Palm Oil Industry Research Articles

Drought mitigation in sandy soil of oil palm plantation using apllication oil palm empty fruit bunch

Sandy soil in oil palm plantations has the potential to experience a higher water deficit during drought condition compared to other soil types. Application oil palm empty fruit bunch, which are co-product of oil palm industry, can be used to mitigate drought in sandy soil. This research aims to compare effective methods of applying empty fruit bunch on sandy soil in drought mitigation. This research was conducted in May-September 2023 at the Sei Rasau Region oil palm plantation of PT. BGA in Kendawangan, Ketapang, West Kalimantan. The research was carried out descriptively on block which are applied empty fruit bunch mulch (Block N21), applied focal feeder (Block P14), and applied combination mulch and focal feeder (Block P19). The technique for applying empty fruit bunch was observed directly and by seeking information from the company. Soil samples and plant vegetative data were also taken, while plant productivity was obtained from the company's secondary data. The results show that the implementation of empty oil palm fruit bunches as drought mitigation will be carried out intensively in 2022. Application empty fruit bunch as mulch are spread on the ground at a dose of 200 kg/tree and application as a focal feeder is carried out with empty fruit bunch inserted into a hole in the ground at a dose of 200 kg/hole. The microclimatic conditions in the three blocks of the research location are relatively same. The results of soil sample analysis show that soil with the application of empty fruit bunch mulch has the best soil moisture conditions and the lowest soil temperature. The lowest C/N ratio was in the combination application of mulch and focal feeder. The best plant vegetative conditions and plant productivity occurred in blocks with the application of empty fruit bunch mulch. So it can be concluded that the application of empty fruit bunch mulch provides the best drought mitigation benefits compared to the focal feeder applications and the combination application.

SERTIFIKASI KELAPA SAWIT DAN PENGEMBANGAN EKONOMI BERKELANJUTAN: STUDY LITERATUR REVIEW

The palm oil industry has experienced significant growth in recent decades. Disparities in ownership and profit sharing are one of the main problems in the palm oil industry today. Even though the industry employs millions of people, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, many palm oil farmers who comply with Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) still struggle to earn decent money. This is due to low demand for VSS compliant palm oil and minimum prices or premiums. The method used in this research is descriptive bibliometric analysis using Vosviewer 1.6.19 software. Data collection was carried out through searching publications indexed by Scopus. The results of this research can illustrate future palm oil certification studies by paying attention to the economic development aspects of the implementation and application of palm oil certification

Biochemical and Agronomic Responses of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) to Spent and Deoiled Bleaching Earth of NPK Fertilization on Filler Basis

Spent bleaching earth (SBE) is the largest waste produced by the palm oil industry. However, according to several studies, SBE and its recovery product DBE have the potential as filler materials in NPK fertilizers. This study examines the influence of NPK fertilizer with SBE and DBE as filler materials on soybean plants’ biochemical and agronomic properties. The field-based experiment was done in a single-factor randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. We tested fertilizers of 10% bentonite clay mineral using NPK on a filler basis (control), 5% bentonite clay mineral with 5% SBE of NPK on a filler basis, and 5% bentonite clay mineral with 5% DBE using NPK on a filler basis. The variables observed include soil chemical properties after applying fertilizer, which involves the concentrations of several heavy metals. Biochemical characteristics, including the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), relative electrolyte leakage (REL), total phenolic content, and proline content. The agronomic characteristics of soybean plants, including root and shoot dry weight. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and tested using the least significant difference test at a 95% confidence interval. The results indicated that materials of SBE and DBE could partially substitute the filler elements in bentonite clay mineral of NPK fertilizer on a filler basis, and they had the same influence in SOD activity, H2O2 content, POD, MDA, REL, total phenolic, proline and root dry weight and shoot of soybean plants.

Recycling of Oil Palm Shell as Aggregate in Concrete: A Review

The consideration of using alternative materials as coarse aggregates in construction industry is to conserve the natural resources, reduce undesirable carbon dioxide (CO2) and environmental degradation related to conventional aggregate. Oil palm shell (OPS) which is a by-product from oil palm industry has shown potentials as an alternative to the conventional aggregate in concrete production. This paper reviews the previous studies on the application of OPS as a construction material and has been extensively used in tropical countries. The performance of OPS meets the minimum requirements for lightweight aggregates. It is suitable material for the production of structural lightweight aggregate concrete with 28-day compressive strength more than 25 MPa. The various improvement techniques employed OPS concrete that resulted in improved OPS concrete performance are also highlighted in this review.

A holistic mitigation model for net zero emissions in the palm oil industry

Achieving net zero emissions to ensure a sustainable future has become increasingly urgent in light of climate change. The palm oil industry in Malaysia plays a significant role in the country's economy but has faced criticism for its environmental impact, particularly in terms of sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions. While the government has implemented policies and initiatives to promote sustainable palm oil production and reduce emissions, there remains a need for a comprehensive and integrated mitigation strategy to help make an informed decision to improve the performance. To address the limitations of the current framework, this study proposes an Integrated Mitigation Strategy Model which incorporates established frameworks of Palm Oil Mill Carbon Accounting (POMCFA) and Sustainability Index (POMSI). This model has been developed based on the superstructure approach, considering a set of mitigation options to improve weak indicators identified through assessments. The selection of these options is informed by a theoretical review of existing literature on factor changes and their impact on emissions reduction. The model is further validated through case studies, ensuring its robustness and reliability. Based on the case study, it reveals that palm oil mill effluent, diesel consumption, and water consumption contribute the most to carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. In terms of sustainability scoring, the environmental aspect obtains the lowest scores compared to social and economic aspects. Weaknesses identified include dust concentration, palm oil mill effluent, and boiler emissions. Using the heuristics of factor changes equation, the mitigation model suggests implementing high-technology boilers as the optimal solution for these weaknesses. With the theoretical and empirical support behind the choice of variables, our model provides a valuable tool for decision-making in achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable palm oil production.

Trade Competitiveness and Sustainability Policies of Malaysian Palm Oil in the European Union: Strategic Responses by Stakeholders Agencies

The Malaysian palm oil industry is a significant contributor towards national development and economic growth. However, the industry has been facing rising tension to ensure sustainable development, as global demand for palm oil continue to grow in the coming years. The necessity for producing and trading sustainably produced palm oil is amplified with the European Union’s stringent requirement for importing responsibly sourced commodities into its market, with the aim to achieve climateneutral by 2050. The palm oil industry is also inundated with anti-palm oil campaigns and agendas, which emphasize allegations of unsustainable agricultural practices as large-scale plantations damage the natural ecosystem in producing countries. Collectively, these challenges could pose a formidable impact on the trade of palm oil between Malaysia and the European Union. Therefore, the article seeks to examine the strategic responses undertaken by Malaysian stakeholder agencies to address the regulations pertaining to sustainable production of palm oil. Using a qualitative approach, a total of ten sessions of in-depth interviews were held with expert informants in stakeholder agencies, both in Malaysia and the European Union. Among the key findings were the formulation and implementation of the National Agricommodity Policy, deployment of various missions to the European Union, implementation of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification as the national sustainability scheme, dissemination of accurate information on sustainable and certified palm oil, and continuous engagement through bilateral and multilateral platforms. Based on the findings, this study suggests that inclusive and transparent engagement must be conducted continuously. Constantly held dialogue sessions will help to promote better understanding and fruitful collaboration among stakeholder agencies in Malaysia and the European Union to balance environmental concerns with trade interests.

Treatment of food processing industries wastewaters using a new clay-based inorganic membrane: Performance evaluation and fouling analysis

BackgroundCeramic membranes are intensely extending their applicability in wastewater treatment due to their excellent resistance to corrosive environment, anti-fouling nature, and longer lifetime. To further widen the usage of ceramic membranes despite of their high cost, development of inexpensive ceramic membranes is highly anticipated. MethodA novel inexpensive Fuller's earth clay ceramic membrane's performance was evaluated in treating the wastewater obtained from two food processing industries, namely the dairy industry and palm oil industry, by varying the applied pressure from 0.35 – 2 bar. Furthermore, the fouling mechanism concerning the microfiltration of wastewater was identified with the help of Hermia's pore blocking models. Significant FindingsThe prepared novel Fuller's earth clay ceramic membrane significantly reduced COD content below the permissible discharge limit (< 200 mg/L) for dairy and palm oil industry wastewaters at a pressure of 0.35 bar. Notably, 98 – 99 % removal of turbidity and suspended solids was achieved. Also, the total phosphorus content was brought down below the permissible discharge limit of 5 mg/L. From fouling analysis, it was inferred that the cake filtration model appropriately fits the obtained experimental results, confirming the anti-fouling nature of the fabricated clay membrane in treating food process industries' wastewater.

Regional Analysis for Sustainable Economic Development: A Case Study of Sukamara Regency, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia

Economic growth remains the sole determining factor that shapes regional development in Sukamara Regency, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. Therefore, in designing and formulating its regional planning, it is imperative that the leading economic sector(s) be specifically studied and prioritized. Using quantitative data and regional analysis, this research aimed to identify the leading sector(s) to formulate recommendations for the regency’s development planning using geographic information systems and three economic growth indicators: location quotient (LQ), multiplier effect (ME), and shift-share (SS). Results indicate that Forestry, Agriculture, and Fisheries is the primary leading sector, followed by Manufacturing, which are both fuelled by the palm oil industry. The prevailing industrial sector causes economic disparities between northern and southern Sukamara. For further regional development, disparities between regions and sustainability issues must be addressed using a nature-based approach and socially inclusive measures by promoting and fostering small and medium enterprises, especially in southern Sukamara. Shifting the economy from extractive sectors (primary) to trade and tourism (secondary and tertiary) is also recommended to ensure the sustainabality of the development.

Advances and Perspectives in Biohydrogen Production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent

Palm oil, the main vegetable oil produced globally, serves diverse purposes, ranging from cooking to the production of processed foods, cosmetics, and biodiesel. Despite contributing significantly to the economies of major producing nations, the escalating production of palm oil raises serious environmental concerns, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and various forms of pollution. Palm oil mill effluent (POME), a byproduct of palm oil extraction, poses a severe environmental threat when left untreated. As an eco-friendly alternative, anaerobic digestion in controlled bioreactors has emerged, offering simultaneous POME treatment and biofuel generation, particularly hydrogen, with high energy efficiency. This review explores the challenges and opportunities associated with biohydrogen production from POME. Key considerations involve optimizing parameters through pretreatments, nanoparticle incorporation, defining optimal bioreactor conditions, determining hydraulic retention times, and integrating multi-stage processes like dark fermentation followed by photofermentation. This review also emphasizes the significance of sustainable practices and economic analyses in shaping the future of hydrogen production from POME, positioning it as a pivotal player in the palm oil industry’s circular economy and the global energy transition.

Circular Economy Approaches in the Palm Oil Industry: Enhancing Profitability through Waste Reduction and Product Diversification

Today, facing difficult environmental and sustainability questions, the palm oil industry is an important force in global trade and development. As a transformative solution to these problems, this review assesses the implementation of circular economy (CE) strategies. CE principles promote the transformation of waste into value through recycling, upcycling and other low-carbon innovation applications. This review estimates the capability of palm-based biomass, including palm oil mill effluent (POME) and refinery wastes. It evaluates how different technologies such as gasification are used to change these fuel sources into energy fuels and value-added products for industry. It also involves incorporating Industry 4.0 to boost efficiency and waste value creation into the operation. Although the potential of CE in creating an eco-friendly, profitable palm oil industry is apparent, nevertheless it must overcome all kinds and levels of barriers – from economic to technological to social. This review points out for collaborative efforts, technological advancement, and supportive policies to navigate these challenges, advocating for a unified shift towards sustainability and efficiency in the palm oil sector.

Antibacterial Synergy Detection of Lignin Extract from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (Opefb) Combined with Amoxicillin Against Staphylococcus Aureus Using The Azdast Method

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) are waste generated by the palm oil industry and are generally considered an environmental problem due to their large quantity and difficult recyclability. This study's objective was to examine the potential of OPEFB lignin extract combined with amoxicillin in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The Synergism Test of the OPEFB lignin extract-antibiotic combination was conducted using the AZDAST method (Ameri Ziaei Double Antibiotic Synergism Test). The lignin extraction process was a steam process using a 4% oxalic acid solution under optimal conditions. Then, Calcium ions precipitate 4% oxalate by adding Ca(OH)2 to the extract. The Lignin content was determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 280 nm, and then the lignin extract was combined with antibiotics for antibacterial assay. The results showed a lignin content of 1.06 %. The AZDAST test results revealed clear zones from the combination of OPEFB lignin extract and amoxicillin with a diameter of 20.23 mm for the extract containing oxalate and 15.83 mm for the oxalate-free extract. Meanwhile, on average, the clear zone of single amoxicillin was only 14.13 mm. Based on these results, the combination of OPEFB lignin extract with amoxicillin was stronger than amoxicillin alone in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus, but it was not significantly different (p-value&gt; 0.05). In conclusion, the potential of OPEFB lignin extract synergistically worked with the antibiotic amoxicillin in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus.

Analysis Of Factors Affecting Employee Performance In Small Plantation Business (Case Study: Sumber Tani)

The agricultural sector, specifically the palm oil industry, is a significant contributor to Indonesia's GDP. South Sumatera is one of the largest producers of Indonesia's total palm oil production. The purpose of this study was to determine how the influence of Employee Motivation, Compensation, and Organizational Commitment on Employee Performance at Sumber Tani as one of smallholder plantations in South Sumatera, namely Sumber Tani. Sumber Tani experienced challenges related to employee performance which led to the non-achievement of harvesting targets and decline in sales. This research uses a quantitative approach with research methods, namely descriptive and verification analysis, data analysis is carried out by multiple regression analysis and importance performance analysis. The source of this research uses primary data with data collection using a questionnaire. The sample in this study were 41 workers at Sumber Tani using saturated sampling techniques. The results of descriptive analysis show that according to respondents's responses to Employee Motivation, Compensation, and Employee Performance at Sumber Tani are in the medium category and Organizational Commitment is in the high category. The results of hypothesis testing show that there is a positive and significant influence between Employee Performance, Compensation, and Organizational Commitment on Employee Performance, where these variables have an influence of 91.5% on Employee Performance. The results of importance performance analysis found that Compensation is the priority variable for improvement. Recommended strategies to improve Compensation at Sumber Tani are to conduct a salary survey, determine the amount of salary based on the salary survey, and provision of incentives.

Model Multi Objektif untuk Pemilihan Supplier Industri CPO pada Jaringan Rantai Pasokan Ramah Lingkungan dengan Ketidakpastian Pasokan

This study proposes a mathematical model for the problem of selecting suppliers for the palm oil industry by considering the green factor. Stochastic parameters are also considered to deal with uncertain parameters in green supply chain networks. The objective of this model is to select suppliers considering the total costs and total greenhouse gas emissions. This paper aims to present a more comprehensive model based on real-world conditions for the supplier selection problem of green supply chain in the palm oil industries under uncertainty. Besides economic issues, environmental issues are also considered from several aspects such as selecting environmentally friendly suppliers and purchasing from them and considering the environmental impact of the finished product. The results show that increasing one of the indicators such as the number of products and market demand leads to an increase in the value of the total objective function, which is caused by an increase in problem size. On the other hand, the cost function increases when most supplier selection is environmentally friendly suppliers. Meanwhile, the function of the objective level of greenhouse gas emissions increases when the selection of suppliers is most suppliers with high greenhouse gas emissions, but the objective function of costs decreases

Prediksi Harga Kelapa Sawit Menggunakan Metode Extreme Learning Machine

Palm oil is one of the keys to the Indonesian economy and the main commodity for attracting foreign investment. The palm oil and palm kernel industry generates most of the foreign currency from palm oil. The price of palm oil often goes up and down every month resulting in instability in the income received by people who own oil palm plantations. The aim of predicting palm oil prices is to carry out appropriate planning or steps for palm oil business actors. One way to overcome this problem is to make predictions. One method that can make predictions is the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). ELM is an artificial neural network method used to predict palm oil prices. The ELM method is a feedforward method with a single hidden layer which is better known as a single hidden layer feedforward neural network (SLFNs). In this research, the best implementation was 5 inputs with 20 neurons in the hidden layer with output in the form of palm oil price predictions. Based on the tests carried out, the research produced the smallest error rate of 0.0027111424247658633 using 20 neurons in the hidden layer so that the latest data prediction test results for 5 price rotations in September rotation 1 were 1400.314191, September rotation 2 were 1846.798921, September rotation 3 amounted to 1505.430419, September rotation 4 amounted to 2301.853412, September rotation 5 amounted to 2645.082489 in palm oil price predictions.

The Effect of Pressure and Heating on Biocoke Fuel from Empty Fruit Bunches

Bio-coke, derived from renewable biomass sources has gained significant interest as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Understanding the influence of pressure and heating on bio-coke properties and combustion characteristics is crucial for optimizing its production and utilization. This study investigates the impact of pressure and heating on the biocoke fuel obtained from empty fruit bunches of biomass waste. Biomass waste, a byproduct of the palm oil industry, offers a potential feedstock for biocoke production, thus addressing waste management and promoting circular economy principles. The experimental approach involved subjecting biomass waste to different pressure levels and heating conditions during biocoke production. The results show that applying pressure during the biocoke production can reduce the water content significantly. The carbon content recorded in biocoke reached 45.87% compared to 43.70% in raw EFB. The proximate and ultimate analysis results show that biocoke fuel shows better results. Thus, biocoke produced using EFB biomass waste is very suitable as an alternative energy to reduce dependence on fossil energy.

Potentiality of Pressmud Application in Soil for Palm Oil Plantation Productivity

The agricultural sector in Malaysia is predominantly comprised of the oil palm and sugar refinery industries. Approximately 50% of the materials generated during palm oil and sugar production would result in organic waste that contains a high content of lignin and cellulose. Waste generated from the sugarcane industry can be used as a resource of another, bringing economic and environmental benefits. This study aims to provide useful insights into using sugarcane waste to enhance the sustainability of the agriculture industry in Malaysia, specifically palm oil plantations. It can also enhance the green knowledge in soil technology for a sustainable agriculture industry in this country. Based on the physico-chemical characteristics examined in this study, pressmud evidently emerges as a promising material with significant potential to serve as an admixture medium in soil for palm oil plantations, leading to a reduction in the application of chemical fertilizer. This waste material displayed a coarse texture, compared to the less coarse texture of the laterite soil. Its texture and surface of the object exhibited irregularities and were covered with pores. Incorporating pressmud into the soil has improved its capability to adsorb nutrients by facilitating the cation exchange process. The efficacy of the laterite soil-press mud mixture as a soil amendment in palm oil plantations can be determined through its Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), a key indicator of its ability to improve soil performance and enhance production.

Ecological footprint of bio-based diesel under climate change conditions toward sustainable palm oil industry and alternative energy development in Thailand

Thailand has set a maximum biodiesel production target of 11.0 million liters per day in 2037; biodiesels produced from fatty acid methyl ester from palm oil is blended with fossil diesel. The alternative biodiesels include bio‑hydrogenated diesel and partially hydrogenated fatty acid methyl ester which can have higher blending percentages with fossil diesel. The total land and water ecosystem requirements for providing resources and absorbing emissions including cropland, energy, the forest, and built-up land for biodiesel production were assessed by ecological footprint to support the sustainable development of the biodiesel production target while considering climate change. In the existing condition, with production at 4.28 million liters per day, the ecological footprints of fatty acid methyl ester, hydrogenated fatty acid methyl ester, and bio‑hydrogenated diesel were 5.46, 5.51, and 4.09 million global hectare/year, respectively. Water and cropland were the major sources accounting for 67 % and 14 %, respectively. For the production of 11.0 million liters per day under Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, with maximization of fresh fruit bunches productivity and oil percentage, the ecological footprints of fatty acid methyl ester, hydrogenated fatty acid methyl ester, and bio‑hydrogenated diesel were 9.38, 9.89, and 7.29 million global hectare/year, respectively, whereas for business-as-usual fresh fruit bunch productivity and oil percentage, these values increased to 14.5, 15.0, and 11.3 million global hectare/year, respectively. When only fatty acid methyl ester is used, the plantation area must be increased by between 741,862 and 802,281 ha. Increase in yield of oil palm plantation, percentage palm oil, and promotion of bio‑hydrogenated diesel production should be implemented to decrease the amount of resources used for bio-based diesel production.

Economic transformation based on leading commodities through sustainable development of the oil palm industry

The oil palm industry is a strategic and leading sector of agriculture that is developing in Indonesia. Riau is a province in this country that has quite large natural resources in the plantation with the largest contribution being oil palm. This study aims to determine the form of economic transformation based on superior commodities through the development of a sustainable palm oil industry. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, employing a sequential explanatory model to gather a comprehensive understanding of the oil palm industry in Bengkalis Regency, Indonesia. Quantitative data collection precedes qualitative data analysis, allowing for a deeper exploration of the research topic. The analysis units encompass the oil palm industry, households, and village officials, ensuring a holistic examination of the subject. Data collection involves a range of methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions, engaging diverse stakeholders such as community members, industry representatives, and government officials. Secondary data from relevant agencies and previous research are also integrated. Ethical considerations are emphasized in data collection and dissemination, ensuring transparency and balance in reporting. Overall, the methodology is well-structured and comprehensive, enabling a thorough examination of the industry's sustainability and development. The research results indicate that the oil palm manufacturing industry is a leading sector and has been categorized as sufficiently sustainable based on different perspectives. Through an optimistic scenario, the government must make efforts and total support to improve the important factors that influence the development of the palm oil processing industry in a sustainable manner, including the community empowerment program, future palm oil prospects, implementation of environmental management.

Assessing the implications of implementing European Union countries’ anti-deforestation regulations on Indonesia’s palm oil industry

Assessing the implications of implementing European Union countries’ anti-deforestation regulations on Indonesia’s palm oil industry

Usage of near infrared spectrometer as an analyzing tool for nutrients in leaf, fertilizer and soil in oil palm industry

Usage of near infrared spectrometer as an analyzing tool for nutrients in leaf, fertilizer and soil in oil palm industry