Palm Area Research Articles

Gearing Present Oil Palm (<i>Elaeis guineensis</i> Jacq.) Agroecosystems in the Soconusco, Mexico Towards Sustainable and Good Agricultural Practices

Dialectic interactions between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG´s), the 2030 Agenda, planetary boundaries (PB) and good agricultural practices (GAP) in agroecosystems with oil palm have rarely been discussed. The main goal of this publication is analyzing reflections and realities about interactions between the 17 SDGs, the 2030 Agenda, nine PB and GAP in agroecosystems with oil palm. The methodological approach included the results of the different field practices during the First International Course of agroecological oil palm production in the Soconusco and consisted of a documentary analysis and focus group discussions. This offered possibilities to analyze qualitative and participative results of the traffic light system methodology (TLSM) and its key issues. The area of oil palm growing in the Soconusco and Istmo-Costa covers 4.37 % and was planted without burning of forestland. The SDG´s that are most strengthened with correct and timely management of the 13 key issues of TLSM, are: SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG3 (Good Health), SDG15 (Life on Earth), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG1 (Ending Poverty), being addressed in 100%, 69%, 69%, 54%, 54% and 31% of the key issues of the TLSM, respectively. Five PB reflect the realities in the Soconusco. For the biosphere integrity in the oil palm agroecosystems of the Soconusco, the oil palm stands out with growth recordings up to 10 m eco-height and 100000 m³/ha eco-volume, outperforming the annual oil crops sunflower, rapeseed and soybean. Similarly, oil palm dominates the three annual crops for their respective Eco-capacity, decreasing from 41.54 for oil palm down to 0.3 for soybean. The biochemical flow in the oil palm agroecosystems of the Soconusco reveals that the extraction of N from the soil to produce one ton of palm oil is 47 kg, which is 110.6%, 104.3% and 570% lower than that extracted to produce one ton oil of rapeseed, sunflower and soybean, respectively. Additionally, one ton of palm oil extracts 8 kg of P from the soil, which is lesser than that extracted to produce one ton oil from rapeseed, sunflower and soybean. In all intercropping agroecosystems simulations in the Soconusco based on oil palm the most representative indicators of the combined intercrop assortment, are eco-capacity and/or recycling indices as e.g. the K-Olson index of total yearly litter fall. Eco-volume remains a major yardstick for monitoring the partial fulfillment of the five most relevant PB.

Projections of oil palm area in Malaysia and Indonesia to assess the relationship between plant growth and water consumption

Projections of oil palm area in Malaysia and Indonesia to assess the relationship between plant growth and water consumption

Global mapping of oil palm planting year from 1990 to 2021

Abstract. Oil palm is a controversial crop, primarily because it is associated with negative environmental impacts such as tropical deforestation. Mapping the crop and its characteristics, such as age, is crucial for informing public and policy discussions regarding these impacts. Oil palm has received substantial mapping efforts, but accurate and up-to-date oil palm maps of both extent and age are essential for monitoring impacts and informing concomitant debate. Here, we present a 10 m resolution global map of industrial and smallholder oil palm, developed using Sentinel-1 data for the years 2016–2021 and a deep learning model based on convolutional neural networks. In addition, we used Landsat-5, Landsat-7, and Landsat-8 to estimate the planting year from 1990 to 2021 at a 30 m spatial resolution. The planting year indicates the year of establishment of the current (as of 2021) oil palm plantation by means of either newly planted or replanted oil palm in an existing oil palm plantation. We validated the oil palm extent layer using 18 812 randomly distributed reference points. The accuracy of the planting-year layer was assessed using field data collected from 5831 industrial parcels and 1012 smallholder plantations distributed throughout the global oil palm growing area. We found oil palm plantations covering a total mapped area of 23.98 Mha, and our area estimates are 16.82 ± 0.19 Mha of industrial oil palm and 7.37 ± 0.25 Mha of smallholder oil palm worldwide. The producer's and user's accuracy are 91.0 ± 2.5 % and 91.8 ± 1.2 % for industrial plantations and 71.4 ± 0.7 % and 72.4 ± 1.8 % for smallholders; these values represent an improvement compared to a previous global oil palm dataset, particularly in terms of omission of oil palm. The overall mean error between the estimated planting year and the field data was −0.24 years, and the root-mean-square error was 2.65 years, but the agreement was lower for smallholders. Mapping the extent and planting year of smallholder plantations remains challenging, particularly for wild and sparsely planted oil palm, and future mapping efforts should focus on these specific types of plantations. The average oil palm plantation age was 14.1 years, and the area of oil palm over 20 years old was 6.28 Mha. Given that oil palm plantations are typically replanted after 25 years, our findings indicate that this area will require replanting within the coming decade, starting from 2021. Our dataset provides valuable input for optimal land use planning to meet the growing global demand for vegetable oils. The global oil palm extent layer for the year 2021 and the planting-year layer from 1990 to 2021 can be found at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13379129 (Descals, 2024a).

Mapping anthropogenic impacts on natural resources in the northeastern Sahara region: A case study on the past 26 years over the Ziban region (Algeria)

The objective of this research was to map and analyze anthropogenic impacts on natural resources in the Ziban region of Algeria using remote sensing imagery from 1995 to 2021. Medium-resolution satellite images from Landsat TM and OLI were utilized, with image processing techniques such as colorful compositions and supervised classification to map land cover. Seven land use and land cover (LULC) classes were identified, distinguishing human-derived categories (palm, agriculture, urban, and greenhouses) from natural surfaces (nebka, natural vegetation, and bare soil). The results indicated significant increases in human-driven elements like palm, urban areas, agriculture, greenhouses, and nebka, and notable decreases in natural components like vegetation and bare soil. Specifically, the rate of change (Tc) showed increases of 0.9% for palm, 1.14% for urban, 1.55% for agriculture, 1.91% for greenhouses, and 9.37% for nebka, and decreases of -3.68% for vegetation and -11.19% for bare soil. These findings highlight the impact of agricultural policies, population growth, and natural and human-induced conditions on natural resources. Palm areas remained largely unchanged due to state policies, whereas agriculture saw significant conversions to bare soil and palm. Vegetation declined substantially due to adverse climatic conditions and agricultural expansion. Nebka and urban areas had moderate to high conversion rates, and bare soil saw notable changes due to sand movement and urban/agricultural development. The study highlights the role of remote sensing and land cover analysis in managing natural resources sustainably, considering factors like agricultural policies and population growth. It emphasizes developing data-driven strategies for effective land use and management.

Environmental agricultural practices in the Ziban palm groves: Should we choose between yield and sustainability?

Since antiquity, with transhumant breeding, the cultivation of the date palm has been the main agricultural vector around which social and economic activities are articulated in oasis regions. The conduct of this culture is guided by a specific and complex technical itinerary. The objective of the present study aims to identify and characterize the main sustainable agricultural practices within the palm groves of the Ziban in south–eastern Algeria and the sensitivity of date palm farmers to environmental practices as well as their degree of adaptation. Our study is based on face-to-face surveys conducted among 50 producers among 10 date palm areas in the region. It brings to light that despite the production developments, date palm farming in this region remains dominated by extensive and traditional agriculture, either due to a lack of means, knowledge, or environmental commitment. As a result, several sustainable practices remain widely shared in the majority of palm groves. Similarly, it appears that several larger and newly established producers are committed to these new practices which have various objectives in particular, to protect the environment, and to sustain the culture and the quality of the products.

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.

Artificial intelligence and remote sensing for spatiotemporal analysis and prediction of vegetation changes: a case study of El Oued, northeastern Algeria

This study investigates vegetation ecology and rangeland degradation in the arid and desert regions of northeastern Algeria from 2015 to 2023, with predictions extending to 2031. Utilizing remote sensing techniques, specifically Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 imagery, and the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), we mapped and analyzed changes in vegetation cover. The QGIS MOLUSCE plugin facilitated spatiotemporal analysis, revealing significant natural and anthropogenic impacts on a study area. Less degraded rangelands have also seen an increase, from 44,110,116 hectares in 2015 to 48,481,851 hectares in 2023, due to drought, overgrazing, and socioeconomic pressures. With a slight decrease to 48,450,495 hectares projected for 2031. This suggests efforts in land rehabilitation and sustainable rangeland management are yielding positive results, though there remains room for improvement. The study recorded that Agricultural croplands have experienced a slight decrease from 1,404,153 hectares in 2015 to 1,350,693 hectares in 2023. However, a modest increase to 1,587,242 hectares is projected by 2031. The findings indicate that Oases date palm areas have increased from 1,287,342 hectares in 2015 to 1,630,197 hectares in 2023, with further growth to 1,816,296 hectares anticipated by 2031. Our research highlights the critical role of remote sensing in monitoring vegetation dynamics within arid and desert ecosystems. The methodology provides a robust framework for similar studies, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing monitoring using advanced télédétection technologies. To mitigate further degradation and preserve these fragile ecosystems, the implementation of sustainable land management practices is essential.

Palmar Lipoma in an Unusual Location – Diagnostic Challenges and Surgical Treatment

Lipomas are the most commonly encountered benign tumors of the soft tissues, but they are rarely located in the palm. Their presence in this area can lead to functional impairments and pose a diagnostic challenge due to the complex anatomy of the hand. We present a clinical case of a 59-year-old woman with a one-year history of a progressively enlarging lipoma in the subcutaneous fat tissue of the palmar area of her right hand. Preoperative diagnosis was made using magnetic resonance imaging and radiography. The tumor was surgically removed. The patient achieved full recovery of hand function after the operation. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. This case highlights the importance of including lipoma in the differential diagnosis of hand tumors, even when they are located in unusual areas. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment can prevent functional limitations and provide optimal outcomes for patients.

Analisis Pengaruh Produksi dan Luas Lahan Kelapa Sawit terhadap PDRB Sektor Pertanian: Pendekatan Regresi Linier Berganda menggunakan Data Sekunder 2013-2022

The issue in this research is that the increase and decrease of agricultural GDP per capita in Southeast Sulawesi are significantly influenced by several factors, one of which is the production factor and the availability of land for oil palm cultivation. Therefore, an analysis is needed regarding the impact of GDP on the production and land area of oil palm in Southeast Sulawesi. This study aims to understand the impact of oil palm production and cultivated area on the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of the agricultural sector in Southeast Sulawesi Province. The sample for this study uses secondary data derived from the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Statistics Agency and the Indonesian Palm Oil Statistics Book from 2013 to 2022. This research is analyzed using multiple linear regression methods with IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. The results of this study indicate that oil palm production in the Southeast Sulawesi region has a negative and significant effect on the agricultural GRDP of Southeast Sulawesi, while the expansion of oil palm plantation area has a positive and significant effect on the agricultural sector GRDP in Southeast Sulawesi Province.

Characterization and Mapping of the Potential Area of Oil Palm Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in a Geographic Information Systems Environment

This study presents a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) spatial model to assess land suitability for oil palm (OP) cultivation in rainfed conditions. Initially, twelve parameters, viz., rainfall, number of rainy days, mean temperature, RH, ground water level, soil pH, salinity, soil depth, surface texture, stoniness, slope, and drainage, were selected for assessing OP suitability in one of the states (Kerala). However, subsequent ground verification revealed significant discrepancies, which prompted refining the model by focusing on key parameters with greater accuracy and relevance. Accordingly, only five the most critical parameters affecting OP cultivation under rainfed conditions were selected through the rank sum method, and weights were assigned ac-cording to their significance. This study was aimed at creating a comprehensive tool for informed decision making in agricultural planning. District-level spatial data from reliable sources were utilized for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Thematic rasters, representing key factors influencing land suitability, were created in a GIS. Utilizing MCDA techniques, a digital suitability map was generated in ArcGIS 10.3, delineating three distinct classes over an extensive area of 10.5 million hectares. Further, with an aim to focus on actual locations that can be readily planted with oil palm, the suitable locations identified were restricted to eight selected land use/land cover (LULC) classes. This strategic limitation aimed to facilitate the expansion of OP cultivation exclusively to areas deemed most suitable based on the identified criteria. The validation of this developed model involved comparing the suitability map generated with the performance of existing oil palm plantations across diverse locations. The reasonable similarity between the model’s predictions and real-world plantation outcomes validated the effectiveness of this MCDA spatial model. This model not only helps identify suitable locations for rainfed oil palm cultivation but also serves as a valuable tool for strategic decision making in agricultural land use planning.

Pattern Analysis of Benign and Malignant Atypical Melanocytic Skin Lesions of Palms and Soles: Variations of Dermoscopic Features According to Anatomic Site and Personal Experience.

Background: The differential diagnosis of atypical melanocytic skin lesions localized on palms and soles represents a diagnostic challenge: indeed, this spectrum encompasses atypical nevi (AN) and early-stage melanomas (EN) displaying overlapping clinical and dermoscopic features. This often generates unnecessary excisions or delayed diagnosis. Investigations to date were mostly carried out in specific populations, focusing either on acrolentiginous melanomas or morphologically typical acquired nevi. Aims: To investigate the dermoscopic features of atypical melanocytic palmoplantar skin lesions (aMPPLs) as evaluated by variously skilled dermatologists and assess their concordance; to investigate the variations in dermoscopic appearance according to precise location on palms and soles; to detect the features with the strongest association with malignancy/benignity in each specific site. Methods: A dataset of 471 aMPPLs-excised in the suspect of malignancy-was collected from 10 European Centers, including a standardized dermoscopic picture (17×) and lesion/patient metadata. An anatomical classification into 17 subareas was considered, along with an anatomo-functional classification considering pressure/friction, (4 macroareas). A total of 156 participants (95 with less than 5 years of experience in dermoscopy and 61 with ≥than 5 years) from 17 countries performed a blinded tele-dermoscopic pattern analysis over 20 cases through a specifically realized web platform. Results: A total of 37,440 dermoscopic evaluations were obtained over 94 (20%) EM and 377 (80%) AN. The areas with the highest density of EM compared to AN were the heel (40.3% EM/aMPPLs) of the sole and the "fingers area" (33%EM/aMPPLs) of the palm, both characterized by intense/chronic traumatism/friction. Globally, the recognition rates of 12 dermoscopic patterns were non statistically different between 95 dermatology residents and 61 specialists: aMPPLs in the plantar arch appeared to be the most "difficult" to diagnose, the parallel ridge pattern was poorly recognized and irregular/regular fibrillar patterns often misinterpreted. Regarding the aMPPL of the "heel area", the parallel furrow pattern (p = 0.014) and lattice-like pattern (p = 0.001) significantly discriminated benign cases, while asymmetry of colors (p = 0.002) and regression structures (p = 0.025) malignant ones. In aMPPLs of the "plantar arch", the lattice-like pattern (p = 0.012) was significant for benignity and asymmetry of structures, asymmetry of colors, regression structures, or blue-white veil for malignancy. In palmar lesions, no data were significant in the discrimination between malignant and benign aMPPLs. Conclusions: This study highlights that (i) the pattern analysis of aMPPLs is challenging for both experienced and novice dermoscopists; (ii) the histological distribution varies according to the anatomo-functional classification; and (iii) different dermoscopic patterns are able to discriminate malignant from benign aMPPLs within specific plantar and palmar areas.

Measurement of somatosensory evoked magnetic fields using an adjustable magnetoresistive sensor array

An adjustable helmet-style magnetoresistive (MR) sensor array with room-temperature magnetic flux sensors was developed to demonstrate the simultaneous multipoint measurement of the somatosensory evoked magnetic field (SEF). Utilizing the extended sensor length, we designed the array to permit individual radial adjustment of each sensor, thereby achieving a precise fit to the varied head geometries of different subjects. Furthermore, the geometry of the sensor array precisely adjusted for the individual subject was quickly obtained by calibration. The SEF was measured in three healthy subjects using an array of 30-channel MR sensors placed on the left hemisphere of the head with median nerve stimulation in the right wrist and averaged over 8000 measurements. An M20 component considered to originate from the primary somatosensory cortex was observed at an approximate latency of 20 ms of the magnetic field waveform in all cases (maximum amplitude of 725 ± 257 fT, peak latency of 20.5 ± 0.45 ms). The phase inversion observed around C3 in the international 10–20 system corresponded to the palmar area of the primary somatosensory cortex on the contour map of the magnetic field at the M20 peak. The MR sensor, an affordable and easy-to-use magnetic sensor that does not require a zero-field environment nor a cryogenic apparatus, was successfully used for simultaneous multipoint SEF measurements in humans and provides a promising system for realizing magnetoencephalography application devices.

Hanges in force generation by two-finger striking methods: An experimental study

Purpose: Acute sagittal injury in boxer’s knuckle causes extensor tendon subluxation. We analyzed anatomical measurements for posture-related hand parts and measured the force generated when striking the fingers.Methods: In 120 healthy adults (55 males, 65 females), the palm area, finger length, finger length, finger circumference, and wrist circumference were measured. Using a digital force gauge, the force generated by striking with finger flexion (FFF) performed by the middle finger was measured. The forces generated during extension flicking (FEFs) by the index and ring fingers were also measured. The forces exerted by the hand and fingers was measured using a grip force meter. The relationships of measured values with sex and age were statistically analyzed.Results: The FFF of the middle finger was 12.9±7.0 N, and the FEFs of the index and ring fingers were 6.8±2.5 N and 5.8±2.3 N, respectively. The grip force was 343.3±134.7 N in the four fingers excluding the thumb, 108.4±41.6 N in the index finger, 110.5±45.4 N in the middle finger, and 83.6±36.5 N in the ring finger. Males had higher FFF for the middle finger (17.9±6.6 N) than females (8.6±3.9 N) (p<0.001), and greater FEFs for the index (8.5±2.0 N) and ring fingers (7.1±2.2 N) compared to females (5.3±1.7 N and 4.7±.8 N, respectively) (p<0.001). Cross-analysis results showed differences by sex and age. The circumference of the index finger exceeded that of the ring finger.Conclusion: The study findings shed light on the relationship between the forces generated in the process of finger flicking.

Utilizing Deep Learning Techniques to Identify People by Palm Print

Person recognition systems have been applied for several years, as fingerprint recognition has been experimented with different image resolutions for 15 years. Fingerprint recognition and biometrics for security are becoming commonplace. Biometric systems are emerging and evolving topics seen as fertile ground for researchers to investigate more deeply and discover new approaches. Among the most prominent of these systems is the palm printing system, which identifies individuals based on the palm of their hands because of the advantages that the palm possesses that cannot be replicated among humans, as in its theory of other fingerprints. This paper proposes a biometric system to identify people by handprint, especially palm area, using deep learning technology via a pre-trained model on the PolyU-IITD dataset. The proposed system goes through several basic stages, namely data pruning, processing, training, and prediction, and the results were promising, as the system's accuracy reached 90% based on the confusion matrix measures.

A European Multicentric Investigation of Atypical Melanocytic Skin Lesions of Palms and Soles: The iDScore-PalmoPlantar Database.

Background: The differential diagnosis of atypical melanocytic palmoplantar skin lesions (aMPLs) represents a diagnostic challenge, including atypical nevi (AN) and early melanomas (MMs) that display overlapping clinical and dermoscopic features. We aimed to set up a multicentric dataset of aMPL dermoscopic cases paired with multiple anamnestic risk factors and demographic and morphologic data. Methods: Each aMPL case was paired with a dermoscopic and clinical picture and a series of lesion-related data (maximum diameter value; location on the palm/sole in 17 areas; histologic diagnosis; and patient-related data (age, sex, family history of melanoma/sunburns, phototype, pheomelanin, eye/hair color, multiple/dysplastic body nevi, and traumatism on palms/soles). Results: A total of 542 aMPL cases-113 MM and 429 AN-were collected from 195 males and 347 females. No sex prevalence was found for melanomas, while women were found to have relatively more nevi. Melanomas were prevalent on the heel, plantar arch, and fingers in patients aged 65.3 on average, with an average diameter of 17 mm. Atypical nevi were prevalent on the plantar arch and palmar area of patients aged 41.33 on average, with an average diameter of 7 mm. Conclusions: Keeping in mind the risk profile of an aMPL patient can help obtain a timely differentiation between malignant/benign cases, thus avoiding delayed and inappropriate excision, respectively, with the latter often causing discomfort/dysfunctional scarring, especially at acral sites.

Effectiveness of emulan LVA as adjuvant herbicide for weed eradication volunteer oil palm seedling (VOPS) in oil palm plantations

One of the important and detrimental Plant Pest Organisms (PPO) that appear in the oil palm area is weeds. VOPS is a weed that is difficult to control using the herbicide spray method. Tests were carried out on 56 herbicide formulations for VOPS eradication, based on the test results, formulations using IPA-Glyphosate (various trademarks) + LVA Emulan could completely kill VOPS of various sizes. The concentration that is effective in completely killing VOPS is IPA-Glyphosate 15 ml/L + Emulan LVA 2 ml/L. Eradication of VOPS needs 8 weeks after application (WAA). The process of VOPS death is characterized by drying and rotting of the young leaves or shoots of the lance leaves and followed by drying of all the palm fronds and when split crosswise the apical shoots (growing points) look brownish yellow and have a foul odor.

Stature Prediction from Handprint Measurements: Searching for New Parameters

Abstract Background: Handprints are a common finding in crime scenes. Estimating stature is one of the four pillars of establishing the identity of an unknown individual. Aims: The commonly used parameters – hand length and hand breadth were tested. In addition, new parameters, namely hypothenar (HC) and thenar curvatures (TC) and palm area (PA) were examined for their usefulness in stature prediction. Subjects and Methods: A sample from the Jordanian population was used for this study. Regression analysis was employed to evaluate the accuracy of predicting stature from a handprint. Seventy-five male and female hands were scanned and processed to measure 10 parameters. Results: The results indicated that male stature and all parameters were significantly larger than their female counterparts. Regression analysis predicted the stature with a standard error of estimate of 2.09–3.90 cm in males and 5.68–3.72 cm in females. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant improvement in stature estimation. Conclusions: This study represents the first attempt to estimate stature using handprints in the Jordanian population. The newly tested parameters (HC, TC, and PA) contributed to the prediction of stature. One limitation of this study is that the research group was confined to university students aged 18–24 years.

Studi Sifat Fisika Tanah Gambut pada Kebun Karet dan Kelapa Sawit Rakyat di Kecamatan Rasau Jaya Kabupaten Kubu Raya

This study aims to study the differences in the physical properties of peat soils in rubber and oil palm plantations in Rasau Jaya III Village Rasau District Kubu Raya District. The parameters of this study are, peat depth, peat maturity, measurement of ground water level depth, content weight, water content capacity field, total porosity, permeability, and some chemical properties, peat soil in people's rubber and oil palm plantations in Rasau Jaya District, Kubu Raya Regency. Measurement of peat depth is taken up to the mineral soil boundary, has a 74 cm rubber peat depth and 66 cm oil palm. The level of maturity of both fields at the sapric level. The water resistant surface on rubber land is 70 cm and oil palm land is 58.8 cm. Average bulk density of depth 0 – 30 cm rubber land 0.34 g/cm3, palm 0.31 g/cm3. Depth 30-60 cm rubber 0.28 g/cm3, palm 0.38 g/cm3. Average field water capacity depth of 0-30 rubber fields 74, 63% palm 85.19%. While at a depth of 30-60 cm rubber land has 71.58% oil palm area of 84.58% vol. The average porosity of total soil depth of 0-30 cm palm oil is 86.96% higher than rubber area 82.37%. The average total porosity of soil at a depth of 30-60 cm is lower oil palm 81.82% rubber land 86.82% and both lands are classified as very porous criteria. The mean permeability values based on the t-test results were not significantly different.

Dampak Pupuk Organik Cair dan Kompos IPAL Karet Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq) di Main Nursery

Oil palm plants (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) are one of the important commodities in the plantation crop industry, capable of providing economic value as a source of foreign exchange income for the country. The increase in oil palm area is also accompanied by an increase in damaged plants (TR/TTM). So it is necessary to rejuvenate the plants to get quality seeds. The aim of this research was to determine the effect and best dose of Eco Farming liquid organic fertilizer treatment with rubber wastewater treatment plant sludge compost on the growth of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) seedlings in the main nursery. This research was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Jambi University and lasted for 3 months, starting in September-November 2022. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments, namely: k0 = 40 mL.L-1 Eco fertilizer water Farming, k1 = 30 mL.L-1 Eco Farming fertilizer water + 100 g compost from waste sludge from WWTP, k2 = 20 mL.L-1 water from Eco Farming fertilizer + 200 g compost from waste sludge from WWTP, k3 = 10 mL.L-1 Eco Farming fertilizer water + 300 g of WWTP sludge waste compost, k4 = 400 g of WWTP sludge waste compost. The variables observed included seed height (cm), increase in tuber diameter (mm), increase in number of leaves (strands), shoot dry weight (g), root dry weight (g), ratio of root shoot and root volume (ml). The results of the research showed that the application of Eco Farming liquid organic fertilizer and waste compost from rubber wastewater treatment plant sludge was able to increase growth in the variables of seed height, root dry weight and root volume. However, it has not been able to increase the increase in tuber diameter, increase in number of leaves, shoot dry weight and root shoot ratio. Treatment of 10 mL.L-1 of Eco Farming fertilizer water + 300 g of IPAL waste sludge compost gave the best average growth of 6 month old oil palm seedlings in the main nursery.

Chemical Composition of Organic Carbon in Tropical Soils Under Agricultural Cultivation and Peat-Swamp Forest

ABSTRACT Soil organic carbon (SOC) is important for agricultural production and from an environmental perspective. This research determined the chemical composition of SOC and studied factors related to its distribution for various crops and peat-swamp forests in the tropical region. In total, 21 topsoil samples were collected from areas of paddy rice, sugarcane, cassava, pineapple, oil palm, para rubber, and peat-swamp forest in Thailand. Four groups of SOC chemical composition were investigated (carbonyl C, aromatic C, O-alkyl C, and alkyl C) using solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The dominant peak of the NMR spectra indicated that SOC originated from a variety of lignin compound units. The results revealed the dominant SOC chemical component was O-alkyl C (36.57–50.90%), followed by alkyl C (22.32–32.60%), aromatic C (16.65–23.41%), and carbonyl C (7.99–10.95%), respectively. Most of the SOC chemical components were derived from plant debris, particularly biodegraded lignin compounds. There were slightly differences between the distributions of the SOC functional groups in each vegetation type, perhaps partially as a result of the specific management activities for each crop, including tillage. Furthermore, alkyl C was related to some soil properties (silt and clay fractions), while O-alkyl C was related to available P in the soil. The hydrophobicity index, aromaticity index, and degree of humification were in the ranges 0.69–1.12, 0.17–0.23, and 0.46–0.92, respectively. These findings provided SOC chemical composition data of several economic crops to further support soil management for crop production and carbon stock preservation in tropical soils.