Application Of Empty Fruit Bunches Research Articles

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF AGRICULTURE WASTE AS A SOIL AMENDMENT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SWEET CORN (Zea Mays.)

The decline in soil fertility of agricultural land and the abundance of agricultural wastes is a major problem in the environment. To overcome these problems, agricultural wastes have the potential to serve as a beneficial product that provides sustainable agriculture. The use of agricultural wastes as soil amendments is a sustainable practice in improving soil quality and plant productivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the potential of agricultural wastes and agriculture wastes-derived biochars as soil amendments toward sweet corn (Zea Mays.) growth performance. The study was conducted in the greenhouse for 75 days. A randomized complete block design with four treatments (oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), EFB biochar, decanter cake, corn cob and corn cob biochar) in combination with mineral soil and four replication was used during the study. Plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves were assessed for each treatment. Results indicate that corn cob biochar significantly increased the sweet corn height and plant diameter by respectively 11.0% and 25.0% as compared to the control. An increase in the stem diameter by 10.0% due to the application of EFB was observed at 45 days compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, the agricultural waste which is corn cob biochar were observed to have the potential in enhancing the sweet corn (Zea Mays.) growth.

Improvement Of Soil Chemical Properties In Oil Palm Plantations At Supra Matra Abadi Aek Nabara Estate With The Application Of Empty Oil Palm Bunches

Oil palm is a plant greedy for water and nutrients that can ultimately reduce soil conditions both from water and nutrients in the soil; for this reason, it is necessary to improve soil conditions. The application of EFB can be one of the solutions to overcoming the problem. This study aims to determine the Influence of Empty Fruit Bunch on improving the Chemical Properties Of Soil Planted By Oil Palm At Supra Matra Abadi Aek Nabara Estate. This research was conducted at Afdeling III Supra Matra AbadiAek Nabara Estate. This research was conducted for five months. This research method used a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD), which consisted of 2 factors. The first factor was soil depth which consisted of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, 30- 60 cm, and 60-90 cm. The second factor is the application of empty fruit bunches, which consists of no EFB application (control) and the application of empty fruit bunches: 370 kg/tree. The results showed that giving empty fruit bunches to oil palm plantations can increase soil fertility. The application of EFB affects the pH values of the soil, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium. And the depth of the ground, given the application of EFB, negatively affects soil fertility. This means that if the soil's depth increases, soil fertility tends to decrease as well as it should.

Impacts of empty fruit bunch applications on soil organic carbon in an industrial oil palm plantation.

Extensive oil palm plantations have often resulted in the decrease of soil organic carbon (SOC). Several options exist to counter this, such as recycling empty fruit bunches (EFB) as a soil amendment. However, the extent to which EFB increase SOC has been disputed. Since EFB could also be used as a climate change mitigation tool, it is necessary to truly understand their impact on SOC. The investigation of the impact of nine EFB treatments (differing in frequency and application rates) on a 27-year-old large-scale experiment (Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia) revealed that, while EFB impacts are heterogeneous throughout the plantation, they can positively affect total SOC and permanganate oxidisable carbon (POX-C) both at shallow and deep depths (measured up to 100cm). POX-C was closely correlated to SOC, but showed significant increases compared to the untreated control in all treatments, while total SOC was only increased in a few treatments with small and frequent rates of EFB application. Overall, between 12 (±16) and 56 (±12) t ha-1 of carbon were sequestered under the harvesting path after 21 years. Focussing on the mineral nutrition value of the EFB, oil palm companies apply a rate of 60t of EFB every second year for their commercial production, and the analysis of three commercial plots showed that the commercial rate only increased POX-C while it had no effect on the total SOC and SOC stocks. It seems obvious that a change of paradigm is necessary to consider EFB recycling as a new management perspective, where the potential for carbon sequestration becomes an important variable for climate change mitigation besides the initial objective of integrating EFB application into the fertiliser management plan of a plantation.

Application of Empty Fruit Bunches of Oil Palm and Indigofera zollingeriana for Conservation of Oil Palm Plantation

Oil palm empty fruit bunches are materials used as organic fertilizers that can be applied to oil palm plantations, thereby reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers. Indigofera zollingeriana is an appropriate alternative as an interplant because of its high branch and leaf development. Functions as a ground cover and a supplier of carbon stocks naturally plays a role in water and soil conservation. This study aims to determine the effect of oil palm empty fruit bunches and I. zollingeriana on land improvement to support oil palm growth and production. Variables observed included changes in soil water content, soil microorganism activity, and carbon stock. The results showed that the soil planted with I. zollingeriana and given the empty fruit bunches of oil palm had a higher soil moisture content. The highest soil carbon stock, oil palm carbon stock, and vegetation carbon stock were 81.6 t ha-1, 36.60 t ha-1, and 1.89 t ha-1, respectively. The population and activity of microorganisms varies. The highest total microorganisms were treated with I. zollingeriana and oil palm EFB 105 (10⁵CFU g-1), while the lowest was 60 (10⁵CFU g-1). Planting I. zollingeriana and providing oil palm empty fruit bunches increased groundwater reserves by 36.71%.

KONTRIBUSI TANDAN KOSONG DALAM MENINGKATKAN PENGARUH PUPUK ANORGANIK TERHADAP PRODUKSI KELAPA SAWIT

Sustainable intensification of oil palm plantations faces the challenge of decreasing soil fertility and increasing the price of inorganic fertilizers. Organic matter plays an important role in maintaining soil fertility. Empty fruit bunches (EFB) are the main co-product of palm oil mills that have the potential to be used as a source of organic matter and nutrient sources. This study aims to reveal the effect of the application of empty fruit bunches in increasing the effectiveness and substituting inorganic fertilizers for the components of oil palm production. The number of female inflorescence, the number of FFB and the average weight of FFB were observed for 3 years on palm aged 8, 9 and 10 years. Application of EFB + 70% recommended inorganic fertilizer. The recommended fertilizer is 8 kg per tree (N P K Mg 14-28-6-2 +0.5 B). EFB are applied as one layer of mulch with a size of 3x4 m on a dead net. The results showed that the application of empty bunches could increase the number of female flowers and the number of FFB in plants aged 9 and 10 years (1-2 years after application), while inorganic fertilizer EFB was only at the age of 8 years (0 years after application) for both production components. FFB weight one year after application of EFB+70% inorganic fertilizer (age 9 years ) was higher than 8 and 10 year aged plants. The application of EFB+70% inorganic fertilizer can increase the contribution of nutrients from fertilizers compared to the application of inorganic fertilizers solely.

Application of oil palm empty bunches as organic mulch in oil palm plantation (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.): an evaluation and SWOT analysis

Palm oil waste management must be done as a form of implementing zero waste palm oil industry. Oil palm Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) are one of the solid wastes produced from processing Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB). PT ABC manages EFB waste by utilizing it as organic fertilizer with the mulching method. EFB is organic material containing nutrients and can improve soil physical properties when applied to plant cultivation areas. This study was conducted to determine the impact of EFB application on plantation land on the level of oil palm production and the potential for pests that can be caused and to analyze the implementation of EFB application at PT ABC, Bengkulu. The study method used is descriptive, using primary data obtained through observation, interviews, literature studies and documentation, and secondary data obtained by identifying organisms at the spot of EFB application and observing oil palm plants for symptoms of horn beetle attack. Then, data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistical methods and SWOT analysis methods. The results showed that the application of EFB with a single layer mulching method at PT ABC could reduce the risk of the appearance of horn beetle pests and could potentially increase the productivity of oil palm plants, although not too high. PT ABC has the opportunity to carry out a comprehensive EFB application to have a good impact on the company by considering the recommended SWOT analysis strategy.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch on Bricks and Mortar

Palm oil has a great commercial value in the global vegetable oil market, due to having several beneficial uniqueness such as significant profits and high yields for farmers, as well as effective and efficient land use. As the second-largest producer of palm oil in the world, Malaysia produces an enormous amount of empty fruit bunch (EFB) as biomass waste, whose proper and improper disposal incurs costs and environmental problems, respectively. This EFB fibre is also used to produce bricks and mortar for building construction, due to being a sustainable solution to environmental problems. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the existing literature related to the application of EFB in the civil engineering field. This focused on the properties of the fibre and its effects on bricks and mortar, to gauge the challenges and prospects of EFB products in the local industry. EFB fibre is a porous voluminous cellulose structure, whose properties vary among each other due to diverse origins, species, and biological growth conditions. This is useful in reducing the weight and thermal conductivity of bricks, as well as slightly increasing their tensile and flexural strengths. However, some disadvantages were observed for the EFB bricks, with the workability and compressive strength being lower. The water absorption of this product was also higher than normal bricks. This confirmed that EFB fibre should be minimally used in bricks and mortar. As a natural fibre, concerns are often observed on inconsistent quality, poor fire resistance, and decay risk, which need to be solved before the use of bricks in the construction industry. This study recommends several patterns of improving the strength, quality, and consistency of EFB bricks, such as the alkaline treatment, which roughens the surface area of the product to enhance the fibre- atrix adhesion.

Improving economic and environmental outcomes in oil palm smallholdings: The relationship between mulching, soil properties and yields

CONTEXTThe area under oil palm cultivation has expanded importantly in South-East Asia. The resulting land-use transformations are associated with environmental degradation such as substantial carbon dioxide emissions. Soil conservation practices can contribute to more sustainable oil palm systems by increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) contents and yields. One soil conservation practice in oil palm plantations is the mulching with empty fruit bunches (EFB). OBJECTIVEWe estimated the relationship between EFB mulching and, respectively, yields, SOC and total nitrogen contents, the carbon‑nitrogen ratio and the average bulk density in smallholder oil palm plantations. We further analyzed the determinants of smallholders' EFB application taking into account regional market, farm, and plot level aspects, as well as farmers' perceptions. METHODSWe estimated the relationship between mulching and yields with panel data, and between mulching and soil properties with cross-sectional data. We accounted for the possible selection bias of the decision to apply EFB mulching with instrumental variable estimations. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the determinants of smallholder EFB use. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results indicated that in particular the regional supply in EFB and farmers' wealth levels were correlated with smallholder EFB mulching. EFB mulching was associated with 39% higher yields and 19% higher SOC contents. We attribute the higher yields to potentially improved soil chemical functions linked to higher SOC contents, such cation exchange capacity effects, and to an increased K and potentially Mg availability. Since EFB is not available in sufficient quantity to be applied to all plantations, policy makers could identify user groups with the greatest potentials for environmental and income improvements. Site-specific life cycle assessments and yield effects can help to inform such identification. SIGNIFICANCEDespite their growing importance in the oil palm sector, evidence on the effect of EFB mulching was missing for smallholder farmers. Because of associated higher SOC contents and yields, our findings indicate that the promotion of EFB mulching as best management practice could potentially contribute to more sustainable oil palm systems. Strengthening inclusive value chains for smallholders, information provision and investments in road infrastructure represent potential policy instruments to increase smallholder EFB application. The identification and promotion of best management practices are important with view to the still ongoing oil palm expansion in South-East Asia, and progressively in other parts of the world.

Effects of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Application on Oil Palm Yield, Soil Properties and Cost-Benefits Analysis

Due to limited area for dumping empty fruit bunch (EFB), an environmentally sustainable approach of EFB utilization is needed in oil palm plantations. The estimated production of EFB generated from 100 tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) is about 20%, which is equivalent to 20 tons. A study was conducted in 2015 at an 8-year-old oil palm estate owned by Ladang Rakyat Trengganu Sdn. Bhd. (LRTSB), located in Cheneh, Terengganu. It is estimated that the LRTSB palm oil mill’s annual production is about 240 000 – 250 000 tons of FFB that will produce about 48 000 – 50 000 tons of EFB. In this research, the application of EFB at different rates of 60 t/ha (T1), 80 t/ha (T2) and 0 t/ha (T3) were conducted from 2015-2019. The EFB was applied along the frond heap (alternate row), once a year. The data collected consisted of oil palm yield, soil chemical properties and cost benefit analysis. Results showed that after 6 years of EFB application, the oil palm yield increased when compared to the plot without EFB application. In addition, the EFB helped in increasing soil nutrient content, moisture and reduced soil compaction. In short, application of EFB increased soil fertility and improved oil palm yield.

Modified oil palm industry solid waste as a potential adsorbent for lead removal

As one of the largest oil palm producers in the world, Malaysia also produces the most abundant residues of palm oil known as empty fruit bunch (EFB). Mismanaging of this residue such as being unused and disposed to sanitary landfills will put the environments in danger. Hence, modification and environmental application of EFB for the pollutant removal is a hot research topic in recent trend. This study involves modification of palm oil industrial residues as EFB-activated carbon and further used as an adsorbent for the removal of lead. The physicochemical property of the EFB-activated carbon was assessed using SEM, FTIR and BET. The adsorption conditions i.e., pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time for the effective removal of lead were optimized. The optimum reaction conditions for lead adsorption by the EFB-activated carbon were 10 g/L of adsorbent, pH 1.0 and 15 min as contact time for the effective removal of lead in aqueous solution. The maximum lead concentration that has removed successfully was 92.24 mg/L under the optimum condition. This study may provide solution to manage the EFB residuals generated from palm oil industries and lead contaminated in the aquatic environment. • EFB-activated carbon was prepared from oil palm industry residuals for lead removal. • The surface area of EFB-activated carbon was found to be 374.73 m 2 /g. • The maximum lead removal was 92.24 mg/10 mg of EFB-activated carbon. • The EFB-activated carbon is a good adsorbent for lead removal from aqueous solution. • This study provides a way to reuse the oil palm solid waste for pollutant removal.

Feasibility Study of Co-Firing of Torrefied Empty Fruit Bunch and Coal through Boiler Simulation

Torrefied empty fruit bunch (EFB) co-firing is a promising technology to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants. However, co-firing can influence the combustion and heat transfer characteristics in a coal boiler. In order to study the feasibility of co-firing application of torrefied EFB (T-EFB) in boilers, the combustion characteristics, gas emissions and heat flux distribution were analyzed, respectively. First, the kinetic parameters of T-EFB devolatilization and char oxidation were obtained by experimental analysis. Second, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was applied to the actual 500 MWe boiler simulation to further evaluate the differences in the co-firing performance parameters (combustion characteristics and emissions) of the T-EFB and the heat transfer characteristics within the boiler. Numerical results show that T-EFB co-firing can improve the ignition characteristics of pulverized coal, reduce the formation of unburned particles. When the blending ratio was increased from 10% to 50%, significantly NOx (oxides of nitrogen) reduction (levels from 170 to 98 ppm at 6% O2) was achieved. At a blending ratio above 40%, boiler combustion efficiency decreases as the total heat flux of the boiler decreases due to an increase in the amount of unburned carbon. In addition, T-EFB co-firing can affect the heat transfer characteristics of the boiler.

Effects of Organic Materials and Rainfall Intensity on the Productivity of Oil Palm Grown under Sandy Soil Condition

Oil palm plantations in Indonesia are cultivated on various types of land, ranging from very suitable to unsuitable types. This cultivation method is increasingly vulnerable to drought caused by climate change. Climate change due to global warming negatively affects the management of oil palm plantations in the long term. The upper-temperature limit for efficient photosynthesis in oil palm leaves is >38 °C. The increase in temperature (2°C above the optimum) and rainfall by 10% is projected to cause a yield decline of up to 30%. The water shortage is also a major limiting factor for palm oil production. Such vulnerability is predicted to worsen, and thus its negative effects should be explored. The purpose of this study is to reveal the role of organic matter applied as empty bunches (EFB) and the management of Nephrolepis bisserata vegetation in reducing the adverse effects of rainfall on palm oil production on sandy soils. The survey method and observations were carried out for over 3 years on plants aged 14-16 years on blocks. Empty fruit bunches (EFB) of 40 tons/ha/year was applied to each block, and Nephrolepis biserrata was used as ground cover which planted in path. The parameters observed included the number and average weight of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). The relationship between fluctuations in the conditions of monthly rainfall intensity on oil palm production was determined through regression analysis. Rainfall strongly influenced the number of FFB, whereas the average weight of FFB remained relatively constant. The application of EFB and management of Nephrolepis biserrata vegetation facilitates the reduction of drought impacts and increase in oil palm production (15%) as shown in bunch weight and bunch number. EFB and Nephrolepis biserrata vegetation can increase soil organic matter content and improve soil water holding capacity.

Empty Fruit Bunches as Potential Source for Biosilica Fertilizer for Oil Palm

In Indonesia, the development of oil palm plantations has been going on a pervasive way; they covered about 14.03 million hectares in 2017. This massive coverage of land might then generate a tremendous amount of biomass per year, both in the form of both solid and liquid wastes. The processing of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in palm oil mill (POM) produces wastes that primarily in the form of empty fruit bunches (EFB), which is amounting of up to 25% (w/w) of FFB. It has been being indicated that EFB contains a considerable amount of silica (Si) which attracts the Indonesian Research Institute for Biotechnology and Bioindustry (IRIBB) to investigate the potential use of EFB as a source of bio-available Si, in the form of H4SiO4 (mono silicic acid, BioSilAc). The experiment was carried out at Sungai Mirah Minting Estate, PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro-Central Kalimantan. The EFB material was obtained from POM and chopped into 2.5-5.0 cm in size. A four-week bio-decomposition process was employed by using bio-decomposers containing Trichoderma pseudokoningii, T. polysporum, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Chemical analyses of composted EFB were conducted before and 28-days after decomposer application. The presence of Si in the compost was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of Si-containing EFB compost on the immature and mature oil palm was evaluated. Seven treatments, i.e. combination of EFB compost and BioSilAc application with reduced-dosages of NPK fertilisers were arranged in a random block design with three replicates. The results show that large quantities of silica bodies attached to the surface of EFB fibres and amounting to 0.44% soluble Si. The FFB data indicated that the application of 75% NPK + 500 kg composted EFB + 2 L BioSilAc/ha/year on a five-year-old plant resulted in higher yield than that obtained from 100% standard dosage of NPK. The study also revealed that the application of EFB compost reduced 50% of BioSilAc dosage.

The role of oil palm biomass recycling on soil health in oil palm plantations

Oil palm cultivation produces a massive amount of biomass (e.g., empty fruit bunches (EFB), frond and trunk) which could be recycled directly in the plantation to maintain/improve the quality of soils. The impact of this biomass recycling, i.e., EFB and frond, - in term of chemical, physical and biological characteristics, will be analyzed. The fresh application of the EFB could alternate most of the soil parameters in line with the kinetics of the decomposition of the EFB and the release of nutrients. For example, the pH of the soil after the EFB application was higher during more than 18 months compared to the initial situation. Soil exchangeable potassium increased dramatically within a few days after EFB spreading. Frond recycling, at harvesting and pruning, modifies the chemical and physical characteristics of soils whether they were applied on heaps between palms in dedicated inter-rows, or spread on harvesting paths where they could reduce run-off and erosion. The systematic distribution of fronds in inter-rows reduced rainwater run-off by more than 30%, even on 5% gentle slopes. Subsequently, soil loss through erosion was reduced by 65% depending on the slope intensity of the terrain. Consequently, the loss of nutrients was considerably reduced, resulting in higher fertilizer efficiency. Similar measurements have been done when applying fresh EFB to the soil. The impact on soil physical fertility, i.e., rainwater infiltration rate and subsequently soil humidity are improved. We have also recorded a reduction of the soil resistance to penetration, as well as an improvement of the soil aggregate stability. Several representative parameters of soil biological activity, i.e., soil fauna feeding activity using bait-lamina test system and earthworm’ population showed the positive impact of EFB applications as well as frond spreading in inter-rows.

Properties of Cement Brick with Partial Replacement of Sand and Cement with Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and Silica Fume

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and silica fume (SF) are the by-products of the oil palm plantation and the ferroalloy smelting industries, respectively. Improper disposal of these materials leads to negative implication to the environment. This study was carried out to investigate the potential application of EFB and SF in cement bricks. EFB fibre and SF replaced up to 25% of sand and cement in the mix, respectively, in several groups of specimens that distinguished the normal, EFB-, SF- and EFB-SF-cement bricks. The specimens were tested for the compressive strength, density and water absorption property. The results reveal that SF, at an optimum amount of 10% cement replacement, increased 10% of the strength of the cement brick. EFB fibre reduced the strength and density but increased water absorption property of the cement brick. For application in the construction industry, SF and EFB fibre contents should be kept within 10% and 20% respectively.

PERUBAHAN SIFAT KIMIA TANAH SETELAH APLIKASI TANDAN KOSONG KELAPA SAWIT PADA DUA KELAS TEKSTUR TANAH

The increase production of oil palm plantation is followed by the residue from processing palm oil mill effluent (POME) and oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB). The POME is widely applied in oil palm plantation, whereas EFB is limited used. This study aimed to determine the effect of EFB application on soil chemical properties in Ultisol. This study was conducted in the Soil Chemical and Biological Laboratories, Agriculture Faculty, Brawijaya University Malang. Soil samples were collected from Batanghari and Sarolangun regencies, Jambi Province. This study was designed using randomized complete design with 6 treatments, including clay loam Ultisol (CLU) + EFB (T1B1); CLU + palm oil fibre (T1B2); CLU + EFB + fibre (T1B3); sandy loam Ultisol (SLU) + EFB (T2B1); SLU + fibre (T2B2); SLU + EFB + fibre (T2B3), and 3 replicates. The results showed that application oil palm residues (e.g EFB and fibre) increased soil organic C, available K, total N, and CEC on clay loam Ultisol with the highest increase was observed at the T1B3 (CLU + EFB + fibre) for 12 weeks incubation. This study summarized that oil palm residues can potentially be used as organic fertilizer in oil palm plantation.

Nutritional imbalance in smallholder oil palm plantations in Indonesia

In Indonesia more than 40% of the area under oil palm is owned by smallholders. The productivity in smallholder plantations is usually less than in large plantations, and limited fertiliser applications may be one of the key reasons. We investigated the use of fertilisers by > 300 smallholder farmers in Sumatra and Kalimantan, some of whom were involved in training programmes aimed at yield improvement. In our sample, the total applications of N were largest (166 kg ha−1 year−1), followed by K (122 kg) and P (56 kg). The applications of K were insufficient to compensate for the off-take with a production of 20 tonne fruit bunches ha−1 year−1, while N applications were excessive. On average, farmers applied 1130 kg fertiliser ha−1 year−1, and relied strongly on subsidised fertilisers, especially NPK Ponska (66%) and urea (39%). The average costs for fertiliser application were USD 225 ha−1 year−1. Trained farmers applied significantly more P in one research area, but for the other nutrients and research areas, there was no significant difference between trained and untrained farmers. Plantation size and nutrient application were weakly correlated in some areas, but not in the sample as a whole. Previously reported nutrient application rates were mostly less than our findings indicated, suggesting that actual nutrient limitations may be more severe. To overcome nutrient limitations and enhance nutrient use efficiency, we recommend that fertilisers are used in the correct balance; a ground cover vegetation is maintained to protect against erosion; and the application of empty fruit bunches is encouraged.

Application of oil palm empty fruit bunch effects on soil biota and functions: A case study in Sumatra, Indonesia

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is an important tropical crop which provides one-fifth of the world’s vegetable oil, yet its rapid expansion can negatively influence the soil ecosystem. Identifying suitable agronomic management such as crop residue application is important for the sustainable development of oil palm. We examined the effects of adding empty fruit bunches (EFB), a major oil palm residue, on multiple soil abiotic properties, soil biota, and indicators of soil functions. We compared treatments of EFB applications with three application rates, and a chemical fertilizer treatment in a 15–year trial in Central Sumatra, Indonesia. EFB application increased pH and aggregate stability in 0–10 cm soils and decreased the soil bulk density. EFB application increased the abundance of soil detritivore mites, soil fauna feeding activity, and soil microbial activity. EFB application decreased the biomass of a dominant invasive earthworm species, Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857). Results from structural equation modelling suggested that EFB directly affected soil biota and functions, rather than through altering soil abiotic properties. The effects of EFB application on most soil abiotic properties, soil biota and function indicators were independent of the application rate. Our results revealed that EFB application has a high potential to enhance soil biota and functions in oil palm plantations.

Application of empty fruit bunches (EFB) and cow manure (CM) compost as planting medium on the growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annum) treated with different fertilizer

Application of empty fruit bunches (EFB) and cow manure (CM) compost as planting medium on the growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annum) treated with different fertilizer

The application of empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers of oil palm for the development of light structure materials and products

We have been involved in developing the use of EFB fibers for several light structural products, such as speed bumps, parking stoppers, helmets, and horse shoes. This paper presents our current research work on parking bumper made of EFB fibers to be utilized for power generation. The products are designed and produced in full scale covering the whole width of vehicles passing over the bumpers. The ideas are how to reserve kinetic energy harvested from the vehicles to convert into electricity to be stored in a battery. To obtain a structural integrity-proof material, the speed bumps were subjected several tests, e.g. static and impact tests as well as live body test using the kinetic energy obtained from vehicles pass over the speed bumps. For this, a speed bump station parallel to street zebra-cross was prepared. It was obtained that A-5 concrete foam type is suitable for 3B class road. The structural response of speed bumps were checked using ANSYS 17.0.