Conversion of peat land into pineapple farm by small scale farmers had resulted in modification of soil chemistry and microstructures, which was inadequately discussed in Malaysia. This study was designed to monitor the implications of pineapple cultivation on chemistry and microstructure of peat soils. Microscopic study verified samples from pineapple field demonstrate a highly degradable peat materials compared to natural peat. Despite the presence of fertilization in pineapple plot, nutrient availability specifically total N, available P, and exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and Na is much lower than natural plot. This study suggested the dynamics of peat chemistry is much affected by acidic condition and degradation of peat materials, which is highly dependent on creation of aerobic and anaerobic environment.

This study intends to develop the soil N, P and K balance in peat soils by quantifying the input, internal flow and output of the nutrients under different water table conditions, with and without the pineapple crops uptake. The soil samples for each water table conditions were analyzed for total-N, mineral-N, available-P and exchangeable K. Results showed that pineapple of the variety Moris requires high input of N and K compare to P. Without crops uptake, all treatments indicate positive soil nutrient balance where the treatment with fluctuating water table between 40-80 cm depth showed highest positive balances. In contrast, negative nutrient balance occurred in the presence of uptake by pineapple, where treatment with fluctuating water table between 0-40 cm recorded the highest nutrient deficiency. It is suggested that fluctuating water table influence the soil nutrient dynamics and soil nutrient balance and in this case act as the main pathways of nutrient loss through leaching.

Abstract-Peat profile exhibits a unique water table dynamics which impinge fate of elements in the system. This work aimed to study the microstructure and elemental composition of peat profiles using FESEM coupled with EDX techniques. Peat profiles were divided into aerobic peat, anaerobic peat, transitional peat, mineral soils under transitional peat and bottom mineral soils. Results demonstrated darker colour of former layers and brighter gray colour of later layers. Water extracted from peat profiles were rich in N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Microscopic image illustrates different stages of peat disintegration experienced by each layer. The EDX results reveals astounding amount of N, Mg, K, Al and Fe in transitional peat and mineral soils underneath, which was absence in peat layers. From this study, it is believed there was a deposition and movement of elements upward and downward peat profiles, concurrent with the fluctuating water table.

The construction of a reserved area known as riparian buffer zone (RBZ) in oil palm plantation is one of the conservation measures that helps to protect the nearest water sources from negative impact of adjacent land uses. Most of the plantation planted different types of leguminous cover crops (LCCs) at the RBZ area, considering the benefits and economical planting cost. However, little is known on the changes of soil properties sited in the RBZ which has been planted with different LCCs. As such, this paper intends to review the enhancement of soil chemical properties, specifically the soil pH, soil macronutrients and soil micronutrients at RBZ planted with different LCCs. The review encompasses the most common LCCs planted which are limited to Mucuna bracteate, Pueraria phaseoloides, Clitoria ternate, Calopogonium mucuinodes and Centrosema pubescens. The effects of these LCCs on abovementioned soil properties were discussed and the issues on fertilizer run-off as well as the impact on the soil chemical properties at RBZ is critically reviewed. Findings showed that the planting of LCCs demonstrate a positive uptake of the run-off nutrients from adjacent land use, reflected by the amount of nutrients fixed by the LCCs as well as nutrients left in the soil. The findings also reveal that there is evidence on the enhancement of soil fertility in RBZ, due to the decomposition process followed by nutrient recycling of LCCs residues. This review suggested that the planting of LCCs in RBZ can enhance the soil chemical properties, reducing the fertilizer run-off through efficient nutrient uptake and act as the buffer zone to conserve the nearest water sources, leading to the sustainable environment in oil palm plantation.

In most agricultural area, the efficient and proper management is found effective using the information gained from the combination of Geospatial Information System (GIS) combined with field sampling techniques. This study aimed to determine the physico-chemical properties of selected soil area and to develop a small-scale thematic mapping using the ArcGIS software. The research was conducted at matured oil palm plantation in UiTM Kampus Jasin, Melaka, Malaysia. The field results showed that the soil pH range between pH 4.2 and pH 5.2 with a bulk density ranging between 0.31 gcm-3 to 0.64 gcm-3. The area also has a high soil moisture content and mixtures of organic matter which has undergo complete decomposition. Based on the data, the information was then transformed into the thematic map and displayed in different colours to differentiate between parameters. In the thematic map, the red colour representing the low pH area while the yellow zone representing the increment of soil pH. The transition of hue colour from red to yellow represent the improvement of soil pH in particular area. As such, any changes in soil pH can be monitor consistently and any management requirement can be directly applied at the affected area without requiring the whole field assessment. Through this, the problems can be solved in shorter time without requiring much labour and able to minimize the cost. Hence, this study suggested that the GIS techniques combined with the field sampling techniques to monitor the land is much faster and efficient for a proper land management.