The Use of Molecular-Sieving Materials as Ameliorant for Peat Degradation in the Tropics

Peat utilization for agriculture expansion area is commonly found extensively in tropical region during the last few decades. Most agronomical practices involve drainage resulting decomposition of organic materials and increasing drying. This study was carried out to determine the potential use of molecular-sieving materials (MPMs) as an ameliorant for peat soil targeted for reducing the potential hazard of peat degradation. A clinoptilolite-zeolite, empty fruit bunches of oil palm biochar (EFBOPB), and their combination were studied its characteristics to evaluate the ability in adsorbing water and green-house gas emission. A series of laboratory analyses were conducted to determine physicochemical and mineralogical characteristics of both materials and its combination, including elemental analyses, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, ore spaces, water holding capacity (WHC), and adsorption capacity for CO2, NH3, and N2. The study revealed that 100 - 150 mesh size of zeolite possesses higher values of CEC, WHC, and adsorption capacity for CO2, NH3, and N2 compared to EFBOPB, whereas the latter indicated a higher organic-C content and pore spaces. Combination of 75% (w/w) zeolite and 25% (w/w) EFBOPB showed the best composition of these two MPMs to improve WHC of peat and as consequences slowing down the firing process of the peat. Based on the gas adsorption data, it could be assumed that the mixture of MPMs studied could be considered as an effective material to reduce risk of peat from fire potential hazard and retard GHG emission.