Dataset of physical properties of histosols topsoils effected by wildfire in Indonesia.

Physical properties of peat are widely applied to detect the quality of peatland ecosystem. A comprehensive dataset on the peat properties is the foundation for the development tool and model of peat ecosystem, especially in region with frequent wildfire. Here we established a tabular dataset for physical properties of lowland tropical peatland in Indonesia. The data were obtained in dry season 2019 and 2023, respectively, at Jambi and Central Kalimantan peatlands. The dataset comprises of 66 peat samples from two land-uses namely secondary forest and ex-burned lowly vegetation. The physical properties are bulk density, porosity, water retention at four pressures (-1, -10, -25, and -1500 kPa), and water holding capacity. In addition, a set parameter of van Genuchten for water retention curve is available. The field-observed dataset provides a solid base for a better understanding of physical peat properties and can be used as a first step to develop peat water retention database in lowland tropical peatlands.

Water saving rice cultivation using sheet-pipe subsurface irrigation.

Water saving in rice cultivation has assumed paramount importance, especially in the context of climate change. The introduction of sheet-pipe technology in Indonesia heralded as an innovative subsurface irrigation and drainage system, is poised to revolutionize how to manage this vital resource. Our study was designed with two primary objectives: first, to investigate how rice plants respond when water levels are deliberately reduced using the sheet-pipe technology; and second, to comprehensively analyze water productivity and water use efficiency in comparison to conventional flooded rice cultivation systems. We conducted two distinct experiments: one employing sheet-pipe subsurface irrigation (SSI) and the other utilizing conventional flooded irrigation (CFI). In the SSI setup, the water level was maintained at a depth of 5-10 cm below the soil surface 20 days after transplanting to harvesting. With this setting, the soil moisture was maintained at around 85-95 degrees of saturation. On the other hand, the CFI approach involved water flowing directly over the soil surface, with the water level consistently maintained at a mere 2-3 cm above it. Interestingly, while the SSI method did lead to a reduction in yield, it has significant benefits. Our results showed that a reduction in yield was observed for the SSI 15.5-18.6 % lower compared to the conventional method (CFI). However, the SSI is environmentally benefit compared to the conventional method by reducing 37.5-50.5 % in water irrigation, increasing water use efficiency (WUE) up to 70.8 %, and improving 3.2-10.4 % in water productivity. Our findings reveal that optimizing water conservation may have a disadvantageous effect on rice yield, indicating the importance of optimal water level. Future research to find the optimal water level that balances yield production and environment is required, especially to adapt to dry and warming climate change in the future.

Peat moisture dataset of Sumatra peatlands.

Peatland is a unique ecosystem that is key in regulating global carbon cycle, climate, hydrology, and biodiversity. Peat moisture content is a key variable in ecohydrological and biogeochemical cycles known to control peatland's greenhouse gas emissions and fire vulnerability. Peat moisture is also an indicator of the success of peat restoration projects. Here we present datasets of peat moisture dynamic and retention capacity of degraded tropical peatlands. The data were collected from automatic daily monitoring and field campaigns. The peat moisture content data consists of daily data from 21 stations across three peatland provinces in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, from 2018 to 2019. In addition, peat water retention data were collected from field campaigns in Riau province. This dataset represents human modified peatlands which can be used as a benchmark for hydrological and biogeochemical models.

Groundwater table and soil-hydrological properties datasets of Indonesian peatlands.

This article describes daily groundwater depth data of peatlands in Indonesia. The data were recorded from eight in-situ stations spread over two peatland regions in Indonesia, namely Batanghari and Kubu Raya in Sumatra and Kalimantan. This article also presents experimental data describing soil water retention in the region. Water retention of peats determines the groundwater table's contribution to rewetting the soil surface. The datasets represent peatlands utilized for agriculture. Furthermore, the groundwater table of peatlands is a key variable controlling peat fire vulnerability, as described in the research article entitled 'An improved drought-fire assessment for managing fire risks in tropical peatlands' Taufik et al. (2022) and assessing the success of peat restoration projects. The groundwater datasets can be used as a benchmark for studies on modeling of hydrology and peat fire mitigation action.

Interaction of Genetic and Cultivation Technology in Maize Prolific and Productivity Increase.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Maize cultivation technology package development is a solution in increasing maize production, especially prolific maize. However, technology package evaluation has to be evaluated with interaction towards crop genetics. The purpose of this research is to discover the interaction between maize variety towards cultivation technology (plant fertilization and spacing) and to find information about secondary production characters in cultivation technique optimization. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This research used a split-split-plot design. The main plot was planting system (S) consisted of three planting systems. Sub Plot (SP) was fertilizing plans ha¹ (P) consisted of four plans. Whereas Sub-Sub Plot (SSP) were (V): NASA 29 (V₁), Bisi 2 (V₂) and Sinha's 1 (V₃). There were 15 characters observed. <b>Results:</b> The results prolific potential is very dynamic which is determined by genetic potential, cultivation technology and genetic-cultivation technology interactions. The increase in the prolific potential will have a direct effect on increasing maize productivity. In general, the use of legowo lines and Eco-farming (biofertilizer) can increase prolific potential and productivity. <b>Conclusion:</b> According to this research, the prolific potential is highly dynamic which is determined by genetic potential, cultivation technology and genetic-cultivation interaction. Technology considered in increasing maize productivity is Legowo plant spacing (50+100)×20 cm combined with N:P:K = 200:100:50+KNO₃ 25 kg ha¹+Eco farming 5 cc L¹. This technique combination is recommended in maize productivity increase.

Increased fire hazard in human-modified wetlands in Southeast Asia.

Vast areas of wetlands in Southeast Asia are undergoing a transformation process to human-modified ecosystems. Expansion of agricultural cropland and forest plantations changes the landscape of wetlands. Here we present observation-based modelling evidence of increased fire hazard due to canalization in tropical wetland ecosystems. Two wetland conditions were tested in South Sumatra, Indonesia, natural drainage and canal drainage, using a hydrological model and a drought-fire index (modified Keetch-Byram index). Our results show that canalization has amplified fire susceptibility by 4.5 times. Canal drainage triggers the fire season to start earlier than under natural wetland conditions, indicating that the canal water level regime is a key variable controlling fire hazard. Furthermore, the findings derived from the modelling experiment have practical relevance for public and private sectors, as well as for water managers and policy makers, who deal with canalization of tropical wetlands, and suggest that improved water management can reduce fire susceptibility.