Sago Palm in Peatland

Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is the most promising starch producing palm species. Sago palm accumulates around 200 kg starch or more per plant or in the trunk. This palm species is recognized as one of the crops used by human beings since ancient times. The growing area of sago palm spreads across several land conditions such as upland, tidal, and submerged areas which do not have a proper water drainage system. It can grow in swamp, alluvial, and peat soils where almost no other major crops can grow without drainage or soil improvement. It is adaptive to an extremely wide range of environmental conditions from brackish water to fresh water. However, its growth performance and starch yield vary depending on the growth environment such as soil types and water conditions. Considering the recent social backgrounds, namely a new competition between biofuel production and food production as well as demand for food diversification, the efficient use of carbohydrates from the sago palm and related species as well as predicted increase in the sustainable development and utilization of land in swampy areas are currently anticipated. This chapter provides a brief review on future prospects of sago palm growth and production in different soil conditions mostly in accordance with the publications from the Society of Sago Palm Studies.