Hydrological Drainage Effects on Microbial Dynamics in Badas Peatland: Fungal Decline, Bacterial Dominance, and Reduced Microbial Biomass Carbon
Keywords:
Drainage, Microbial biomass carbon, Microbial communities, Peatlands, Soil microbiologyAbstract
Peatlands are globally important ecosystems for carbon
storage and climate regulation, yet hydrological drainage for
agriculture and infrastructure has disrupted their ecological
balance. This study examined the effects of drainage on soil
microbial communities and microbial biomass carbon (MBC)
in Badas Peatland, Brunei Darussalam. Soil samples were
collected along two transects (Jalan Badas Middle and North)
and analyzed using microBIOMETER® and plate count
methods. Results revealed that fungal abundance and MBC
increased with distance from the drainage canal, whereas
bacterial and actinomycete counts decreased. The fungal-tobacterial ratio showed a strong positive correlation with
MBC, indicating that drainage adversely affects fungal
populations and soil carbon retention. These findings
highlight that fungi are more sensitive to drainage-induced
stress than bacteria, reducing the peatland’s capacity for
carbon sequestration. The study emphasizes the need for
sustainable water management strategies to preserve soil
microbiology and mitigate carbon loss from tropical
peatlands.
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