Assessment of different type of peat properties in johor for carbon stock conservation

Peat in Johor covered almost 30 % of the land and made Johor the third largest state in Malaysia with high carbon stock. It is estimated that world carbon stock has decrease dramatically since year 1980 due to deforestation, open/wild fires and replant for commercial purpose. Carbon stock is crucial to be maintain as it help the ecosystem balance through controlling greenhouse effect and climate mitigation This paper aims to raise awareness among researchers that carbon stock in wetland could be conserve by understanding the nature of the peat formation. Peat properties were given attention as it is the core knowledge on peat. The fabric, hemic and sapric of Johor peat properties were characterized according to BS1377:1991 and ASTM 1990 for its Loss on Ignition (LOI), fiber content, particle size distribution, moisture content, unconfined compressive strength and pH while microbiological measurement using bacteria count and enzyme assessment. For Johor peat, it was recognize that pH 3-5, moisture content of 150-700 % and bacteria count of x10¹³ – x10¹⁵ CFU/g are an ideal condition to keep the peat formation on track. The formation of peat should balance with the carbon consumption in respective peat area. The source of bacteria food which is plant remains should be supply consistently. It is recommended that the tree bunch to be scrapped and put around the tree for efficient carbon replacement.