Abstract
Problem Statement: The impacts of soil compaction on crop yields have been studied extensively by soil scientists due to declining soil productivity associated with mechanisation. However, a relationship between machine-induced soil compaction and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) yield is unclear. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of mechanization on soil physical properties and the influence on oil palm yield. Approach: The palms were planted in Bernam series soil which is clay textured. Compaction treatments were imposed for 6 consecutive years. Comparisons were made between the effects of soil compaction caused by different trailer weights and monthly transportation frequency. Results: The results showed a beneficial effect of soil compaction on the oil palm yield. It significantly increased the yield with increased mean soil bulk density. The transportation frequency played a greater role than the trailer weight. After six years of soil compaction, there was a positive relationship between mean soil bulk density, porosity and oil palm yield. Conclusion: Thus compaction may not often be a problem.
Highlights
The oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq, is the most important industrial crop in Malaysia and remains as the ‘golden crop’ which contributes to the global oils and fats trade
Six years of continuous compaction resulted in an inverse relationship between Bulk Density (BD) and porosity
Increase in trailer weight resulted in an increase in mean soil BD and a decrease in total porosity decreased
Summary
The oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq, is the most important industrial crop in Malaysia and remains as the ‘golden crop’ which contributes to the global oils and fats trade. The use of machines in the oil palm industry is more extensive to reduce the dependence on labor as well as to turn the industry into a more mechanized, high technology, well-managed and globally competitive industry. It is generally accepted that sustaining the industry will partly depend on mechanization which is widely adopted in oil palm plantations. Sci., 5 (1): 15-19, 2010 structural characteristics and functions of soil, which soil physical properties and their influence on oil palm could have an effect on yield.
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