Spatial variability of surface peat properties and carbon emissions in a tropical peatland oil palm monoculture during a dry season

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