caused severe environmental damage. Despite much of the current focus of environmental impacts being directed at industrial scale plantations, over half of oil palm land‐use cover in Southeast Asia is from smallholder plantations. We differentiated a first generation smallholder oil palm monoculture into 8 different sampling zones, and further divided the 8 sampling zones into oil palm root influenced (Proximal) and reduced root influence (Distal) areas, to assess how peat properties regulate in situ carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes. We found that all the physico‐chemical properties and nutrient concentrations except sulphur varied significantly among sampling zones. All physico‐chemical properties except electrical conductivity, and all nutrient content except nitrogen and potassium varied significantly between Proximal and Distal areas. Mean CO2 fluxes (ranged between 382 and 1191 mg m−2 h−1) varied significantly among sampling zones, and between Proximal and Distal areas, with notably high emissions in Dead Wood and Path zones, and consistently higher emissions in Proximal areas compared to Distal areas within almost all the zones. CH4 fluxes (ranged between −32 and 243 µg m−2 h−1) did not significantly vary between Proximal and Distal areas, however significantly varied amongst sampling zones. CH4 flux was notably high in Canal Edge and Understorey Ferns zones, and negative in Dead Wood zone. The results demonstrate the high heterogeneity of peat properties within oil palm monoculture, strengthening the need for intensive sampling to characterize a land use in the tropical peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biological interactions play an important role in regulating and maintaining natural populations. Like most interactions, parasitism may be influenced by environmental conditions. Therefore, changes caused by human activity may drastically affect the equilibrium of the assemblages of parasitized organisms (hosts). Herein, we described the composition of hemoparasites of anurans from two distinct environments: forest and oil palm plantations. We identified the most frequent groups of blood parasites, and whether infections differ between habitats (forest and plantation) and between microhabitats (arboreal or terrestrial). We collected 128 anurans, of which 46 (36%) were parasitized by hemoparasites. The genus Trypanosoma spp. was found in 30% (n = 37/128) of the infected anurans in both habitats, recorded mostly in terrestrial anurans in oil palm plantations. Apicomplexa hemoprotozoans were also found in 13% (n=17/128) of the anurans, which mainly were terrestrial species collected in oil palm plantations. There was no difference in parasitism between the two assemblies and between the studied microhabitats. This is the first study that has analyzed the ecological relationship between anurans as hosts and their blood parasites, in a region under intense anthropic pressure, in the Brazilian Amazon.

Agricultural-land use policies play a crucial role in shaping agroecological landscapes globally. The evidence suggests that some of these policies tend to have undesired feedback/trade-offs, particularly about coastal resource use and conservation planning. The present study explores how agricultural policies influence land use/land cover (LULC) transition patterns in Ghana's Rain Forest Agroecological Zone (RFAZ). Landsat satellite images for 1991, 2008, and 2022 were acquired for the LULC mapping. Change detection and Intensity analysis were used to assess the pattern of land change. Also, documentary research processes were used to review and assess agricultural land use policies. The results showed that before rubber-related policy implementation, oil palm plantation was the dominant LULC type in the 1990 s. In the 1990 s and early 2000 s, there was a conscious government drive to leverage oil palm plantation development. This led to the growth in the size of oil palm plantations within the RFAZ landscape, considering the zone's conducive natural environment. However, between 2008 and 2022, corresponding to the period of the increased promotion of rubber cultivation through the Outgrower project in the RFAZ, rubber plantations became the predominant land use, with an area of 11,763.81 ha in 2008 and 21,611.61 ha in 2022. The results from the LULC mapping and the intensity analysis showed that the Rubber Outgrowers Plantation Project (ROPP) and Norpalm Smallholder Scheme Project (NSSP) have degraded the natural cover through rubber and oil palm cultivation. The authors conclude that landscape dynamics, particularly in rainforest agroecological zones, represent a nexus challenge transforming policy adaptation's discursive context. The study recommends that agriculture and landscape policy/projects must have/take intermediary steps to address the feedback/trade-offs from well-intended initiatives. The study further suggests that management plans and strategies in the RFAZ should be consistent with the strict protection of forest reserves and water bodies. • Agriculture and development policies and interventions drive land use change. • Rubber Outgrowers Plantation Project drives increased rubber plantation coverage. • Conservation objectives are limited in most agricultural land use policies. • The trend of land change coincided with Ghana's population and economic growth. • Integration of geospatial technology and intensity analysis increase understanding of land change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Manual flux chambers are often utilized to measure emissions in converted tropical peatlands. • The temporal frequency of manual measurements is restricted by the time and effort required. • Diurnal trends in soil carbon emissions were observed on a tropical peat oil palm plantation. • Hourly measurements with automatic chambers can help to address biases in manual observations. • Chamber studies in tropical peat oil palm plantations should consider the impact of measurement sample timing. Large-scale conversion of tropical peat swamp forests to agricultural plantations has resulted in substantial carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. Despite consensus on the importance of these emissions, the cause of the large range in the magnitudes of reported values remains uncertain. Differences in reported fluxes might result from site specific factors and/or potential limitations of the manual flux chambers commonly used. It is important that any biases at the site level are explored as they ultimately affect regional and global emission estimates. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine if measurement timing of commonly used infrequent manual chamber measurements leads to biased emission estimates. In this study we make use of six months of automated chamber data to provide a semi-continuous timeseries. This timeseries is used to explore the potential for time-of-day sampling biases in infrequent, monthly manual chambers measurements in a peatland oil palm plantation in Malaysian Borneo. Fluxes from Palm Base, Harvest Path, Frond Pile, Drain and Inter row microforms were recorded hourly using automatic chambers. From these hourly data, mean diurnal patterns of fluxes were produced. These diurnal patterns were used to characterize the biases in a larger, monthly flux manual chamber dataset. This monthly manual dataset was collected over six years at the same site and microforms, with individual measurements made in the daytime. Bias range was widest for Harvest Path (-18 to 24 %), followed by Palm Base (-13 to 11 %), Drain (-10 to 9 %) and Frond Pile (-5 to 3 %). Estimates of annual plantation scale emission over six years, corrected for sampling bias ranged from 36 – 53 Mg CO 2 ha−1 yr−1. We recommend careful consideration of artefacts sample timing might introduce in any sampling design, and where possible fluxes should be corrected with measured diurnals for each microform considered. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objective was to evaluate: 1) Implementation of integration of Bali cattle and oil palm plantations; 2) Obstacles faced in implementing the integration of Bali cattle with oil palm plantations. The study was conducted in Pasaman Barat District, which received assistance of fund from Directorate General of Animal Husbandry in 2012 in the project of integration of beef cattle with oil palm plantation. The method used were survey method, direct observation and using questionnaire. Respondents involved were members of farmer-group who carried out the integration of Bali cattle and palm oil plantation program as many as 56 people from four groups. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and comparing the results obtained with the objectives of the integration program itself. The results showed that the effort to integrate Bali cattle with oil palm plantation business was not optimal. The feedstuff given to cattle were superior grass and field grass originating from oil palm plantations. However, oil palm fronds and leaves have not been utilized, and palm oil industry waste in the form of palm mud, fiber palm oil, and palm kernel meal have not been used optimally as well. Utilization of cattle feces as fertilizer for oil palm plants has been used in several groups, but still in the form of untreated fertilizers. The obstacles faced in implementing this integration system are such as the lack of knowledge of farmers about integration, and the mastery of livestock waste processing technology and waste from oil palm plantations is still low, so that the application of integration has not been optimally carried out.

Need for regional economic development and global demand for agro‐industrial commodities have resulted in large‐scale conversion of forested landscapes to industrial agriculture across South East Asia. However, net emissions of CO2 from tropical peatland conversions may be significant and remain poorly quantified, resulting in controversy around the magnitude of carbon release following conversion. Here we present long‐term, whole ecosystem monitoring of carbon exchange from two oil palm plantations on converted tropical peat swamp forest. Our sites compare a newly converted oil palm plantation (OPnew) to a mature oil palm plantation (OPmature) and combine them in the context of existing emission factors. Mean annual net emission (NEE) of CO2 measured at OPnew during the conversion period (137.8 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1) was an order of magnitude lower during the measurement period at OPmature (17.5 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1). However, mean water table depth (WTD) was shallower (0.26 m) than a typical drainage target of 0.6 m suggesting our emissions may be a conservative estimate for mature plantations, mean WTD at OPnew was more typical at 0.54 m. Reductions in net emissions were primarily driven by increasing biomass accumulation into highly productive palms. Further analysis suggested annual peat carbon losses of 24.9 Mg CO2‐C ha−1 year−1 over the first 6 years, lower than previous estimates for this early period from subsidence studies, losses reduced to 12.8 Mg CO2‐C ha−1 year−1 in the later, mature phase. Despite reductions in NEE and carbon loss over time, the system remained a large net source of carbon to the atmosphere after 12 years with the remaining 8 years of a typical plantation's rotation unlikely to recoup losses. These results emphasize the need for effective protection of tropical peatlands globally and strengthening of legislative enforcement where moratoria on peatland conversion already exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive fertilizer applications in oil palm plantations are conventionally done to increase the oil yield, but they result in high production cost and environmental pollution. There have been only separate reports on the effects of fertilizer application on soil physical, chemical characteristics, and microbial biodiversity. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the correlation between soil characteristics and soil microbial biodiversity in oil palm plantation after long-term frequent chemical fertilizer application compared with secondary soil, using molecular methods of polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and MiSeq. Secondary forest soil was chosen as the control. The results showed that after 25 years of fertilizer application, the total nitrogen and organic carbon contents decreased from low to very low scale, indicating soil infertility condition. Reduction of Firmicutes was related to suppression of soil borne diseases, and Bacteroidetes which is an indicator of soil health were both almost eliminated after 25 years of fertilizer application. In conclusion, long-term inorganic fertilizer application reduced the soil nitrogen, and organic carbon, altered beneficial microbes in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its inception and until now, oil palm plantations have been controversial in Indonesia. Although there is ample evidence presented by proponents proving that oil palm expansion has made an important contribution to the Indonesian economy, from an ecological point of view, it is claimed by critics to have negative impacts on the environment, one of which is the cause of natural disasters. The link between oil palm expansion and natural disasters is debated between critics and supporters of oil palm expansion. This study examines the theme of criticism of oil palm expansion as a cause of natural disasters and counter-discourse of supporting oil palm expansion. By using literature study methods and an environmental, sociological perspective, it is found that the discourse on the impact of oil palm plantation expansion shows a contradiction between the views of the New Ecological Paradigm (Paradigma Ekologi Baru or PEB) and the Human Exemptionalism Paradigm (Paradigma Keterpisahan Manusia or HEP). The Indonesian government is building a counter-discourse of ecological modernization to maintain and develop oil palm plantations expansion.

The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most widespread feline in Asia. It has been recorded in a range of habitats, including monoculture landscapes, such as oil palm plantations. Here, we report on a study on the presence, home range, activity patterns and diet of the species in an oil palm landscape to assess their viability as biological pest controller of rats. The study took place in United Plantations/PT SSS estate in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. From July 2014 to March 2018, we captured 11 leopard cats in purpose-built cage-traps and fitted them with VHF radio-transmitters. They were tracked for a 44 months study period, during which we collected a total of 2.031 GPS locations used for estimating the respective cats’ activities and home-ranges. The cats are strictly nocturnal and prefer to hide and rest in thick bush, primarily consisting of sword-fern (Nephrolepis sp.) during day-time, but forage both on the ground and in the palm canopy at night. The average home range (95% FK) for male leopard cats is 1.47 km2 (n = 7; SD = 0.62 km2) with slightly smaller home range for females at 1.29 km2 (n = 4; SD = 0.28 km2). All individuals studied were recorded strictly within the oil palm plantation landscape, although mangrove forest habitat makes up 7% of the greater plantation landscape. In conclusion, leopard cats survive and reproduce well in oil palm habitats and are effective biological controllers of rats that can replace the traditionally used expensive and environmentally polluting chemical rat poisons.

The objectives of developing oil palm plantations should feasible economically and without causing massive erosion. This research proposes soil and water conservation strategies that are ideal and optimal for oil palm cultivation depending on land capability class. The conservation test for plants was performed according to land capability classes on a plot measuring 22 m × 4 m. Runoff and erosion rates were measured using Multislot Divisor Method. Nutrient leaching was analysed based on the content of C-organic (Ctot) (Walkley-Black method), total nitrogen (Ntot) (Kjeldahl method), P-available (Bray-1 method) and K2O (extraction with 1N NH4OAc at pH 7.0). From the results, land capability class III, cover crops (soybean) + manure (P³) treatment effectively reduced runoff and soil erosion (22.63 m³·ha-1·y-1 and 13.04 Mg·ha-1·y-1), as well as nutrient leaching, compared to other treatments. Furthermore, sediment trap + cover crop + manure (P3) controlled runoff, erosion and nutrient leaching on land capability class IV, producing the lowest runoff (129.40 m3·ha-1·y-1), soil erosion (11.39 Mg·ha-1·y-1), C-organic (1.3%), and P (1.95 mg kg-1). Soil conservation treatment significantly reduced erosion and runoff (p < 0.05) on land capability class VI. The bench terrace + cover plants + manure treatment-controlled runoff, erosion, and soil nutrient leaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Agricultural land use is expanding and is a major driver of the biodiversity crisis. Land use planning initiatives seeking to optimize wildlife conservation are hindered by a lack of baseline data quantifying species' tolerance to human-modified landscapes. Objectives: We explored the influence of landscape characteristics on the fine-scale space-use patterns of a model generalist carnivore, the Malay civet (Viverra tangalunga), within degraded tropical forests and oil palm plantations. Methods: We collected over 20,000 GPS locations from 21 male civets in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo to evaluate the species' space-use patterns and habitat utilization processes. We used movement-based modeling to determine home ranges, and combined the results with high-resolution remotely sensed habitat characteristics. We developed resource utilization functions to determine individual and population-level functional responses to proximity to plantation edge, distance to water, terrain ruggedness, forest structure, and functional diversity. Results: Civets foraged within oil palm plantations, yet all animals utilized forests. Home ranges scaled with proportion of plantation within both total and core ranges. Resource utilization functions reported individualism in the species' responses to habitat characteristics. At the population-scale, civets consistently and more intensely used habitats closer to plantation edges and taller tree canopies. Conclusions: Although plantations did not pose an inhospitable matrix, oil palm agriculture is a less suitable habitat than remnant forests for civets. Proximity measures and forest structure influenced the spatial behaviors of this adaptable generalist, highlighting the importance of protected areas. We recommend land-sparing and -sharing approaches to facilitate carnivore persistence across oil palm degraded landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]