FIRE RISK IN MELALEUCA PEAT FORESTS ON POTENTIAL ACID SULFATE SOILS AND PEAT MINING IN U MINH, MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

Abstract

Peat in the U Minh Thuong and U Minh Ha areas of the Mekong Delta is formed on acid sulfate soils and represents a rare ecological and environmental resource. This type of peat has high physical, chemical, and biological adsorption capacity, is rich in nutrients and micronutrients, and contains natural growth stimulants. However, the exploitation or burning of peat, especially in the Melaleuca forest ecosystem where trees contain high levels of essential oils, can lead to serious and irreversible consequences. Such actions not only destroy biodiversity and degrade the environment but also accelerate soil acidification, turning fertile land into “dead land”. Therefore, protecting the U Minh peatland ecosystem is essential to maintaining the integrity of the Mekong Delta wetland environment and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.