Palm oil is not the only cause of flooding

BY : Buzzer PPLG 1 Abyan Kenzie K. (1) Najwan Uqosah F. (25) Radithya Maheswara T.P, (27) Razi Nazil A. (29)

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Thesis: Palm Oil Is Not the Sole Cause of Flooding

Although often blamed as the primary cause of flooding because they are considered water-absorbing, oil palms actually absorb water for their growth. However, the land use change from natural forest to monoculture plantations drastically alters soil structure and hydrological systems, ultimately increasing the risk of surface water runoff and flooding.

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1. Decreased Soil Infiltration Capacity

The main problem isn't the oil palm plantation itself, but rather the condition of the surrounding soil. In natural forests, the humus layer and litter (dried leaves) act as a sponge, absorbing rainwater into the soil (infiltration).

On oil palm plantations, land clearing and the use of heavy equipment often cause soil compaction. Compacted soil loses its porosity, preventing rainwater from soaking into the soil and flowing onto the surface as runoff, triggering ponding and flooding.

2. Different Evapotraspiration Rates

Compared to tropical rainforests, which have a multi-tiered canopy (tall trees, shrubs, and understory), oil palms are monocultures with a more open canopy structure. Forests have a greater capacity for interception (retaining rainwater in their leaves before it reaches the ground) and evaporation back into the atmosphere.

When forests are replaced by oil palms, the volume of water directly impacting the soil increases, accelerating surface water saturation. This reduces infiltration time and increases the volume of water flowing over the surface, leading to more rapid and severe flooding.

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Peatland Destruction Triggers Disaster

Flooding often occurs when oil palm plantations are established on peatlands by constructing drainage canals. This peat drainage causes the soil to shrink (subside) and lose its natural ability to store large amounts of water.

As a result, during the rainy season, the land can no longer accommodate the excess water, causing it to overflow into surrounding areas. This peatland degradation not only increases the risk of flooding but also significantly releases greenhouse gases.

Chaining Impacts: Land Conversion and the Natural Water Cycle

It can be concluded that the statement "oil palms don't absorb water" is biologically inaccurate, as oil palms still require water for photosynthesis. However, ecologically, converting land to oil palm plantations disrupts the natural water cycle.

Decreased soil absorption capacity due to compaction, the loss of complex forest structures that act as natural water absorbers, and peatland degradation are all factors significantly increasing the frequency and intensity of flooding around plantation areas. Therefore, sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration are crucial for future flood mitigation.

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