7. Principles of AeroHydro Culture

An innovative culture system for tropical peatlands has been developed. AeroHydro culture is defined as plant cultivation at high ground water levels (GWLs) with supplements applied to the peatland surface. In peatland ecosystems, oxygen is usually the most serious limiting factor due to the very low levels of oxygen solubilization into water. Nutrient deficiencies subsequently develop because of both low nutrient adsorption due to the low oxygen level in the peat water and the low nutrient content of peat. However, trees that grow in native peatlands with high GWL have developed two strategies: forming aerial roots [for oxygen absorption] and lateral roots that grow into mounds that accumulate litter, called mound roots [for nutrient absorption]. Thus, AeroHydro culture mimics native peatland ecosystems. Both nutrients and oxygen are applied to the peatland surface as a combination of natural materials, organic matter, microorganisms, plant growth-promoting substances, and matrix materials.

AeroHydro culture is therefore an ideal culture system for tropical peatlands because it allows enough oxygen and nutrients to be applied from the peatland surface and enough water to be absorbed from the peatlands. Here, the most important key elements of AeroHydro culture and how to implement AeroHydro culture practices are discussed.