Assessment of Soil Moisture Dynamics and Yield Response in Sago Palm under Peatland Drainage

Abstract

The management of water regimes in peatland ecosystems is critical for sustaining crop productivity and preventing environmental degradation, particularly in crops such as sago palm cultivated under drainage conditions. This study presents an assessment of soil moisture dynamics and yield response in sago palm under peatland drainage to evaluate the impact of water table fluctuations on crop performance. The proposed methodology integrates field-based measurements and data-driven analysis, utilizing multi-source datasets including soil moisture levels at varying depths, groundwater table fluctuations, rainfall, temperature, and crop growth parameters. These data are preprocessed through cleaning, normalization, and feature engineering techniques to ensure consistency and reliability. Advanced analytical and machine learning models, such as regression analysis, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks, are employed to capture the relationships between soil moisture dynamics, drainage conditions, and yield response. The system is trained and validated using region-specific datasets to ensure robustness under peatland conditions. Experimental results indicate that controlled drainage significantly influences soil moisture retention and root zone aeration, which directly affect sago palm growth and yield. Optimal water table management enhances moisture availability while preventing excessive waterlogging, leading to improved biomass production and yield stability. Additionally, the study identifies critical thresholds of soil moisture and drainage depth for maximizing productivity. The findings highlight the effectiveness of integrating data-driven approaches with water management strategies in peatland agriculture. The study concludes that intelligent assessment of soil moisture dynamics under drainage systems provides a scalable and sustainable solution for optimizing sago palm yield, improving water management, and supporting environmentally responsible peatland cultivation.