Palm Production Research Articles

Smallholder’s sustainable oil palm production commitment: Predictive role of organizational, work-related, psychological, and personal factors

This paper focuses on examining the relationship among organizational factor, work-related factor, psychological factor, personal factor and the commitment of oil palm smallholders toward Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification. The study employed a descriptive research methodology and a structured survey instrument to gather data from oil palm smallholders (n = 441) through simple random sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed relationship. The findings reveal that organizational factors significantly impact the affective (β = 0.345, p < 0.05), normative (β = 0.424, p < 0.05), and continuance commitment (β = 0.339, p < 0.05) of oil palm smallholders. Additionally, work-related factors show a substantial effect on these same dimensions of commitment; affective (β = 0.277, p < 0.05), normative (β = 0.263, p < 0.05), and continuance (β = 0.413, p < 0.05). Psychological factors significantly impact the affective (β = 0.216, p < 0.05) and normative commitment (β = 0.146, p < 0.05), with no statistically significant influence on continuance commitment. Conversely, personal factors exhibit limited influence, affecting only continuance commitment (β = 0.104, p < 0.05) to a minor degree, with no statistically significant impact on affective and normative commitment. The present research is among the few empirical findings that have examined the oil palm smallholders’ commitment towards MSPO certification. By emphasizing the role of organizational and work-related factors, the study offers valuable insights for stakeholders within the oil palm sector, highlighting areas to enhance smallholder commitment toward sustainability standards. Consequently, this study contributes a unique perspective to the existing body of literature on sustainable practices in the oil palm industry.

Potensi Asap Cair Kulit Kopi Robusta Dalam Menghambat Pertumbuhan Curvularia sp. di Pre-Nursery Kelapa Sawit

Oil palms are susceptible to the pre-nursery stage of plant mortality caused by the Curvularia sp. pathogen, affecting various crops. Attacks by Curvularia sp. not only make oil palm production less efficient, but they are also notoriously difficult to manage. As a botanical fungicide, liquid smoke from strong coffee husks is an alternate control strategy. This research seeks to assess the efficacy of liquid smoke from robusta coffee husks in preventing the development of Curvularia sp. in oil palm seedlings. From January through April 2024, the laboratory work at UIN Agriculture Research Development Science Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and AnimalHHusbadry, State Islamic University Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau, focused on pathology, entomology, microbiology, soil and land science, and other related topics. This research used a fully randomized design (CRD) experimental approach with six treatments: a control group that did not get any liquid smoke and did not have a fungal infection, and five groups that received varying concentrations of liquid smoke with pathogen infection:0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. Research has shown that at a concentration of 4%, robust coffee husk liquid smoke—which contains 4.24% total phenol and a pH of 4.61—could effectively or partially suppress the development of Curvularia sp. on oil palm seedlings. When comparing treatments, there were statistically significant changes in the number of infected leaves, the number of spots on the leaves, and the area of the spots, but no changes in the total number of leaves.

Evaluation of anti - diabetic activity of palmyrah (palm jaggery and palm honey) (Borassus flabellifer L.) against streptozotocin – nicotinamide induced diabetic wistar rats

Value-added products derived from Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.), such as palm jaggery and palm honey, serve as alternative source of table sugar with a low glycemic index. During 2022–23, an experiment was to evaluate their anti-diabetic activity. The efficacy of palm jaggery and palm honey was assessed in diabetic rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg, and their effects were compared to those of oral glimepiride in a 28-days randomized control study. Biochemical estimations and histopathological analyses revealed that palm jaggery and palm honey possess anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and insulinogenic properties. These Palmyrah products significantly enhanced insulin secretion by pancreatic ?-cells, leading to a marked reduction in blood glucose levels, serum uric acid, creatinine, and lipid peroxidise activity. Furthermore, the restoration of normal metabolic pathways reduced oxidative stress-induced mechanisms in diabetic rats treated with Palmyrah jaggery and honey. Hence, palm products could be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services in rainforest, traditional and industrial oil palm cultivation systems in Liberia, West Africa

Societal Impact StatementOil palm is native to the west African forest, where industrial production is expanding. We assessed differences in plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services across 54 forest, community agriculture and oil palm plots in Sinoe County, Liberia. Traditional cultivation systems have lower ecological impacts in terms of species richness, composition, canopy height and structural complexity compared with industrial production, though yields per hectare are likely to be lower. Traditional systems can inspire improved management of industrial plantations, including choice of cover crop, intercropping with locally valued species and reduced clearance and pesticide regimes, increasing biodiversity and local food security.Summary Tropical agriculture contributes to national and global food security, but the conversion of natural habitats to agriculture has severe consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and society. Significant research efforts have focussed on improving the sustainability of palm oil production in Asia, but less research has been conducted in the African forest zone, where oil palm is native and production is expanding. Working within the Sustainable Oil Palm in West Africa (SOPWA) Project (Sinoe County, Liberia), we surveyed canopy trees and understorey plants in 54 plots distributed equally across three ecological systems ‐ rainforest, traditionally‐cultivated oil palm (“country palm”) and industrially‐managed oil palm ‐ to assess differences in plant biodiversity, vegetation structure and provisioning services. Traditionally‐cultivated oil palm systems had intermediate plant biodiversity (species richness, weighted endemism) and structure (canopy height, complexity) compared with industrial production or rainforest. Provisioning services (proportion of species supplying non‐timber forest products) did not differ by the system on average, though the absolute number of useful species recorded was highest for the forest. Of surveyed plant species, 81% had a local name (Sapo or Kru); a smaller proportion of forest species were named compared with either traditional or industrial oil palm systems. Our study emphasises the higher ecological value per hectare of traditional oil palm production compared with industrial production methods, though yields are likely to be lower, leading to implications for industrial management such as growing alternative cover crop species, intercropping with non‐timber forest products or locally valued crops and implementing reduced clearance and pesticide regimes.

Unlocking sustainable partnerships: exploring the willingness of oil palm producers to engage in contract farming initiatives

PurposeThis study examined the factors influencing oil palm farmers’ decisions to engage in contract farming as well as their extent of participation.Design/methodology/approachThe study used cross-sectional data collected from 210 oil palm producers in the western region of Ghana. Descriptive statistics and Cragg’s double hurdle model were the methods of analysis.FindingsThe results showed that household size, membership of farmer association, farm size, market knowledge and loan availability significantly positively influence farmers’ decisions to engage in contract farming. Also, while membership in farmer associations and market knowledge exerted significant positive influences on the extent to which farmers participated in contract farming, extension contacts and distance to the farm exerted significant negative influences on the extent of farmers’ participation.Practical implicationsThe government, in collaboration with other interested parties, should educate and encourage farmers on the benefits of participating in contract farming arrangements with reputable and well-known institutions that have taken steps to make their services available to farmers.Social implicationsThe study recommends that the government and other contracting firms, like the Golden Star Oil Palm Plantation, should make farm credit a key aspect of their packages, as this will be more attractive to the smallholders.Originality/valueThe study adds to existing literature by providing contracting companies with helpful information on factors influencing oil palm farmers’ decisions to engage in contract farming.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0284

Molecular basis of resistance to leaf spot disease in oil palm

IntroductionLeaf spot disease caused by the fungal pathogen Curvularia oryzae is one of the most common diseases found in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) nurseries in South East Asia, and is most prevalent at the seedling stage. Severe infections result in localized necrotic regions of leaves that rapidly spread within nurseries leading to poor quality seedlings and high economic losses.MethodsTo understand the molecular mechanisms of this plant-pathogen interaction, RNA-Seq was used to elucidate the transcriptomes of three oil palm genotypes with contrasting pathogen responses (G10 and G12, resistant and G14, susceptible) following infection with C. oryzae spores. Transcriptomes were obtained from Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing of mRNA at four different time points (day 0, before treatment; day 1, 7, and 21 post treatment).Results and discussionAnalysis of differentially expressed gene (DEG) profiles in these three genotypes provided an overview of the genes involved in the plant defence. Genes involved in disease resistance, phytohormone biosynthesis, gene regulation (transcription factors), and those encoding proteins associated with cell wall hardening were identified and likely contribute to the resistance of oil palm to C. oryzae. Such genes represent good candidates for targets to enhance oil palm productivity and resilience through molecular breeding approaches.

Lasiodiplodia theobromae causes rachis blight on coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) in Florida.

Lasiodiplodia, a genus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae, has a broad host range and causes dieback, root rot, fruit rot, leaf rot, and blights in many plant species across sub-tropical and tropical geographical areas (Alves et al., 2008). In palms, this fungal pathogen is known to cause fruit and heart rot, wood decay and leaf blight around the globe (Atallah et al., 2024; Santos et al., 2020). In field-grown coconut palms symptoms usually start on older fronds progressing to younger fronds. Symptoms including discoloration of internal tissue, profuse pathogen sporulation, fruiting body formation, and death of entire fronds, universally characterize rachis blight caused by Lasiodiplodia. In summer 2023, a disease incidence of 30% and severity ranging from 20% to 100% of the canopy was observed in Florida. Three diseased coconut palms were sampled from a five-acre plot and the symptomatic tissue (internal rachis discoloration) was excised at the margin of the advancing lesion, and surface sterilized (30s 75% EtOH, 1 min 3% sodium hypochlorite, 1 min rinse in sterile water). Six pieces were plated on one Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA, Difco) plate supplemented with three antibiotics, penicillin, streptomycin, and neomycin, each at 5mg/L (Gibco PSN), and a total of three PDA plates per sample were processed. Plates were incubated at 25°C under darkness and Lasiodiplodia-like colonies were consistently recovered from all 54 rachis pieces. Initially white in color, the fungal colony grew radially, turned gray, and eventually took on a darker shade, with an abundance of aerial mycelium and rare occurrence of conidiomata and conidia in older plates. Two morphologically similar isolates Las1A and Las1B were obtained from single spores and grown at 28°C in the dark for 7 days. DNA was extracted using the quick DNA extraction protocol (Liu et al., 2000) and regions from two fungal barcoding genes, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) were amplified using primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al., 1990) and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone & Kohn, 1999), respectively, and sequenced. The ITS (PQ282128 and PQ282129) and TEF1-α sequences from both isolates (PQ278132 and PQ278133) were 100% identical to Lasiodiplodia theobromae isolate G112-8 (OR453211 and OR482955, respectively). One-year-old seedlings of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) were used for pathogenicity tests. Agar plugs from margins of actively growing cultures of Las1A and Las1B were placed on cut end of petioles from fronds close to the spear leaf and covered with parafilm. The control palms were treated with distilled water. The onset of disease symptoms was observed about 14 days post inoculation. The inoculated petioles were soft, listless, lost turgidity, and could be easily bent without snapping about 1 month following inoculation. In contrast, the palm control seedlings that were inoculated with water remained turgid, healthy and alive. Fruiting body development was observed on inoculated petioles, the pathogen was reisolated, and examination of its colony and spore morphology as well as presence of paraphyses was used to verify its identity. This is the first report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing disease on Cocos nucifera in Florida. This pathogen is a potential threat to coconut palm production in Florida and further research on pathogen diversity, pathogenicity, and distribution is needed to develop options for disease management.

Strategies for Oil Palm Smallholders to Improve Their Livelihood: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Oil palm is widely cultivated for its high yield of edible oil. While Malaysia is known for large-scale oil palm production, Sarawak stands out for its numerous smallholder plantations. In this region, smallholders play a vital role in both subsistence farming and cash crop agriculture, though they face challenges in maintaining productivity and improving livelihoods. This study investigates the strategies oil palm smallholders in Sarawak, Malaysia, use to enhance their livelihoods. A qualitative approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with fifteen smallholders in Sri Aman, Sarawak, selected through snowball sampling. Thematic analysis identified key strategies adopted by these farmers. Findings show that smallholders improve their livelihoods through replanting, crop diversification, engaging in additional farming activities, and seeking support from relevant authorities and organizations. These strategies help smallholders sustain plantation performance despite challenges. This study provides important insights into how smallholders navigate the oil palm sector, emphasizing the need for targeted support to bolster their livelihoods and the overall sustainability of small-scale plantations.

The Effectiveness of Palm Oil Policies in Nigeria: An Experience from Malaysian Palm Oil Policies

The tropical forest of West Africa is initially the first area where the oil palm was discovered before the 14th century. In particular, Nigeria was one of the places where this fruit was uncovered. Palm oil is ranked as the major vegetable oil in the world. In the 1960s, Nigeria was rated as the largest palm oil-producing and exporting country globally. However, the production was completely unsuccessful as a result of the government’s failure to formulate good policies, while the local consumption increases. Oil palm production in Malaysia became a contributing sector to the national economy. It alleviates poverty, provides employment, allocates resources, generates incomes, and leads to economic development. Due to good and sustainable palm oil policies in this sector, Malaysia achieved global recognition. This paper’s objective is to disclose the ineffective policies on palm oil in Nigeria and its sustainability in Malaysia. This paper is a qualitative design, it used primary and secondary methods. The primary method is based on a semi-structured interview, while the secondary method is based on documents. It adopted inductive thematic analysis for analysing interview data with the help of Atlas ti. This paper’s finding is the unsuccessful palm oil policies in Nigeria and the sustainable palm oil policies in Malaysia.In conclusion, there is a need for Nigeria, to learn from the Malaysian experience.

Utilization of Pseudomonas fluorescens Bacteria in Weed Control and Phosphate Supply in Oil Palm (Elais Guineensis Jacq.) Plantations

With growing environmental concerns, sustainable management practices in oil palm plantations are becoming increasingly essential. This review examines the potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens as a biological agent for both weed control and phosphate solubilization in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation. A systematic literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, focusing on studies published between 2007 and 2023. Studies that investigated the role of Pseudomonas fluorescens in enhancing plant growth through weed suppression or improving phosphate uptake were selected. The findings reveal that Pseudomonas fluorescens can significantly benefit plant health by minimizing weed competition and enhancing the availability of phosphorus in the soil. However, challenges such as the variability in environmental conditions, strain specificity, and scalability of application persist. The review highlights the importance of further field trials and experimental research to refine the practical use of Pseudomonas fluorescens in achieving more sustainable oil palm production.

Yield of Bunches of Fresh Oil Palm Fruits (Elaeis Guineenses JACQ.) Grown in Pará: Barrier to Illegal Transport

Objective: The goal of this study was to generate technical and scientific information to support the inspection of transportation of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of oil palm in the state of Pará and to estimate the average yield curve (AYC) of FFB of varieties of oil palm cultivated in the municipalities of Pará. Theoretical framework: Theories about limited rationality and asymmetric information was applied to production and commercialization negotiations of FFB oil palm in the state of Pará. Econometric modelling and statistical tests were used to estimate the AY curve and to compare the sample averages among the business production, family farming, and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Results and conclusion: The maximum AY of FFB oil palm were estimated for the state of Pará, Brazil (16.27 ± 1.46 t/ha), and to the most productive variety, Compacta-Nigeria (23.86 ± 2.24 t/ha). It was evident that AY of FFB for the Family farmers (average 22.63 ± 3.17 t/ha) was higher than that obtained by companies (average of 17.10 ± 4.05 t/ha) and that reported by IBGE (average of 15.98 ± 1.25 t/ha). The IBGE data are not different or superior to those of companies. Research implications: The study estimated the FFB oil palm AY curve by variety cultivated in the state of Pará to enable the traceability of FFB oil palm production and transportation. It validates IBGE data as a mechanism for monitoring the transit of CFF. Originality/value: The CFF yield curve adds unprecedented scientific knowledge to support the traceability of oil palm production. The data provided by this research contributes to reduce the information asymmetry, and to improve the efficiency of chain Governance.

Aplikasi Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit dan Limbah Cair Pabrik Kelapa Sawit pada Tanaman Kelapa Sawit Menghasilkan (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq)

Oil palm is one of the important plantation commodities in Indonesia, with a plantation area reaching 14.33 million hectares and continuing to grow. This growth has led to an increase in the number of oil palm processing factories, which produce solid waste of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and liquid waste of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). If not processed properly, this waste can pollute the environment. However, this waste can be used as organic fertilizer that is rich in nutrients, reducing dependence on inorganic fertilizers, and saving costs. At the Rama-Rama Oil Palm Plantation, this waste is used as a soil conditioner and source of nutrients, with the hope of increasing oil palm productivity. This study aims to determine the effect of EFB and POME applications on oil palm productivity by comparing productivity between land applied with EFB and POME using the Independent T Test method at a real level of 5%. The results of observations show that POME and EFB applications affect the production of fresh oil palm fruit bunches, the number of fresh oil palm bunches, and the weight of oil palm bunches. POME application has a greater impact on the production of fresh oil palm fruit bunches, the number of fresh oil palm bunches, and the weight of oil palm bunches compared to EFB application and without POME and EFB application. The average production of fruit bunches in the EFB and POME blocks each month is above its production potential according to the land suitability level of class S2.

Prediction of Oil Palm Plantation Block Productivity Based On Canopy Area And Vegetation Index Using Multispectral Aerial Photographs

The demands of productivity and efficiency of oil palm plantations can be met by implementing Precision Farming (PF), where production analysis is carried out on a narrower area. Currently, yield evaluation or harvest results are carried out based on block area (25-100 Ha). The diverse information in one block is standardized, potentially eliminating detailed information that is useful for management. This study aims to develop an empirical estimation model of oil palm plantation productivity per harvest day through the canopy area approach and oil palm vegetation index with multispectral camera technology. The oil palm productivity estimation method is carried out by comparing the processing results using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index transformation algorithms. The basis for estimation is per Harvesting Collection Point, namely an area of ± 0.3 ha. The results showed: 1) NDVI, NDRE are strongly and very strongly correlated with FFB production; 2) canopy area has a strong relationship to FFB production; 3) NDVI vegetation index values are strongly correlated with FFB production. The productivity estimation equation from NDRE value: y = 3621.9x – 1153.8, the productivity estimation equation based on canopy area: y = 0.5479x – 717.08, and the productivity estimation equation based on NDVI: y = 11.639x – 9709.2

Efficient nitrogen fertilization for sustainable sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) cultivation in Tropical Peatland

ABSTRACT Tropical peatlands degraded by agricultural use with intensive drainage require restoration through rewetting, preferably while agricultural use continues. Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.), a starch crop that can grow in high water table peatlands, is suitable for this objective. However, the optimal method of sago palm cultivation on peat soil has not yet been established. To establish an efficient nitrogen (N) fertilization method for sustainable production of sago palm in peatland, the fate of 15N-labelled urea applied to sago palm after transplanting and the effect of controlled-release N fertilizer applied before transplanting on sago palm growth were examined in field experiments in Malaysia. The rate of mineralization of soil organic N was also measured to evaluate the capacity of soil N as another N source for sago palms. The application of chemical fertilizers after transplanting did not improve plant growth or total N uptake. After 1 year, only 2–5% and 9–22% of the fertilized N was detected in aboveground parts (mother plant and suckers) and soil, respectively. The N supplying potential of peat soils exceeded the N requirements of sago palms. In contrast, N application at the nursery stage increased leaf length, number of leaves, aboveground biomass, and leaf chlorophyll content after transplanting. These results suggest that concentrating fertilization at the nursery stage would be an efficient method for sago palm cultivation in tropical peatlands.

EFISIENSI PENGGUNAAN RADIASI MATAHARI DAN PARTISI BAHAN KERING BIBIT KELAPA SAWIT PADA BERBAGAI DOSIS PUPUK KALIUM DAN MAGNESIUM

Optimization of radiation and dry matter partitioning is carried out to increase oil palm productivity. The study aimed to find radiation use efficiency and dry matter partitioning of oil palm seedlings on various levels of potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) fertilizers in the main nursery. The study was conducted in the experimental station of Leuwikopo IPB, Bogor, from April 2021 to January 2022. The experiment was designed according to a non-factorial randomized block design with five replications. The experiment consists of 2 separate experiments. First experiment consisted of five levels of K fertilization treatment (0%, 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200%). Second Experiment consisted of five levels of Mg fertilization treatment (0%, 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200%). The application of K and Mg fertilizers causes differences in the RUE and partitioning value of oil palm. The LUE values for oil palm seedlings 3-6 months, 6-9 months, and 9-12 months were 0,73 g MJ-1, 0,67 g MJ-1, and 1,27 g MJ-1. The dry matter partition of roots, petioles, and leaves at 3-6 months was 25%, 32%, and 43%. The dry matter partitions of roots, petiole, and leaves at 6-9 months were 23%, 33%, and 44%. The dry matter partition of roots, petioles, and leaves at 9-12 months was 16%, 45%, and 39%.

Entrepreneurship Skills needed by Youths for Entry into Oil Palm Production for Self-Employment and Job Creation in Delta State, Nigeria

This study focused on entrepreneurship skills needed by youths for entry into oil palm production in Delta State. Three research questions and two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population of the study was one thousand five hundred(1500) youth farmers located in the three (3) senatorial districts in Delta State. The study adopted the use of descriptive survey method. Data was analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that more males are involved in oil palm production than females. Also, that the combination of agricultural expertise, business skills, adaptability, and networking can empower youths in Delta State, Nigeria, to engage in oil palm production for self-employment, even while balancing other jobs. Findings also showed that combination of processing knowledge, operational skills, quality control, safety measures, resource management, and environmental considerations are needed. Findings from the research revealed that youth entrepreneurs in oil palm production have strong understanding of agronomy, including soil management, pest control and crop maintenance. The study recommended that Delta State youths can benefit from entrepreneurial education through formal programs and vocational trainings, focusing on oil palm production and self-employment. Special loan schemes and financial literacy training was also recommended.

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.

Profitability of Oil Palm Production and Processing in Edo State, Nigeria

This work presents a comprehensive literature and studies conducted on the economic point of oil palm cultivation and processing and the factors that influences profitability of the sector as well as its contribution to the socioeconomic development of the farmers in Edo state. The study highlights the importance of oil palm production and processing in Edo, a major oil palm producing state in Nigeria.

Macroeconomics Factors Affecting Net Exports of Oil Palm Industry in Malaysia

This quantitative study investigates the impact of oil palm production, oil palm pricing, inflation, and GDP growth rate on the net exports of Malaysia's oil palm industry. This research is aimed at analyzing how the net export of oil palm relates to certain macroeconomic variables. This study has employed multiple regression analysis through Ordinary Least Squares for 26 years of time series data from 1996 to 2020 in Malaysia. The findings from this study improve our understanding of the major factors contributing to net exports in the oil palm industry. Palm oil production, price, as well as GDP growth, drive net export of palm oil in Malaysia found during this research. An increase in production leads to the reduced amount of palm oil exported, all other things remaining constant. Conversely, inflation and GDP growth are major drivers behind the increased net export of palm oil.

Water productivity and date palm production: a field study in Biskra Region

In southern Algeria, agriculture is mainly based on groundwater irrigation, leading to significant water consumption, Improving water productivity in field-scale irrigation is critical for sustainable water management and the protection of this valuable resource. In the present study, to analyze water productivity, data were collected on the volumes of irrigation water applied and the resulting yields from 24 farmers through a survey questionnaire during the 2022-2023 agricultural season water productivity for date palm cultivation was evaluated in Biskra region of Algeria. The study found that water productivity values ranged from 0.4 to 1.1 in kg m-3 with an Average of 0.83 kg m-3, consequently, producing one kilogram of dates requires 1220.35 liters of water. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the water productivity of date palms was moderate compared to the results of other studies conducted in various regions around the world. This research highlights the critical need for strategies to enhance water-use efficiency, including the implementation of advanced irrigation technologies and improved management practices.