The Economics of Using Phosphate Rock under Matured Oil Palm in the Semi-deciduous Forest Zone in Ghana

I Danso,E Larbi,S Anim Okyere,A Osei-Bonsu,E Andoh-Mensah,B.N Nuertey,F Danso,V Logah

doi:10.19026/rjaset.7.242

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out the economic suitability of using phosphate rock under matured oil palm in the semi-deciduous forest zone in Ghana. The study was conducted between 2002 and 2007 at the Oil Palm Research Institute at Kusi, Ghana. The oil palm trees selected were 8 year old tenera (DXP ex OPRI). Each plot measured 17.6 m×17.6 m. There were four treatments, consisting of: 1). TSP-control: 222 kg of AS+222 kg of TSP+296 kg of MOP/ha/yr- OPRI fertilizer recommendation; 2). PR1-PR 715 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha-Yr 1. PR 358 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha-Yr 2. PR358 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha-Yr 3; 3). PR2-PR 1428 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha applied once in every 5 years; 4). PR3- PR 142.85 kg/ha+222 kg AS/ha+296 kg of MOP/ha applied twice in every 5 years. The cost-benefit analysis was carried out by comparing production cost and revenue for triple super phosphate and phosphate rock regimes. The cost benefit ratio in a declining order were: 3.4, 3.1, 2.9 and 2.4 for PR3, PR2, PR1 and TSP, respectively. The study has clearly shown that, economically it is sound to use PR under matured oil palm.

Highlights

Increased population pressure, reduced length of fallow, deforestation and improper agricultural practices have led to widespread soil degradation in many parts of the developing world including Ghana (Smaling et al, 1997)
Oil palm is a heavy feeder for macronutrients, especially N, P and K and phosphate deficiency may be sufficiently acute to produce foliar symptoms (Ahuja et al, 2007)
Among others, increasing fertilizer costs and environmental pollution are the problems of major concern needing an urgent attention

Summary

Introduction

Increased population pressure, reduced length of fallow, deforestation and improper agricultural practices have led to widespread soil degradation in many parts of the developing world including Ghana (Smaling et al, 1997). An important manifestation of this environmental damage is the inadequate replenishment of soil nutrients and organic matter. Phosphorus (P) deficiency has become critical in many soils. Because of complementarities in the uptake of plant nutrients, this deficiency threatens to disturb the viability of applying other nutrients. Oil palm is a heavy feeder for macronutrients, especially N, P and K and phosphate deficiency may be sufficiently acute to produce foliar symptoms (Ahuja et al, 2007). Among others, increasing fertilizer costs and environmental pollution are the problems of major concern needing an urgent attention.

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