Author : Lailan Syaufina

Summary : A study on the effects of climatic variations on peat swamp forest condition and peat combustibility was conducted in peat swamp forest of Sungai Karang Forest Reserve, Tanjong Karang, Selangor, Malaysia. The objectives of the study were to determine : (1) Climatic variations in the study area, (2) The effects of climatic variations on peat swamp forest condition; (3) Peat combustibility and its influencing factors, and (4) The effects of forest fire on peat swamp forest condition. Climatic water balance, drought occurrences analysis and drought index using Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) were used to describe climatic variations. Investigation on peat swamp forest condition included peat characteristics such as moisture content, pH, organic content, ash content, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and water level. heat content and combustion rate were measured to determine peat combustibility. All data obtained were analysed statistically by using multivariate cluster analysis, univariate and multiple regression.The high stages of KBDI in 1999/2000 were observed twice, namely on 25 and 26 April 2000. KBDI can be used in predicting moisture content and water level in the study area.