Oil Palm Plantations Research Articles

Profit Sharing System between Owners and Managers of Oil Palm Plantations at Sungai Kayu Aro Village

Not all landowners (farmers) are able to manage and cultivate their own land, so to overcome this, landowners and managing farmers enter into a cooperation agreement with a profit-sharing system. This study aims to determine the profit-sharing system, obstacles and solutions for profit-sharing between oil palm plantation owners and managers in the Sharia Economic Perspective in Sungai Kayu Aro Village, Senyerang District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency. The approach method uses qualitative analysis of primary data. The sample consists of plantation owners, plantation managers, and community leaders and government figures. Data collection methods use observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis tools; data reduction, data display, and conclusions. Based on the results of observations and interviews in the field, it was found that the obligations between owners and managers include (a) owner obligations; provision of land, provision of grass, provision of seeds, and provision of fertilizer (b) manager obligations; provision of land processing tools, provision of maintenance tools, and provision of fertilization tools. The constraints of managers are only having limited capital and having to bear damage to equipment. The profit-sharing system between owners and managers includes; (a) first, 50% owner and 50% manager, with the note that the capital, equipment and damage are borne by the manager, (b) second, 65% for the owner and 35% for the manager, with the note that the owner bears the costs, while the manager bears all costs of damage to the equipment

Strategies for improving independent oil palm smallholders’ welfare in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract The oil palm plantation sector in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, plays a vital role in the regional economy: absorbing labour, encouraging economic growth, and improving oil palm smallholders’ welfare. The welfare of independent oil palm smallholders (farmers) has not been maximized, even though smallholders are faced with fulfilling their basic household needs. This research aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and provide strategies for improving the welfare of independent palm oil smallholders in Konawe Regency. This study used primary data (interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and documentation) and secondary data (literature review). SWOT analysis was used to determine the factors of opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses and formulate strategies to improve independent oil palm smallholders’ welfare. The research findings show that weaknesses and opportunities are the main priorities for strengthening smallholder welfare. Factors affecting the welfare of smallholders are the quality and selling price of fresh fruit bunches, oil palm workers and farmers’ skills, production costs, maintenance of oil palm plantations, and oil palm farming institutions. As for the results of the SWOT analysis, the primary strategy is the formation and enhancement of the role of independent oil palm smallholder institutions in Konawe Regency.

Jurisdictional risk assessment and implementation of theory of change to sustainable palm oil in Pelalawan District, Riau Province

Abstract The jurisdictional approach has been widely used to address multifaceted issues associated with commodity-driven deforestation. Risk assessment at the jurisdictional level is required to implement jurisdictional programs. We developed a risk framework and indicator to assess the risks associated with achieving sustainable palm oil, using Pelalawan District as a case study. Pelalawan scored 0.48 out of 1, with the highest risks in the percentage of deforestation driven by oil palm plantation in mineral forest and pressure due to demand by global trade/export. Risks that are not mitigated will hamper the district’s effort to achieve sustainability. Following the assessment, we brought together multistakeholder in a workshop to develop a common vision using the theory of change framework. This study introduces new ways to approach sustainable palm oil initiatives in the palm oil sector using risk assessment and a theory of change framework.

The strategic architecture of “BPDPKS” – Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency

Abstract The Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency, Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit, is a government institution that manages funds for oil palm plantations using export levies from crude palm oil (CPO) products and their derivatives. However, there is a dichotomy between supporting conglomerates and smallholders. To address this issue, an analysis is required to determine the agency’s position as a strategic organization capable of implementing sustainable oil palm development programs. The strategic architecture outlines the future and business outlook of the agency. Hence, this study uses IPA analysis to analyze the current planning needs and what is required in the agency’s strategic architecture. The core competencies were identified using VRIO frameworks and external analysis using PESTEL. Result from that analysis as a parameter to create a strategic architecture for 2024-2028. The strategic architecture has been developed based on internal and external evaluation matrices, employing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. Additionally, this research was followed by preparing an action plan as a guideline for implementation programs.

Land morphology analysis with LiDAR technology to increase oil palm production

Abstract The morphological condition of the land plays an important role in determining the quality of growth of oil palm plants. Integrated management of oil palm plantations is a key factor in increasing productivity. Analysis of land morphology in oil palm plantations is a crucial first step. The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize land morphology with LiDAR implementation, (2) to explain the LiDAR mechanism in the NDVI class classification used for determining the oil palm Vegetation Index, and (3) to provide ideas to optimize oil palm productivity. The study was conducted using the image interpretation method from the acquisition of LiDAR data which has a resolution of 3 x 3 cm in the form of DEM and orthophoto to be able to perform land surface morphology analysis (MPL) and NDVI flatfoot. The data needed in this study is Orthophoto, which is used to crosscheck field conditions, plant canopy conditions, and populations of plants per block. NDVI processing is used to determine the Vegetation Index to interpret the health of oil palm plants. The results showed that LiDAR technology can be used to determine the health of oil palm plants. The overall accuracy and reliability value of NDVI reached 88.33% and 88.13%, respectively. This shows that the value of NDVI can predict the health of oil palm plants and can be used to monitor them effectively.

Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in palm oil landscapes: a systematic literature review

Abstract Palm oil plantations contribute to global trade for affordable vegetable oil supply. To ensure sustainability, there’s a growing global emphasis on understanding and preserving plantation biodiversity and its diverse ecosystem functions. Based on biodiversity indicators, this study aims to identify and examine research trends related to palm oil plantations’ ecological roles or ecosystem functions. We obtained a total of 959 articles from the Web of Science. The utilization of systematic literature review methodology and bibliometric analysis allows for addressing the research inquiries’ focal points. Research trends on palm oil biodiversity and ecosystem function from 2010 to 2023 correlate with palm production. Quadrant 3 in bibliometric maps draws attention to rarely discussed yet impactful topics, such as the effects of deforestation and ecosystem services, which in turn prompts further research. Boxplot analysis reveals a greater focus on insect research, including ants, butterflies, and spiders, compared to avian studies.

Exploring sustainable cooking oil consumption patterns in Punjab, Pakistan: A comprehensive scientific study

Abstract Palm oil is the world’s most widely traded vegetable oil, with total trade amounting to 77.22 million metric tons of total vegetable oil production in 2023. Palm oil is usually used as the material of cooking oil and food products, biofuel, cosmetics, and other derivates. Pakistan imported $3.36B in Palm Oil, becoming the third largest importer of Palm Oil in the world. However, palm oil has faced deforestation in the last few years. To solve that, the palm oil plantation must be sustainably certified (RSPO), and the impact will increase the palm oil price. Therefore, this research aims to explore Pakistan’s sustainable cooking oil consumption patterns. This research uses purposive sampling from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and geographical locations within Pakistan. The total respondents are 52 respondents from Punjab, Pakistan. The data analysis uses descriptive statistical analysis. The results show that palm oil was the most used cooking oil (68%), followed by sunflower (22%). Over half of the participants (56%) were willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly cooking oils. Most participants (84%) were familiar with sustainable certification labels like RSPO, and most participants (82%) believed that adopting sustainable palm oil production practices could alleviate environmental and ethical concerns.

Combining spaceborne lidar from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation with local knowledge for monitoring fragmented tropical landscapes: A case study in the forest-agriculture interface of Ucayali, Peru.

Improving our ability to monitor fragmented tropical ecosystems is a critical step in supporting the stewardship of these complex landscapes. We investigated the structural characteristics of vegetation classes in Ucayali, Peru, employing a co-production approach. The vegetation classes included three agricultural classes (mature oil palm, monocrop cacao, and agroforestry cacao plantations) and three forest regeneration classes (mature lowland forest, secondary lowland forest, and young lowland vegetation regrowth). We combined local knowledge with spaceborne lidar from NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation mission to classify vegetation and characterize the horizontal and vertical structure of each vegetation class. Mature lowland forest had consistently higher mean canopy height and lower canopy height variance than secondary lowland forest (μ = 29.40 m, sd = 6.89 m vs. μ = 20.82 m, sd = 9.15 m, respectively). The lower variance of mature forest could be attributed to the range of forest development ages in the secondary forest patches. However, secondary forests exhibited a similar vertical profile to mature forests, with each cumulative energy percentile increasing at similar rates. We also observed similar mean and standard deviations in relative height ratios (RH50/RH95) for mature forest, secondary forest, and oil palm even when removing the negative values from the relative height ratios and interpolating from above-ground returns only (mean RH50/RH95 of 0.58, 0.54, and 0.53 for mature forest, secondary forest, and oil palm, respectively) (p < .0001). This pattern differed from our original expectations based on local knowledge and existing tropical forest succession studies, pointing to opportunities for future work. Our findings suggest that lidar-based relative height metrics can complement local information and other remote sensing approaches that rely on optical imagery, which are limited by extensive cloud cover in the tropics. We show that characterizing ecosystem structure with a co-production approach can support addressing both the technical and social challenges of monitoring and managing fragmented tropical landscapes.

Indonesian palm oil towards sustainability: a system dynamic approach

Abstract The role of Indonesian palm oil in economic development and environmental degradation is a highly debated topic. Palm oil is essential to national development in Indonesia by providing a livelihood for millions of smallholder growers, plantations, and industries labor; it also contributes to national revenue from domestic and global trade. However, the growth of the palm oil industry also brings negative environmental impacts. The expansion of oil palm plantations is considered as one of major drivers for deforestation, peatland draining, and fire, leading to biodiversity decline, habitat loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we develop a system dynamic modelcalled SIPOS (Simulation of Indonesian Palm Oil Sustainability) to understand the current dynamic of the palm oil value chain to the economy and environment. We simulate the future condition of the palm oil sector with sustainability interventions such as intensification, implementation of No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE), and trade. The model simulation result will include various indicators such as plantation extent, palm oil production, deforestation from the palm oil sector, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and revenue from the palm oil trade. This study aims to show the use of a system dynamic model for sustainability scenario development, simulate multiple scenarios, measure the impact on the economy and environment, and then compare the benefits and disadvantages of each scenario.

Detection of new oil palm fruit bunches based on deep learning

Abstract The Indonesian oil palm plantation experiences a production rate of fresh fruit bunches and crude palm oil (CPO) influenced by the quality of fruits with excellent and uniform maturity accepted by the palm oil processing factory. The uniformity of fruit quality produced from the harvesting process through fruit maturity criteria, namely fractions 00, fraction 1, fraction 3, and fraction 4, necessitates the need for maturity detection based on deep learning with a pre-trained YOLOv5 model capable of detecting the maturity of new oil palm fruit bunches. The aim is to develop a deep learning-based maturity detection model based on visual images and analyse the deep learning algorithm’s performance by classifying the maturity level of new oil palm fruit bunches. The method collects a dataset of new oil palm fruit bunches with 4180 images. The collected dataset will be annotated with Roboflow, so the annotation results will undergo training, validation, and testing processes using the deep learning script. The result obtained for the data found to detect the ripeness levels of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), shows that the YOLOv5 model demonstrates strong performance with an accuracy reaching 72.5% in testing, which falls into the category of fair annotation. These results indicate that the system created and used is functioning well.

From A Supervisor To A Plantation Owner

The looming financial crisis threatened to transform Mr. Rostam's thriving agribusiness into a sinking ship, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his entrepreneurial dreams. The once-promising future now appeared murky and fraught with challenges, leaving him to navigate the business desperately to keep his venture afloat. It is a test of resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination as he grapples with the harsh realities of an uncertain market. With limited resources, he coped with more of the challenges of a struggling business. The road ahead seemed daunting, with uncertainty lurking at every turn. Mr. Rostam pondered over the situation, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders; he muttered, "The business has reached the critical point, and failure was not an option”. Mr. Rostam has to look for the right opportunity and decide about taking the next big leap of faith to start his next agriculture business venture. Terengganu Agrotech Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (TADC) looking for proposals to develop a large palm oil plantation farm in Terengganu state. Mr. Rostam has to develop the right plan with a partner that can invest in the proposed corporate farming project.

Bird Nuisance at an Oil Gathering Station: A Landscape and Site Analysis

Abstract Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory bird. In Petapahan Gas Station (GS), Riau, this bird roost in a big number and create some nuisance due to their faeces. The objective of this paper was to analyse the possible causes of swallow’s roost behaviour at the landscape and site level, and formulate some recommendations. Migratory bird route was studied, the surrounding areas was analysed using, and characteristics of the GS was observed. Petapahan happened to be located at the known bird migratory route. The land-use of surrounded areas was a vast area of oil-palm plantation mixed with agricultural-area, open-area, and housing, create an excellent habitat for insects as the bird’s food. There was no other alternative for roost-site in the 5km radius. At the GS there are many large pipes, small pipes, handrails, I-beams, C-beams, valves, flares, big tanks, pits, office, and many other instruments that can function as the barn swallow’s roost site. Warm temperature, sufficient lighting, and safety from predator also provided good support. Basically, the GS has to accept the occurrence of the birds, while employing some management actions: (1) setting zonation for bird-free and bird-tolerance areas, and (2) put netting and other bird deterrent sensitive sites.

Unraveling the threads: Palm oil, transmigration, and exclusion in Mantadulu, South Sulawesi

Background: Palm oil plantations and transmigration in Indonesia, implemented since the New Order era until now, aim to boost economic growth with the intended consequence of improving community welfare, particularly for transmigrants and local residents. Methods: This study employed a case study approach focusing on Mantadulu Village in East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi. Data was collected through secondary sources, including government documents, news articles, and reviews of research results on palm oil plantation expansion and transmigration in Sulawesi. The data was analyzed descriptively, with a focus on the historical context, conflict trajectories, and socioeconomic impacts. Findings: However, this study reveals a contrary outcome; the presence of PTPN XIV in Mantadulu Village, South Sulawesi has resulted in the exclusion of the surrounding community. This, in turn, has led to the confiscation of their production factors, widening the poverty gap for both transmigrants and local communities. The expansion of palm oil plantations, coupled with the transmigration program, created a surplus labor force, potentially leading to worker exploitation and reduced wages. Conclusion: The transmigration program and palm oil plantation expansion in Mantadulu Village have largely failed to improve the welfare of transmigrants and local communities as intended. Instead, these initiatives have increased the risk of poverty through land exclusion and unfavorable farming schemes. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the intricate relationship between the transmigration program and palm oil plantation expansion in South Sulawesi, an area often overlooked in existing research. It uniquely highlights the socio-economic conflicts and class dynamics arising from these programs, providing a fresh perspective on the grassroots impacts and conceptual challenges underlying transmigration and agricultural policies in Indonesia.

It goes on: Oil Palm Plantations, Local Communities and Land Conflict in West Pasaman District, Indonesia

It goes on: Oil Palm Plantations, Local Communities and Land Conflict in West Pasaman District, Indonesia

Assessing the Susceptibility and Tolerance of Oil Palm Cultivars to Leaf-Bending: A Comparative Physiological and Nutritional Balance Study

Selecting the best oil palm cultivars adapted to specific agro-climatic conditions helps ensure fruit and oil production success. Many biotic and abiotic problems can limit the productivity of the crop, some of which have not yet been described, as well as their symptoms and degree of impact. In oil palm, a disturbance known as leaf-bending occurs, in which the palms present a bending or breakage of the petiole in the leaves, representing a significant challenge for oil palm cultivation. Although leaf-bending in oil palm plantations is known, its effect on the palm’s performance and its possible causes are unknown. Thus, the objectives of the present work were to describe and propose a quantitative way to evaluate leaf-bending in different cultivars (Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and the interspecific O×G hybrid) and to evaluate the disturbance effect on the physiology and nutritional balance of the oil palm. The results showed that most leaves from leaf rings three and four of the palm phyllotaxis have the highest affectation, with 74% leaf-bending. The cultivars with a Deli × La Mé and Coarí × La Mé genetic background were the most tolerant; however, the Deli × AVROS and Deli × Yangambi genetic crosses were the most susceptible. The difference in the affectation between the groups was 60% to 70%. Leaf-bending affected physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Thus, below the second ring of leaves, the affected plants’ physiological parameters decreased between 40% and 50%. The nutritional diagnosis showed that the most sensitive cultivars to leaf-bending were Deli × AVROS, which presented the highest average index of nutritional balance (IBNm), indicating that this genetic cross had the highest nutritional imbalance. On the contrary, the most tolerant cultivars were Deli × La Mé, which presented the lowest IBNm, associated with a better nutritional condition.

Optimization of palm oil biodiesel production: Environmental impact analysis and POME waste utilization

Background: Indonesia is still an energy importer, especially in the form of crude oil and fuel products to meet the needs of its industrial sector. The reduced production of fossil energy, especially oil, as well as the global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has prompted the Indonesian government to continue to support the role of new and renewable energy. The production of palm oil-based biodiesel is faced with a number of environmental problems, which may occur from the release of emissions during the production of FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunches), CPO (Crude Palm Oil), and biodiesel. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to compile an LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) covering the production of FFB, CPO, and biodiesel; analyze the environmental impact of the CPO bodysel production process which includes CO2 (eq) emissions, acidification and eutrophication; and develop a life cycle concept for biodiesel production from palm oil as a renewable energy. Methods: The method used in this study is a combination of quantitative LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and qualitative. Findings: The results of this study are LCI in 1 ton of biodiesel consisting of NPK fertilizer of 141.1 Kg; herbicide (0.25 Kg); water (1578 m3), diesel oil (25 Kg); fresh fruit bunches of 5.67 tons; electricity of 33.8 kWh, POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) (3,47 m3), CPO needed for biodiesel conversion of 1.17 tons; methanol (0.41 tons), and 0.01 tons of Sodium Hydroxide. The total CO2 emission (eq) of biodiesel production from palm oil is 1489 Kg CO2 (eq), eutrophication is 1.12 Kg PO43- (eq) and acidification is 3.06 Kg SO2 (eq). With the largest contribution of CO2 (eq) emissions in CPO production and the contribution of eutrophication and acidification in oil palm plantations or FFB production (Fresh Fruit Bunches). Environmental hotspot of LCA, CO2 (eq) emissions from palm oil biodiesel production show that 53% mainly comes from POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) waste, other contributors are NPK fertilizers (23%), methanol (18%), and diesel oil (7%). Hotspot eutrophication showed that 61% mainly came from NPK fertilizer, methanol (20%), diesel oil (11%), and POME waste (8%). Hotspot acidification showed that 48% mainly came from NPK fertilizers, methanol (28%), POME waste (13%), and diesel oil (11%). Conclusion: The concept of a biodiesel production life cycle can be applied with the best alternative utilization of POME waste with a priority weighting of 0.357 and a CO2(eq) emission criterion of 0.494. From the optimization of the life cycle of biodiesel production with the use of POME, the potential for emission reduction is 667.2 Kg CO2 (eq). Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study's novel application of LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of biodiesel production from palm oil in Indonesia, identifying critical hotspots in CO2 emissions, eutrophication, and acidification. Additionally, it proposes an innovative optimization approach by utilizing POME to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting a viable path for enhancing the sustainability of biodiesel production.

Analisis Faktor-faktor yang Memengaruhi Produktivitas Usaha Sawit Swadaya di Kecamatan Sekadau Hilir

Oil palm is one of the plantation crops used to meet human needs, so every year there is an increase in demand and an increase in land used for oil palm plantations. The purpose of this research is to analyze the factors that influence the productivity of independent oil palm in Sekadau Hilir District. The research method used in this study is a survey method. The variables used are Seedlings, Fertilizers, Pesticides, Labor, and Pruning. This research uses multiple linear regression analysis. The results show that simultaneously, seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and pruning affect the productivity of independent oil palm businesses. This is based on the simultaneous test which shows the calculated F value of 73.810 &gt; F table (2.443) with a significance value of 0.000 &lt; α (0.05). Partially, fertilizer and labor factors influence the productivity of independent oil palm businesses, with respective significance values of 0.00 &lt; α (0.05) for fertilizer and 0.034 &lt; α (0.05) for labor.

Pengaruh Produksi Kelapa Sawit, Harga Minyak Kelapa Sawit Dunia, dan Emisi Karbon terhadap Volume Ekspor Minyak Kelapa Sawit Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world. Unfortunately, Indonesian palm oil exports are influenced by various factors, including environmental issues, which ultimately disrupt export benefits. This research aims to analyze the influence of production, world prices, and carbon emissions on the volume of Indonesian palm oil exports. The analytical method used is Two Stage Least Square (2SLS) with simultaneous supply and demand equations for Indonesian palm oil export volumes from 1991-2021. The research results show that the increase in palm oil plantation areas in Indonesia has positively contributed to the increase in world palm oil prices as demand also increases. Furthermore, the increase in world palm oil prices has encouraged Indonesia's exports to world markets. The increase in Indonesian palm oil production has encouraged an increased volume of exports to the world market. However, market appreciation for environmentally friendly palm oil has not contributed positively to the price and increase in palm oil export volume.

Gender Equality in Oil Palm Plantations: A Study on The Role of Gender Committees

The oil palm plantation industry is inseparable from the involvement of women as an important part of clearing land, conducting oil palm nurseries, planting seedlings, fertilizing, and spraying. Given this, it was suggested by the management of a company in the industry to form a gender committee. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with informants and key informants by purposive sampling, field observations, and focus group discussions. This study aim ed to explore the gender committee in palm oil companies and the mechanisms for its formation, the work function of the gender committee in relation to gender equality, and the implementation of the gender committee work program. The results found that the gender committee was formed through a decision letter from management with a structure that varies according to the needs of the company but the management was based on appointment. There is no gender committee; it can be seen from the work programs that have been carried out or will be carried out only in the form of routines such as meetings and monthly meetings whose discussions are not about evaluating work programs. Keywords: Gender Equality; Gender Committee; Women Workers; Oil Palm Plantations.

Effectiveness of using the trap barrier system to control rats in palm oil plantations

Abstract. Efriansyah, Priyambodo S, Hindayana D. 2024. Effectiveness of using the trap barrier system to control rats in palm oil plantations. Biodiversitas 25: 2993-2998. Oil palm is one of the plantation crops that is the largest contributor to the country's income; increased market demand affects palm oil production, which continues to increase. Rats are among the most important pests in oil palm plantations because of their diverse habitats, large populations, and easy breeding. One of the mechanical control concepts that can be implemented is the Trap Barrier System (TBS) technique. This research method was implemented by installing a trap barrier between oil palm trees. This TBS research is divided into two methods. The first method used three treatments with three replications in the main plot, and there were three main plots. The second method used nine treatment sub-plots with three replications. The Ciliwung variety of rice was planted inside the TBS in a 3 m x 3 m plot. Field observations included the number of rats caught and the percentage of damage done at the trial's beginning and end. Species of rats found in oil palm plantations are Malaysian field rat (Rattus tiomanicus Miller, 1900), oriental house rat (Rattus tanezumi Temminck, 1845), and dan müller's giant sunda rat (Sundamys muelleri Jentink, 1879). The S. muelleri was the most frequently caught species in each block and method. TBS placement does not need to pay attention to the initial severity of the block. Providing additional bait in traps can increase the attraction of rats to TBS. The extent and intensity of attacks and yield losses in each block with TBS treatment showed a greater reduction than in blocks without TBS.