Metagenome of Peat Soils under Oil Palm Cultivation in Peninsular Malaysia
In this study, we investigate the soil microbial communities and their associated functions as greenhouse gas (GHG)-producing and -consuming microorganisms involved in biogeochemical processes and soil fertility, particularly carbon and nutrient cycling that influence GHG emissions in tropical peatlands. Although GHG fluxes have been examined in parts of tropical peat ecosystems, limited information is available on the microorganisms responsible for these processes under oil palm cultivation on peat soils. The selected study sites include primary forest and oil palm plantations representing different planting generations. Soil sampling was conducted in Peninsular Malaysia, with primary forest serving as a reference site, and oil palm plantations located in Pekan, Pahang (deep peat) and Bagan Datuk, Perak (shallow peat).