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Impact of Land Use Conversion on Carbon Stocks and Selected Peat Physico-chemical Properties in the Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland, Philippines

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Abstract

Peatlands are unique wetland ecosystems that provide various ecosystem services such as carbon storage and biogeochemical cycling, however being threatened by anthropogenic activities. The present study was conducted to explore the impact of land use conversion on carbon stocks and peat properties in a tropical peatland in the Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland (LSBP) in Northeastern Leyte, Philippines. The carbon stocks (aboveground and belowground) and physico-chemical properties of peat soil were compared among peat swamp forest, grassland and peatland with cultivation. Land use conversion resulted in the significant reduction of the total aboveground carbon stock. The peat swamp forest had the highest carbon stocks (38.56 ± 4.58 Mg ha−1), and when converted to grassland and peatland with cultivation, it has resulted to carbon loss of as much as 86.59 and 90.45%, respectively. The belowground root carbon stock was highest in the peat swamp forest (5.05 ± 0.64 Mg ha−1), also while highest peat carbon stock (1 m depth) was observed in the cultivation areas (45.28 ± 2.25 – 61.27 ± 3.07 Mg ha−1). However, peat swamp forests with very deep peat deposits potentially store a significant amount of carbon than in peatland with cultivation that was characterized by shallower compressed peats. In addition, land use conversion altered the physico-chemical properties of peat such as water content, organic matter, and porosity, and bulk density which all indicated peatland degradation. Finally, the overall result of this study highlights the importance to develop and implement management and conservation plans for LSBP.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Forest Foundation of the Philippines (FFP) for providing the necessary funds through the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR). We are thankful to the following people as our field guides and labourers; Angelo Agamon, Richmond Matobato, Igmedio Guersola, Dioscoro Oliver, and Atilano Avestruz. We are also thankful to Jerome L. Montemayor, Juvilyn V. Salazar, Magnolia Rosimo and the rest of the IIRR team for the continues support of the research. Lastly, we acknowledge Dr. Edwino S. Fernando, Dr. Ernesto Militante, and two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments on the earlier drafts of the manuscript.

Funding

The research was financially supported by the Forest Foundation of the Philippines (FFP) through the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Visayas State University-Alangalang, Brgy. Binongto-an Alangalang, Leyte, 6517, Philippines

    Syrus Cesar P. Decena, Sarah Villacorta-Parilla, Arwin O. Arribado, Dionesio R. Macasait Jr, Michael S. Arguelles & Edwin S. Relevo

  2. College of Teacher Education, Arts and Sciences, Visayas State University-Alangalang, Brgy. Binongto-an Alangalang, Leyte, 6517, Philippines

    Shella S. Salamia

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  1. Syrus Cesar P. Decena
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  2. Sarah Villacorta-Parilla
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Contributions

All the authors (SCPD, SVP, AOA, DM Jr., MSA, SSS, ESR) contributed significantly in the development of the manuscript. SCPD, AOA and SVP designed the study. The data collection and analyses were performed by all the authors. The initial draft of the manuscript was prepared by SCPD and all authors commented on it. All the authors contributed to the revision and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Syrus Cesar P. Decena.

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Decena, S.C.P., Villacorta-Parilla, S., Arribado, A.O. et al. Impact of Land Use Conversion on Carbon Stocks and Selected Peat Physico-chemical Properties in the Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland, Philippines. Wetlands 42, 2 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-021-01520-8

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