Acid sulphate soil characterization in Negara Brunei Darussalam: a case study to inform management decisions

A diverse range of acid sulphate soils occur in Negara Brunei Darussalam on the inland flat areas that are important agricultural lands. Prior to this study, there was no information on their occurrence. Information about these soils is critical because they present significant management challenges for both agriculture and protection of the environment. Field surveys and laboratory analysis conducted in eight areas of the Brunei‐Muara district and four areas of the Belait district identified, characterized and classified using Soil Taxonomy, a wide range of 10 acid sulphate soil types in four soil orders: Histosols, Vertisols, Inceptisols and Entisols. A user‐friendly soil identification key using easily observed soil characteristics was developed to assist users with the recognition of the range of acid sulphate soils. Conceptual soil hydro‐toposequence models in the form of cross‐sections were constructed to explain the spatial heterogeneity of (i) acid sulphate soil properties comprising a range of features (e.g. organic‐rich materials/peats, clays, sands, cracks and jarosite‐rich mottles), sulphidic material and sulphuric horizons, (ii) pyrite shale outcrops and (iii) soil types using both the soil identification key and Soil Taxonomy. The soil hydro‐toposequence models together with the soil identification key helped to easily visualize and illustrate the complexities and importance of understanding specific sites to assess the detailed behaviour and implications of various soil, regolith and topographic features.