. SOIL LOSS FROM AN OIL PALM PLANTATION
AZIZAH BINTI MOHD SABRI
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak 1998
S
A995 1998 625
SOIL LOSS FROM AN OIL PALM PLANTATION
AZlZAH BINTI MOHD SABRI
FACUL TY OF ENGINEERING UNlVERSITI MALAYSIA SARA W AK
1998
PUS3[ Khidmal a lumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
SOIL LOSS FROM AN OIL PALM PLANTATION
AZIZAR DINTI MORD SABRI
A report submitted
In partial fullfil1ment of the requirements for Bachelor Degree of Engineering (Civil) with honours
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak September 1998
For my beloved mother, Nurulain Mahmud and my sister Nor Aini Mohd Sabri.
R13a DORANG PENYERAHAN TESIS
JuduJ: SOIL LOSS FROM AN OIL PALM PLANTATION SESI PENGAJIAN: 1995-1998 Saya AZIZAH DINTI MOHD SADRI
Mengaku membenarkan tesis ini disimpan di Pusat Khidmat Maklumat, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak dengan syarat-syarat seperti yang berikut:
1. Hakmilik kertas projek adaIah dibawah nama penulis melainkan penulisan sebagai projek bersama dan dibiayai oleh UNIMAS, hakmiliknya adalah kepunyaan UNlMAS.
2. Naskhah didalam bentuk kertas atau mikro hanya boleh dibuat dengan kebenaran bertulis daripada penulis.
3. Pusat Khidmat Maklumat Akadernik, UNIMAS dibenarkan membuat salinan untuk pengajian mereka.
4. Kertas projek hanya boleh diterbitkan dengan kebenaran penulis. Bayaran royalti adalah mengikut kadar yang dipersetujui kelak.
5. *Saya membenarkan Perpustakaan membuat salinan kertas projek ini sebagai bahan pertukaran diantara institusi pengajian tinggi.
6. **Sila tandakan (""')
o
SULIT (Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan atau kepentingan Malaysia seperti yang termaktub di dalamAKTA RAHSIA RASMI 1972)
o
TERHAD (Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah ditentukan oleh organisasi/badan penyelidikan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)D
TIDAK TERHADDisahkan oleh .
L,
~ANJtNPEN:~[S)
(TANDATANGAN PEN~
YEllA) AIamat Tetap: SK 69/ 84 Jln. Sri Kinta 17, Dr. Nabil Bessaih31650 Ipoh,
Perak Darnl Ridzuan
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Tarikh: __~__________ Tarikh:
CATATAN * Potong yang tidak berkenaan.
** Jika Kertas Projek ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila larnpirkan surat daripada pihak berkuasa/organisasi berkenaan dengan menyertakan sekali tempoh kertas projek. lni perlu dikelaskan sebagai SULIT atau TERHAD.
Declaration
This project report attached here to, entitled a ' SOIL LOSS FROM AN OIL PALM
PLANTATION' prepared by AZIZAH BINTI MOHO SABRI in partial fulfillment of requirement for Bachelor Degree of Engineering (Civil) with Honours is hereby accepted.
~1 t:JV"
~
(DR. NABIL BESSAIH) Date
Project Supervisor
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·to .~
Date Project Supervisor
Acknowledgment
First of all, I would like to thanks my supervisor, Dr Nabil Bessaih, whom always guide me in doing my thesis.
Special thanks to Dr. Wang for guide me throughout the GIS application.
Mr. Ahmad Akzuan and my friends, for their helpful throughout the project.
My parent, Puan Nurulain Mahmud and my sister Nor Aini Mohd Sabri for always be there for me.
11
) Khidmal Maklumat Akademik l
~ER
in MALAYSIA SAAAWAKContents Page
Declaration
Acknowledgment ii
Table o/Contents iii
List o/Figures vi
List o/Tables viii
Abstract ix
Abstrak x
Chapter 1 : INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Objectives 3
1.3 Study Area 3
1.4 Thesis Layout 4
Chapter 2 : LITERA TURIMiEVIEW
2. 1 Introduction 5
2.2 Soil Loss and Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) 5
2.2.1 The Rainfall Erosivity Index - R 8
2.2.2 The Soil Erodibility Factor - K 11
2.2.3 The Topographic Factor - LS 14
2.2.4 The Crop Management Factor - C 16
2.2.5 The Conservation Factor - P 18
111
2.3 Geographical Infonnation System (GIS) 20 2.3.1 Component of GIS 22
2.3.1.1 Hardware 23 2.3.1.2 Software 23 2.3.1.3 Data 24
2.3.1.4 People 24
2.3.1.5 Methods 25
2.3.2 Application of GIS 25
2.4 GIS Concept - An Overview of Application in GIS 26
I' 2.4.1 Input 29
2.4.2 Manipulation 30
I,:
2.4.3 Management 31
2.4.4 Query and Analysis 32
2.4.5 Overlay Analysis 33
2.4.6 Visualization 33
Chapter 3 : METHODOLOGY AND IMPLEMENTATION
3.1 Introduction 34
3.2 Generation of the Factors USLE 35
3.2.1 Rainfall Factor (R) 35
3.2.2 Soil Erodibility Factor (K) 37
3.2.3 Topographical Factor (Slope Gradient and Length) 37
3.2.3.1 Input the Data 39
3.2.3.2 Create the Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) 40
3.2.3.3 Analyze Each Cell in Grid 42
IV
3.2.4 The Cover Factor (C) 3.2.5 The Conversation Factor (P) 3.3 Overlay Analysis
Chapter 4 : RESULTS
4.1 Introduction 4.2 Results Analysis
Chapter 5 : CONCLUSION
5.1 Suggestions
BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDIX
46 48 49
50 50
56
57 59
v
List of Figures Page
Figure 1.1 Schematic drawing of the sediment accumulation
in a typical reservoir. 1
Figure 1.2 Schematic of effect of the sediment loads:
gravity dam profile. 2
Figure 1.3 Study Area
Figure 2.1 Photo shows close up of rills erosion that have formed 6
Figure 2.4: Topographic-effect graph used to determine
LS-factor values for different slope-steepness slope-length Figure 2.2 : Relationship between median drop diameter and
rainfall intensity (after Hudson, 1965). 9 Figure 2.3 : Nomograph for computing the K value of soil
erodibility for use in USLE. 13
combinations (Wischmeir and Smith,1965). 15 Figure 2.5 Several components constitute a GIS(ESRI,1995) 22
Figure 2.6 Application of GIS 25
Figure 2.7: A number of related data layer can be represent
the many geographi~~fthe real world. 26
Figure 2.8 : Vector and Raster Models. 28
Figure 2.9 Map features (spatial & descriptive information) 30 Figure 3.1 GIS analysis procedure for potential
soil loss(ThomaS&RaIph,] 994). 34
Figure 3.2 View of Contour Coverage 39
Figure 3.3 Illustration of a TIN. 40
gure 3.4 View of TIN node. 41
Figure 3.5 TIN in Grid cell. 42
VI
Figure 3.6 Flowchart illustrating the method for calculating
LS value from aDEM. 44
Figure 3.7 : View ofLS coverage. 45
Figure 3.8 : View of landuse coverage. 47
Figure 4.1 Estimation of predicted soil losses. 51 Figure 4.2 View of the coverage Soil Loss Before the Establishment
of the Plantation. 52
Figure 4.3 View of the coverage Soil Loss During the clearance
of the Plantation. 53
Figure4.4 : View of the coverage Soil Loss After the Establishment
of the Plantation. 54
VIl
List of T ables Pages
Table 2.1 C factor values for the USLE. 17
Table 2.2 P factor values for the USLE. 19
Table 3.1 Mean monthly and mean annual rainfall. 36
V111
Abstract
The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was applied to predict annual soil loss from an oil palm plantation. Parameters of the USLE used to generate the relevant
raster layers/or soil erosion spatial modelling in the GIS are
• rainfall ero ivity:
• slope length/gradient;
• cover-conservation method;
• soil erodibility
Using Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis and modelling technique, the four factors were used to generate the erosion risk map. Information contained in the map would allow planners to predict the average annual rates of the soil erosion with different landuse that are jungle, shifting cultivation, bare soil and oil palm.
GIS is an effective tool in prediction Qfthe soil loss.
IX
Abstrak
Persamaan Kehilangan Tanah Semesta (USLE) diaplikasikan unluk meramalkan kadar kehilangan tanah tahunan di kawasan tanaman kelapa sawit. Parameter USLE yang lerlibat menjana lapisan raster pemodelan ruang hakisan tanah dalam Geographical Information System (GIS) ialah
• lcebolehakisan hujan;
• panjanglkecerunan cerun;
• cara pengabadian penutup bumi;
• kebolehalcisan tanah.
Analisis dan teknik pemodelan Sistem Maklumat Geografi (GIS) membolehkan penghasilan pela risiko hakisan tanah hasil daripada penjanaan keempat-empat lakJor tersebul. Maklumat yang terkandung dalam peta membolehkan perancang meramalkan purata kadar tahunan hakisan tanah di kawasan yang diliputi tutup bum; yang berbeza-beza antaranya hutan, fanaman bergilir, tanah lapang dan /cawasan Ice/apa sawit. GIS aJlirah perkakasan yang efektif untuk meramalkan kadar kehilangan tanah.
x
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Soil erosion is one of the major serious environmental problem where it can removes soil rich in nutrients, increase natural level of sedimentation in the river and cause flash flood at the construction area.
Estimates of the sediment yield are needed for the studies of reservoir sedimentation, river morphology, soil and water conservation planning, water quality modelling and design of efficient erosion control structures.
As we noticed, the construction of dams and reservoirs on the river can have significant impacts on its flow of water and sediment. Reservoir sedimentation can reduce the reservoir's effective flood control volume and in some several cases can cause overtopping during floods. Sedimentation can also affect a reservoir water quality and reduce its flood control, water supply, hydropower and recreation benefits.
floatin debris
Lake bed
Sluice ways
Figure 1.1 Schematic drawing of the sediment accumulation in a typical reservoir.
l' ~,t Khidmal a iumat A I .'ER IT! MALAYSIA SARA
Sediments deposition against a dam can reduce its stability , and affect the operational of low - level outlets works, gates and valves. The abrasive action of sediment particles can roughen the surface of release facilities and cause cavitation and vibration. These adverse effects could jeopardize a dam's integrity and safety.
Self weight
Uplift pressure
Figure 1.2 Schematic of effect of the sediment loads : gravity dam profile.
Consequently, it is important to take sediment loads into consideration in the planning, design, operation and maintenance of a dam and reservoir.
2
1.2 Objectives
The objective of the project are ;
1.2.1 Predict tbe annual soil loss from an oil palm plantation for three different cases.
• Before tbe establishment of the plantation.
• During the clearance of the jungle.
• After the establisbment of tbe plantation.
1.3 Study Area
The Empressa plantation is located to the south within the Sungai Bakong catchment, Miri Division. This is shown in the figure 1.3. Its cover about 5,936 hectares. The Empressa plantation area is located between latitudes 3 0
30
45' N and 53' N and longitudinal 114 0 00' E and 114 0 09' E. The Sungai Bakong catchment is relatively smalI tributary of the Batang Baram.
Its confluence with Batang Baram is at 32 km downstream of the Marudi Town. Sungai Bakong has its source in the Niah-Jelalong Protected Forest to the south of the catchment. It is bounded by Lambir Forest Reserve to the north and north-west, and the drainage-divide with the main river of Batang Baram is found to the east of the Bakong catchment.
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1.4
Thesis Layout
This thesis is presented in five chapters.
Chapter 1: Erosion of sediment and its effect on water resources project is introduced.
Chapter 2 : Studies related to soil erosion and an overview of GIS are presented.
Chapter 3 : The methodology followed to produce potential soil erosion maps for the study area is presented.
Chapter 4 : This chapter presents the results of this work.
Chapter 5: Gives conclusions on thesis works. Recommendations on future work are also presented .
..
4
Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 latroduction
The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) (Wischmeir and Smith 1978) is the most widely used method of estimating soil loss. USLE takes into account several factors such as rainfall, soil erodibility, length and steepness of slope, laud cover and erosion control practice. GIS pennits to generate the relevant layers for soil erosion spatial modelling. In this chapter, the related factors of the USLE will be discussed and an overview of GIS will be presented.
l.l
Soil Loss and Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE)
By definition soil erosion is a two-phase process, detachment of individual particles from soil aggregates and transport of these particles by erosive agents -wind or water. When sufficient energy is no longer available to transport the particles, a third phase, deposition occurs. Particles are eventually deposited to fonn new soil or to fill lakes and reservoirs. The effects of soil erosion are felt not only in the areas where top soil is removed by water and wind, the subsoil and bedrock exposed and the land entrenched by gullies, but also in the areas downvalley or downwind where the ground is covered with sand and silt deposits, ditches and canals are clogged with sediment and reservoir silt up.
5
Siltation of reservoirs and rivers reduces their capacity, creating a flood hazard and the sediment is a major pollutant and lowering water quality.
Figure 2.1 Photo shows close up of rills erosion that have formed .
The prevention of soil erosion, which means reducing the rate of soil loss to approximately that which would occur under natural conditions, relies on selecting appropriate stra 'es for soil conservation and this, in tum, required a thorough understanding of the process of erosion.
In order to predict the annual soil loss in the study area UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS EQUATION (USLE) (Wischmeier and Smith,1978) was applied. The USLE, developed by ARS scientists W. Wischmeir and D. Smith, has been the most widely accepted and utilized soil loss equation for over 30 years. Designed as a method to predict average annual soil loss caused by sheet and
6