Oil Palm Plantations Research Articles

Coevolutionary dynamics in tropical peat ecosystems: A case study of Sumatra peatlands biosphere reserve

Tropical peat swamp is an essential ecosystem experiencing increased degradation over the past few decades. Therefore, this study used the social-ecological system (SES) perspective to explain the complex relationship between humans and nature in the Sumatran Peatlands Biosphere Reserve. The peat swamp forest has experienced a significant decline, followed by a significant increase in oil palm and forest plantations in areas designated for peat protection. Human systems have evolved to become complex and hierarchical, constituting individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions. Studies on SES conducted in the tropical peatlands of Asia have yet to address the co-evolutionary processes occurring in this region, which could illustrate the dynamic relationship between humans and nature. This study highlights the co-evolutionary processes occurring in the tropical peatland biosphere reserve and provides insights into their sustainability trajectory. Moreover, the coevolution process shows that biosphere reserve is shifting toward an unsustainable path. This is indicated by ongoing degradation in three zones and a lack of a comprehensive framework for landscape-scale water management. Implementing landscape-scale water management is essential to sustain the capacity of peatlands social-ecological systems facing disturbances, and it is important to maintain biodiversity. In addition, exploring alternative development pathways can help alter these trajectories toward sustainability.

The Impact of Agriculture on the Consumption of Natural Resources (An analytical study)

This research delves into the multifaceted relationship between agriculture and the consumption of natural resources, highlighting the significant impact of agricultural practices on natural resource depletion. Various studies have explored this dynamic, revealing how technological advancements, government policies, and market access in developed countries have contributed to the increased consumption of natural resources in agriculture. The expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia, for instance, has raised concerns about land scarcity and environmental degradation due to soil compaction and water retention issues. Conversely, research in the U.S. suggests that the availability of natural resources, except in cases of major energy supply interruptions, does not significantly constrain agricultural output. The study also examines the role of energy consumption in agriculture, with findings indicating that an increase in gas consumption boosts GDP, whereas higher electricity consumption may hinder growth. Additionally, the research addresses the effects of natural disasters on agriculture, food security, and natural resources, with typhoons notably impacting rice production and household food security in the Philippines. Through a critical and analytical lens, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how agricultural practices influence the depletion of natural resources and explore potential strategies for mitigating these effects. Given the study's outcomes, several policy recommendations emerge as follow: Governments should create incentives for the adoption of renewable energy technologies in agriculture to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, There is a need for comprehensive water management policies that ensure more sustainable water use in agriculture.

Assessing sediment CO2 effluxes in the coastal ecosystem of North Sumatra, Indonesia

Coastal wetlands including mangrove play a vital role in regulating the local and global carbon cycle. Coastal areas contribute greatly to the carbon exchange process due to the complex interactions that occur between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. One of the important components in coastal carbon dynamics is CO2 gas exchange between soil, water and the atmosphere. This study aims to assess CO2 efflux across various land covers (namely natural mangrove, restored mangrove, and converted mangroves to oil palm and aquaculture pond) in the coastal areas of North Sumatra Province, and analyze the effect of sea tides and ebbs on the rate of CO2 efflux and their connection with the number and area of macrozoobenthos burrows. We applied direct sampling by using the static closed chamber method attached to portable CO2 analyzer. The mean of CO2 efflux in natural mangrove forest land covers was 866±585 mgCO2/m2/h during low tide conditions and 1137±792 mgCO2/m2/h during high tide conditions, followed by oil palm plantations at 760.71±341 mgCO2/m2/h, restored mangroves during low tide of 575.24±326 mgCO2/m2/h and 597.11±180 mg CO2/m2/h during high tide conditions, and the lowest was recorded in ponds at 588.55±358 mgCO2/m2/h. Further, we observed that tidal conditions affect the magnitudes of CO2 efflux in natural and restored mangrove forests, and we did not observe similar pattern in oil palms and ponds since these land covers were not influenced by regular tidal input. We also observed that no significant relationship between the number and area of macrozoobenthos burrows and CO2 efflux. Our findings suggest that CO2 effluxes in coastal wetlands are highly dynamic and presumably driven by complex factors and therefore, understanding their magnitudes and drivers requires extensive measurement covering large spatial and temporal scales.

Covering the land with oil palm: revelation, value, and landownership among the Kairak‐speaking Baining of Papua New Guinea

AbstractThis article explores how a displaced Papua New Guinean people decided to lease their customary land for oil palm plantation farming to restore their land use rights and resolve ongoing disputes with migrant settlers. By transforming the landscape into a territorialized space as a plantation, Kairak‐speaking Baining hoped to gain actual landownership status and control over their land, which in turn, they believed, could bring them the development they had long dreamed of. I argue that Kairak conceptions about the plantation as a tool to reveal their landownership and remove the settlers drew on Melanesian notions about covering and revelation, changing perceptions of value, and discourse around ‘settlerhood’ and ‘nativism’, and show how agribusiness capital expansion strategies leverage regional politics of identity and autochthony. By illustrating how the plantation expansion unfolded differently in this region, the material offers new insights on the Plantationocene, global land grabs, dispossession and migration, and reaffirms the consequences reported elsewhere in the world where enclosures of exclusion lead to forceful rearrangements of people's social and economic lives, leaving their hopes and plantation promises unrealized.

People, Palms, and Productivity: Testing Better Management Practices in Indonesian Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations

More than 40% of the total oil palm area in Indonesia is owned and managed by smallholders. For large plantations, guidelines are available on so-called ‘best management practices’, which should give superior yields at acceptable costs when followed carefully. We tested a subset of such practices in a sample of smallholder plantations, aiming to increase yields and profitability. We implemented improved practices (weeding, pruning, harvesting, and fertiliser application) in 14 smallholder plantations of 13–15 years after planting in Jambi province (Sumatra) and in West-Kalimantan province (Kalimantan) for a duration of 3 to 3.5 years. During this period, we recorded yields, measured palm leaf parameters and analysed leaf nutrient contents. Yield recording then continued for an additional two years. In the treatment plots, the yields did not increase significantly, but the size of the bunches and the size of the palm leaves increased significantly and substantially. The tissue nutrient concentrations also increased significantly, although after three years, the potassium concentrations in the rachis were still below the critical value. Because of the absence of yield increase and the additional costs for fertiliser inputs, the net profit of implementing better management practices was negative, and ‘business as usual’ was justified financially. Some practices, such as harvesting at 10-day intervals and the weeding of circles and paths, were received positively by those farmers who could implement them autonomously, and were applied beyond the experiment. It is challenging to find and implement intensification options that are both sustainable and profitable, that have a substantial impact on yield, and that fit in the smallholders’ realities. On-farm experimentation and data collection are essential for achieving sustainable intensification in smallholder oil palm plantations.

Strategies for Improving Irrigation Systems Based on Lamasba Regulation: A 2024 Field Study in Hoba Farms, Southeastern Algeria

In the Algerian province of El Oued, south-eastern Algeria, the irrigation system plays a vital role in supporting agricultural production, particularly in oil palm plantations, which have experienced significant expansion in recent decades. The development of irrigation techniques in the region dates back to antiquity, with the Lamasba system, discovered by Émile Masqueray in 1877 in the Belzma plain, being one of the most prominent examples of efficient water resource management. This ancient Roman system, which used precise schedules to distribute water from permanent sources, meticulously determined the quantities and times of water flow, reflecting a high level of social and economic organization at that time. During the French colonial period between 1957 and 1959, the Hoba area in the Righiba commune of El Oued province experienced a remarkable growth in oil palm plantations, with the implementation of advanced irrigation techniques, inspired by the ancient Roman system but modified to suit local conditions. As the project expanded, new challenges arose related to water distribution, particularly in fields far from water sources, leading to the construction of small, taller water towers to improve distribution efficiency. This study analyzes the current irrigation system in the Hoba region, focusing on the technical challenges these systems face, such as obsolete valves and the presence of weeds in the irrigation channels, which slow down the water flow and prolong the irrigation time. The study also examines the use of a new 5-meter-high tower that partially solved the problem of low water flow, while providing additional improvement suggestions to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in these desert areas. The objective of this study is to offer a comprehensive vision on how to improve irrigation systems to meet the needs of modern agriculture and increase productivity in arid environments.

Does community-based tenure prevent land grabbing? The oil palm case in Mexico

The recent oil palm expansion has resulted in significant land losses for rural communities globally, raising concerns about food security, poverty, and the loss of common resources. This study investigates whether community-based tenure regimes in Mexico, particularly ejidos, prevent land grabbing and land concentration in oil palm producing regions. By mapping oil palm plantation types (smallholdings, mid-sized and large-scale plantations) across major land tenure regimes (ejido, communal and private property) using high spatial resolution imagery from Google Earth and ESRI/Maxar, we explore the relationship between tenure forms and land concentration. Our findings suggest that ejido lands largely prevents land grabbing by oil palm, although neoliberal reforms have favored land concentration, especially under private tenured land (southern Campeche) but also in some ejidos facing illegal land-based investments (Lacandon rainforest). This research contributes to broader debates on oil palm, tenure regimes and land grabbing, highlighting the need for land tenure policies that protect rural communities from industrial plantation encroachments.

Pengukuran Kinerja Industri Kelapa Sawit Menggunakan Metode Balanced Scorecard dan Proses Hirarki Analitis

<p><strong>Palm oil plantations are one of the agricultural commodities in Indonesia that play a crucial role in food availability and the economy. This research employs the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) model as an integrated performance measurement system. The BSC measures company performance from both financial and non-financial perspectives. The study aims to measure the performance of the palm oil industry at PT. KMP Masamba, and covers four perspectives</strong><strong> </strong><strong>namely</strong><strong> financial, customer, internal business, and learning and growth. The weighting of performance measurement elements is done using the analytical hierarchy process with the assistance of Expert Choice software. The results are expected to assist PT. KMP Masamba in determining necessary improvement priorities. The performance measurements from each perspective, ranked from highest to lowest, are as follows: customer perspective (0.148), internal business perspective (0.048), learning and growth perspective (0.047), and financial perspective (0.030). The overall company performance score is 0.543, indicating satisfactory performance and approaching high targets. Based on these conclusions, recommendations for this research include periodic performance measurement by the company to assess its comprehensive condition and improve functional activities with low performance, to improve their performance indicators.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong> - <em>Analytical Hierarchy Process, Balance Scorecard,</em> <em>The Performance Measurements. </em><em></em></p>

The Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Industrial Forest in Sungai Merah Village, Sarolangun, Jambi with Its Identification Key

Ants have a very important role in an ecosystem. The insects act as decomposers, pollinators, soil aerators, pest controllers, and predators. Their role is very varied so that they can be easily found in various ecosystems, one of which is the rubber and oil palm ecosystem. The ant’s diversity in this forest eventually will affect the productivity of the land. The aim of this study is to determine the diversity and role of ants in the rubber and oil palm plantations in Sungai Merah Village. Both of the plantations dominate the industrial forest in Jambi. The method used in this study was purposive random sampling. Observation plots were installed in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations; each ecosystem had 4 plots consisting of 9 units of pitfall traps, and 9 units of bait traps. The results of this study show that 15 species of ants are found in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations. Furthermore, the collected ants consisted of 39.972 individual ants belonging to 12 genera and 5 subfamilies. Ants establish in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations in Sungai Merah Village have an important role either as predators (Crematogaster spp., Odontomachus rixosus, Odontoponera tranversa, Pheidole huberi, Tetraponera rufonigra, Tapinoma melanocephalum, Camponotus spp. and Colobopsis moeschi), or foragers such as ants from the genera Anoplolepis, Camponotus, Monomorium and Polyrhachis. As predators, Oecophylla smaragdina, Camponotus spp. and Crematogaster spp. also play a role as biological control agents in the ecosystem.

Community Development Programs on Palm Oil Plantation Industry in Aceh Tamiang - Indonesia: the Participation of Opinion Leaders in Information Governance

Understanding the different disputes that have occurred in the Aceh Tamiang oil palm plantation sector requires a communication strategy focused on teaching ideals that are in harmony with community social life. The study of plantation disputes in Aceh Tamiang demonstrates how the function of opinion leaders from formal actors as corporate spokespersons opens up communication channels that have previously been blocked. The community can express its desired ambitions to the firm through opinion leaders that the company has deployed. The business also takes formal village actors into account as opinion leaders in order to comprehend the needs and circumstances of its citizens. “Datok Penghulu”, the local chief, was officially selected by the corporation to serve as its public relations representative. This opinion leader's function as a company spokesperson at least includes creating community development (CD) initiatives, coordinating CD initiatives with the company, and promoting programs to the community.

Tropical peat soil changes across successive oil palm generations in Sarawak, Malaysia

Oil palm is commonly replanted once reaching the end of its productive lifespan. This cyclical planting practice in oil palm plantations could have long-term implications for the humification and properties of tropical peat soil. This study aimed to investigate the changes observed across successive generations of oil palm plantations in Sarawak, Malaysia. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied to examine the quality of the Soil Organic Matter (SOM), specifically the functional groups, humification index, Hydrophobicity Index (HI), and Degree of Degradation (DDI). Overall, the peat humification trend was in the order of 2nd Gen > Forest >1st Gen. The higher presence of recalcitrant compounds of lignin in the soil was attributed to the higher HI and lower DDI in the 2nd Gen. The relationship between the Pyrophosphate Solubility Index (PSI) and the humification index further revealed a significant increase in the relative abundance of humic substances with the maturity of degraded organic matter. These findings suggest a notable transition, implicating a shift towards a more stable form of SOM over the long-term utilization of tropical peatland for oil palm plantations. This is characterised by a significant increase in the relative abundance of aromatic, phenolic, and carboxylic functional groups. The study also highlights the need for further research on the linkage between these changes and greenhouse gas emissions to enhance our understanding of the long-term biogeochemical cycle of oil palm on tropical peatlands.

Exploring the challenges faced by the harvester in oil palm plantation in Semporna, Sabah; A qualitative study

Exploring the challenges faced by the harvester in oil palm plantation in Semporna, Sabah; A qualitative study

Enhancing soil fertility, inorganic fertilizer efficiency, and oil palm productivity through bio-compost application in oxium biodegradable sacks on former mining land-podzols: Insights from a field study in Indonesia

Sandy podzolic soils, prevalent on former mining lands, present significant agricultural challenges due to their coarse texture, depth, acidity, and low fertility. This study evaluated the impact of bio-compost fertilizer, delivered in biodegradable oxium sacks, on soil quality and oil palm productivity in these soils. Conducted over 12 months in a 4-year-old oil palm plantation in East Belitung Regency, Indonesia, the research compared various combinations of bio-compost and inorganic fertilizers with a control group. The findings revealed that the integration of bio-compost with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers markedly improved soil quality and decreased dependence on chemical inputs. Specifically, applying 50 kg or 75 kg of bio-compost per palm along with 50 % or 75 % of the standard inorganic fertilizer dose was particularly effective. This approach increased oil palm productivity to 14.50–15.87 tons per hectare per year. The method provides a sustainable solution for the palm oil industry and small farmers, improving soil fertility and productivity in degraded podzolic soils. The use of oxium biodegradable sacks allowed for a gradual release of nutrients. Future research should further explore the potential of bio-compost as a soil conditioner and its long-term environmental impacts across various soil types.

Preferences of Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes sp) for Monocotyledonous Plants and Dicotyledonous Plants on Mineral Land

Subterranean termites are recognized for their capacity to damage various plant species, regardless of their productivity. These termites can launch attacks with varying degrees of intensity, targeting both trees and living plants, particularly in agricultural settings such as oil palm and rubber plantations, as well as in industrial forests comprising species like pine and eucalyptus. Characterized by its tropical climate, Indonesia exhibits high levels of environmental humidity, warmth, and organic matter in the soil, which further supports termite activity in a study conducted in the Tj. Keliling Village Plantation area of Salapian District, Langkat Regency, ten bait woods were randomly planted in a rectangular plot measuring 12 meters in length and 7 meters in width. The spacing between the rows of bait wood was set at 30 cm, while the distance between individual bait wood columns was 60 cm. A descriptive method was employed for data analysis. The findings revealed varying percentages of damage among different types of bait wood: 10% for Pinang wood, 5% for coconut wood, 18.3% for oil palm wood, 33.3% for durian wood, 73.3% for teak wood, and the highest damage percentage of 77.3% for kapok wood. The attraction of termites to plants situated on mineral soil is attributed to the latter's role in enhancing humidity, which is a critical factor facilitating the rapid growth and proliferation of subterranean termites. Consequently, the intensity of their attacks can occur at any time until appropriate management measures are implemented.

Smart agriculture model in detecting oil palm plantation diseases using a convolution neural network

Planning models for sustainable crop care in the context of smart agriculture are complex issues as they involve many factors such as productivity, quality, growth sustainability, workforce use, and information technology use. In this study, we will create an optimized model using a convolution neural network (CNN) that can classify and monitor plant diseases. Part of the plant care system is to be aware of plant diseases and to be able to deal with them immediately. This study aims to acquire a new smart farming model for integrated crop care. The results of this research are findings in the form of a CNN model for classifying plant diseases detected from the leaves of the plants studied in oil palm. Testing using Google Colab obtains 100% accuracy and 99% accuracy using a teachable machine. The contributions of this paper create a new model in the field of informatics, especially in the field of intelligent agriculture based on information technology.

Species Evenness and Diversity of Soil Invertebrates at Different Agricultural Lands and a Forest Reserve at Kota Belud, Sabah

Increasing agricultural activities can lead to changes in soil ecosystems, potentially impacting soil invertebrate communities as they are highly responsive to soil disturbances. The composition of soil invertebrates within each agricultural habitat provides insights into how these communities respond to their environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the evenness and diversity of soil invertebrates in agricultural areas of Kota Belud, Sabah. Soil samples were collected from three different agricultural sites, a rubber plantation, an oil palm plantation, and a paddy field, as well as a forest reserve as a control site. Pitfall traps and Berlese-Tullgren funnels were used to collect soil invertebrates. A total of 180 soil samples and 474 individuals of soil invertebrates were collected and analyzed. Physicochemical analyses, including moisture content, soil texture, pH, soil nutrient content, and organic matter, were conducted on all soil samples to assess their influence on the composition of soil invertebrates. Results indicated that Julida, Coleoptera, Gastropoda and Araneae were frequently associated with high organic matter, pH, moisture content and phosphorus. On the other hand, Haplotaxida appeared to be more sensitive to potassium levels. Notably, the Blattodea, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, Polydesmida and Diptera, were found to be abundant in areas with lower organic matter and pH in the control site, i.e., forest reserve area. These findings underscore the significance of soil layer activities in influencing the presence and survival of soil invertebrates. Given their vital role in sustaining life, prioritizing the enhancement of soil invertebrate populations is crucial, particularly in Sabah, a prominent food crop-producing state in Malaysia.

Analysis of the Economic Feasibility of Using Modern Agricultural Machinery in Oil Palm Plantations in South Sumatra

This study investigates the economic feasibility of using modern agricultural machinery in oil palm plantations in South Sumatra. A quantitative approach was employed, involving 40 samples collected through a structured questionnaire utilizing a Likert scale from 1 to 5. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, focusing on key economic indicators such as production efficiency, cost savings, and profitability. The results revealed strong positive and significant relationships between the use of modern machinery and all three economic indicators. The findings suggest that modern agricultural machinery significantly enhances economic performance in oil palm plantations, making it a viable investment for improving productivity and profitability. These insights provide valuable guidance for plantation owners and policymakers in promoting the adoption of advanced agricultural technology in the region.

Palm Oil Business Partnership Sustainability through the Role of Social Capital and Local Wisdom: Evidence from Palm Oil Plantations in Indonesia

Sustainable development can only be achieved when jointly considering social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Social capital and local wisdom offer important contributions to the development process and the capabilities of individuals and groups as development actors. This study analyzes the role of social capital and local wisdom in managing business partnerships between farmers and palm oil plantation companies in North Konawe, Indonesia. This research was conducted in a palm oil plantation area by involving landowner farmers, palm oil companies, and other stakeholders such as the local government, NGOs, and academics. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs), totaling 320 respondents, and analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The selection of informants for the in-depth interviews was determined by considering their involvement in and understanding of the partnership between farmers and companies in oil palm plantations; field observations were carried out to determine the field conditions of these plantations, while FGDs were held to obtain stakeholder information regarding problems and solutions in implementing farmer and company partnerships with the aim of having a positive impact on economic, social, and environmental welfare. The results underscore the importance of social capital and local wisdom in organizing institutional programs for strengthening palm oil business partnerships. Trust, social networks, and participation negatively affected the sustainability of these partnerships, whilst local wisdom and social solidarity positively influenced institutional strengthening. Company inconsistency and lack of openness can lead to a trust crisis that can threaten the sustainable operations of palm oil companies, while building good cooperative commitment and maintaining collaboration play key roles in enhancing community welfare and increasing company profits. The social capital and local wisdom of farmer institutions in villages are expected to significantly contribute to the establishment of sustainable palm oil business partnerships.

Sound Classification for Non-Destructive Diagnosis of Basal Stem Rot Disease based on Stem Density in Oil Palm Trunks

Oil palm trees play a crucial role in the economies of Southeast Asian countries, providing palm oil that is essential for various products and consumption. However, the Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease caused by the white-rot fungus Ganoderma spp. poses a significant challenge, leading to wilting and death of the trees. This study proposes a practical and accessible approach for the routine detection of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease in oil palm trees caused by Ganoderma spp. A prototype system for initial disease diagnosis is developed by utilizing the local wisdom technique of tapping and assessing knocking sounds based on stem density in oil palm trunks. Three algorithms, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Support Vector Machine Classifier (SVC), and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) models are compared for accuracy in two sound recognition experiments. The first experiment involves a three-class classification model (healthy, boundary, and infected areas), while the second excludes the boundary area. Results demonstrate that the CNN model outperforms SVC and MLP, achieving the highest accuracy of 90.73% in the two-class scenario and 84.97% in the three-class scenario, along with superior precision, recall, and F1 score. The CNN model proves to be the most effective in accurately classifying the data in both scenarios compared to the other models. This prototype system offers promising implications for the early detection and proactive management of Ganoderma spp. disease, contributing to the preservation and sustainability of oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia.

Enhancing sustainability in the production of palm oil: creative monitoring methods using YOLOv7 and YOLOv8 for effective plantation management

The You Only Look Once (YOLO) deep learning model iterations—YOLOv7–YOLOv8—were put through a rigorous evaluation process to see how well they could recognize oil palm plants. Precision, recall, F1-score, and detection time metrics are analyzed for a variety of configurations, including YOLOv7x, YOLOv7-W6, YOLOv7-D6, YOLOv8s, YOLOv8n, YOLOv8m, YOLOv8l, and YOLOv8x. YOLO label v1.2.1 was used to label a dataset of 80,486 images for training, and 482 drone-captured images, including 5,233 images of oil palms, were used for testing the models. The YOLOv8 series showed notable advancements; with 99.31 %, YOLOv8m obtained the greatest F1-score, signifying the highest detection accuracy. Furthermore, YOLOv8s showed a notable decrease in detection times, improving its suitability for comprehensive environmental surveys and in-the-moment monitoring. Precise identification of oil palm trees is beneficial for improved resource management and less environmental effect; this supports the use of these models in conjunction with drone and satellite imaging technologies for agricultural economic sustainability and optimal crop management.