Land Change and Soil Erosion Due to Oil Palm Plantation Expansion: An Environmental Study in Central Kalimantan

Perubahan Lahan dan Erosi Tanah akibat Ekspansi Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit: Kajian Lingkungan di Kalimantan Tengah

Abstract

The expansion of oil palm plantations in Central Kalimantan has significant impacts on the environment, especially in terms of land use changes and increased soil erosion. This study examines these impacts using empirical data from a soil investigation study at PT. Tunas Harapan Baru. By combining field survey methods and satellite imagery analysis, it was found that the conversion of forest land to oil palm plantations caused an increase in soil erosion by 25%. These results underscore the importance of implementing more sustainable land management practices to prevent further environmental degradation.