Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations Research Articles

Modifikasi Media Tanam Tanah Terinfeksi Ganoderma pada Pembibitan Kelapa Sawit di Pre Nursery

Nursery planting media in smallholder oil palm plantations that are attacked by stem rot disease caused by Ganoderma sp do not receive special attention and it is not uncommon for farmers to use land around their oil palm plantations that is attacked by Ganoderma. This research aims to modify planting media infected with Ganoderma spp with Trichoderma spp input in the planting media for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) nurseries in the Pre-Nursery. The research was conducted in the Greenhouse of the Indonesian Palm Oil Technology Institute in March 2024. Planting media material from the Ganoderma-infested People's palm oil plantations was taken from Kwala Pesilam village, Padang Tualang sub-district, Langkat district, North Sumatra Province. The design used in the research was a non-factorial Randomized Design with 5 (five) treatment levels, namely T01 (positive control) using soil infected with Ganoderma spp, T02 (negative control) using sterile soil, T1 = 5 grams of Trichoderma, T2 = 10 grams of Tricodherma and T3 = 15 grams of Trichoderma. The research results the application of Trichoderma 10 g/seed doses gave good results on average growth of oil palm seedlings and diseasesin seedlings are dominates by anthacnose

LINI HULU PRODUKSI SAWIT INDONESIA: PERSPEKTIF RANTAI PASOK

Smallholder oil palm plantations are still facing the challenge of solidity in increasing their collective action to influence the supply chain of the national and global palm oil industry. This study aims to analyze the upstream system of smallholder palm oil production in building the sustainability of the supply chain of the national palm oil industry from a supply chain perspective. The data collection method combines an empirical study approach and literacy. An empirical study was carried out to search for institutional portraits of farmers. Furthermore, the search for commodity flows and palm oil agro-industry actors was carried out using a supply chain scheme framework. Based on the discussion, it is concluded that the disclosure of the flow of information related to the volume, price, and supply value differs according to the stakeholders involved. The supply chain of upstream palm oil production starts from the production line of oil palm plantations to the fabrication of CPO/PKO and the fabrication of their derivatives. Oil palm farmers are the weakest parties in accessing prices, volumes, and purchasing capacity information. Independent and plasma oil palm plantation smallholders are the most vulnerable to problems of uncertainty, transparency, transaction costs, and institutions, as well as the determination of an undisclosed price share between the cooperative as an intermediary and the core company. The downstream supply chain of palm oil agroindustry (olein, biodiesel, and chemical industry) is dominated by stakeholders affiliating with national private plantation companies within the framework of vertical supply synergies. CPO/ PKO palm derivative processed agroindustry, which has no vertical affiliation with national plantation companies on the upstream side, was the weakest actor in dealing with uncertainty in the supply of raw materials.

History of the origin and status of smallholder oil palm plantations in South Sumatera Province

History of the origin and status of smallholder oil palm plantations in South Sumatera Province

History of origin status and land use of smallholder oil palm plantations of PT. RAJ and PT. TPR in South Sumatra

History of origin status and land use of smallholder oil palm plantations of PT. RAJ and PT. TPR in South Sumatra

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.

Analysis of The Utilization of Palm Oil Waste in Review From The Theory of Maslahah Case Study CV. Agro Hijau Aek Torop KM 5 Labuhan Batu

The area of smallholder oil palm plantations is directly proportional to the amount of waste produced, the Maslahah Theory plays a role here as a way to overcome it. However, with the waste of palm oil skewers on CV. Agro Hijau Aek Torop can make palm oil skewer waste that was once considered waste into a staple material with economic value. This study aims to find out how the impact of the use of oil palm sticks on increasing the income of the community's economic welfare in Aek Torop District. This study uses qualitative research methods. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews and then supported by literature studies. Results and research show that waste from palm oil produces finished goods of economic value such as bags, plates, serving hoods & baskets and thus can have a positive impact on the surrounding community by opening new jobs for the surrounding community so that it can increase community productivity and reduce the unemployment rate.

Mitigating Carbon Emissions of Community Palm Plantations on Peatland

Increasing smallholder oil palm plantation activities on peatlands has become a challenge in achieving carbon emission reduction targets.The contradiction between the value of carbon emissions released and the carbon absorption capacity of oil palm plants needs to be known. This research the aim is to determine the value of lost emissions and the capacity to absorb carbon due to smallholder oil palm plantation activities on peatlands. So it can be a consideration in formulating carbon emission mitigation efforts in smallholder oil palm plantations on peatlands. The research was carried out descriptively using a spatial approach and field surveys on smallholder oil palm plantations on peatlands in Riau Province. Spatial analysis was carried out to determine the value of emissions lost due to changes in land cover. A field survey was carried out to measure absorption and emission values in several age classes of smallholder oil palm plantations. The research results found that carbon emissions from smallholder oil palm plantations on peatlands have increased every year along with the rate of additional opening of new plantations. The largest carbon emissions occur in the immature plant age class. As the age of oil palm plants increases, the value of peatland carbon emissions tends to decrease, while the value of carbon absorption increases. Mitigation to reduce carbon emissions that can be done is regulating the density of oil palm plants and implementing Legume Cover Crop on immature plants.

Land tenure conflicts in forest areas: obstacles to rejuvenation of small-scale oil palm plantations in Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to investigate the problems small-scale oil palm plantations in Indonesia’s forest areas face and the government policies addressing them. Design/methodology/approach Survey and data collection were used to determine the socioeconomic, environmental, legal and governance problems related to the development of smallholder plantations. Information was obtained from the respondents via a rapid rural appraisal approach. Findings The potential land for potential participants in the community oil palm rejuvenation programme is a forest area of 1,628,749.60 ha. Owing to its legal dimensions and unsustainable land management, the rejuvenation regulatory programme has not reached independent farmers. Research limitations/implications The use of plantation space beyond its designation hinders the government’s goal of accelerating the rejuvenation programme. The problems regarding the accumulation of forest area result in low achievement of the annual rejuvenation target in Riau Province (21%–25%). The authors present solutions to resolve land ownership conflicts and implement strategic policies to ensure the sustainable development of such plantations. Originality/value The authors introduce a conflict–resolution model for small-scale smallholder oil palm plantations to resolve the problems of forest area claims unaddressed in the Indonesian Job Creation Law. Land conflict resolution is categorised into five typologies: oil palm plantations with business permits; those without a forestry permit and subject to administrative sanctions; business activities in forest areas without forestry permits; resolving non-conformities in the progress of land or management controlled and used in forest areas prior to their designation by removing land parcels through modifying the forest area boundaries; and the settlement for farmers without cultivation registration certificates but have established plantations and whose land tenure can be proven.

Yield Gaps and Factors Affecting Production Inefficiency in Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations in Muaro Jambi District Jambi Province

Abstract Oil palm plantations in Indonesia, including in Jambi Province, are categorized into large private plantation, state-owned plantation, and smallholder plantation. The productivity of smallholders is the lowest compared to the other 2 categories. At the district and sub-district level, the yield of smallholder oil palm is also vary, spreading from 1,675 to 6,680 kg CPO per ha per year. The large yield variation is inseparable from the plantation management among farmers. The objectives of this research are to study the yield gap and technical efficiency of production among smallholders, and to analyze the factors that affect the technical production inefficiency in smallholder oil palm plantation. The research was conducted in Muaro Jambi District as a main palm oil producing district in Jambi Province. Data was collected from a sampel of 120 independent smallholders. One way anova test was used to study the yield gap and double natural log (ln) of Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier production function was used to analyze the technical efficiency and some factors affects its inefficiency. The results revealed that there were significant differences in yield among smallholders based on area size, level of education, and activeness in the farmer organizations. However, on average, the management of oil palm by independent smallholders is quite technically efficient. The factor that significantly affects the level of technical inefficiency are the size of the area and farmers’ level of education.

Rainforest transformation reduces parasitoid wasp diversity—Can the enrichment of flowering vegetation alleviate this?

Abstract In Indonesia, the rapid expansion of oil palm and rubber plantations replaces large areas of tropical rainforest. Rainforest transformation alters the diversity and composition of parasitoid wasp communities, but appropriate management strategies to buffer their decline in rainforest transformation landscapes are not yet developed. Here, we studied the effects of rainforest conversion to smallholder rubber and oil palm plantations on parasitoid wasp species richness, abundance and species composition. We also conducted a flowering vegetation enrichment experiment using the flowering weed Asystasia gangetica in all land‐uses to investigate potential mitigation effects on parasitoid wasp diversity and composition. Rainforest transformation to rubber plantations caused a large decrease in species richness (46%) and abundance (59%) of parasitoid wasps. Community structure of parasitoid wasps differed between forest and monoculture habitats with more habitat‐specialised species in forest and a higher proportion of common species in the monoculture. The experimental flowering vegetation enrichment increased parasitoid wasp species richness by 18% and abundance by 127%. Enrichment also enhanced the presence of unique parasitoid species in plantation and furthermore increased differences in community composition between rainforest and plantations. However, the enrichment experiment was confounded by time, meaning that a multi‐year experiment with targeted controls is necessary for statistically more reliable statements. Our study shows the effect of rainforest transformation to oil palm and rubber plantations on parasitoid wasp communities. Although providing additional flowering vegetation in plantations seems to potentially mitigate diversity loss, further research is needed to confirm and to investigate the mechanisms how flowering plants alleviate negative effects of rainforest transformation on parasitoid communities. Thereby, efficient conservation strategies for parasitoids wasps and their biological control services can be developed for rapidly changing tropical landscapes.

Sustainability Analysis of Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations in Several Provinces in Indonesia

Sustainability Analysis of Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations in Several Provinces in Indonesia

Balancing economic and ecological functions in smallholder and industrial oil palm plantations

The expansion of the oil palm industry in Indonesia has improved livelihoods in rural communities, but comes at the cost of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation. Here, we investigated ways to balance ecological and economic outcomes of oil palm cultivation. We compared a wide range of production systems, including smallholder plantations, industrialized company estates, estates with improved agronomic management, and estates with native tree enrichment. Across all management types, we assessed multiple indicators of biodiversity, ecosystem functions, management, and landscape structure to identify factors that facilitate economic-ecological win-wins, using palm yields as measure of economic performance. Although, we found that yields in industrialized estates were, on average, twice as high as those in smallholder plantations, ecological indicators displayed substantial variability across systems, regardless of yield variations, highlighting potential for economic-ecological win-wins. Reducing management intensity (e.g., mechanical weeding instead of herbicide application) did not lower yields but improved ecological outcomes at moderate costs, making it a potential measure for balancing economic and ecological demands. Additionally, maintaining forest cover in the landscape generally enhanced local biodiversity and ecosystem functioning within plantations. Enriching plantations with native trees is also a promising strategy to increase ecological value without reducing productivity. Overall, we recommend closing yield gaps in smallholder cultivation through careful intensification, whereas conventional plantations could reduce management intensity without sacrificing yield. Our study highlights various pathways to reconcile the economics and ecology of palm oil production and identifies management practices for a more sustainable future of oil palm cultivation.

Pengendalian Hama Terpadu pada Peremajaan Sawit Rakyat di Kecamatan Pangkalan Kuras, Riau

The rapid development of oil palm replanting areas will lead to ecological problems such as plant disturbing organisms. Pest and disease attacks are obstacles farmers face when developing their farms, especially in smallholder oil palm plantations. This study aims to examine the components of cultivation techniques, environmental factors, and human resources that influence the application of IPM on smallholder oil palm replanting land in Pangkalan Kuras District, Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province. The methods used in this study included the purposive determination of 60 respondents, data collection through interviews with farmers, field surveys, and data analysis. The results showed that socio-economic aspects influenced farmers' actions in implementing IPM. Farmer knowledge about pests and diseases of oil palm plants was 36%. Farmers have applied several pest and disease control techniques in oil palm cultivation on replanting land. However, most farmers (60%) are still unfamiliar with the term IPM, need to learn the role of natural enemies in pest control in the field, and lack regular monitoring. Keywords: disease, IPM, palm oil, pest, replanting

Investigation the Potential of Myopopone castanea Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as Bio-Agent of Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaediae) in Oil Palm Plantations

The Myopopone castanea Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a predator of Oryctes rhinoceros Linn larvae, the main pest on oil palm plantations. These predatory ants have potential as biological agents because they have similar niches to their prey. This research aimed to explore the presence and potential of M. castanea as bio-agents in oil palm plantations and obtain knowledge about the abiotic environment of Myopopone castanea ant nests. The research was conducted in oil palm plantations owned by PTPN 4 Adolina, PTPN 2 Pagar Merbau, and smallholder oil palm plantations in Binjai, North Sumatra Province. Sampling was conducted using the purposive sampling method and as many as 10 sample points in each plantation. The results showed that the average temperature and humidity in the ant nests were 29.4 °C and 70.5%, respectively. The number of individual ants in a colony varied greatly in number and developmental stages. The predation potential of Myopopone castanea ants in the field reached 50.3% for five days of exposure in smallholder plantations and 46,9% in Adolina Plantation. This research could be the opportunity to use Myopopone castanea ants as a biological control for larvae Oryctes rhinoceros in oil palm plantations.

Population and attack of bagworm pests in smallholder oil palm plantations in Tenggulun Sub District, Aceh Tamiang District, Aceh

Bagworms are leaf-eating insects that are quite greedy and difficult to control because these pests hide in their bags. This pest control needs to be done especially on immature plants. This research aims to determine the dynamics of bagworm populations in immature oil palm plants and the percentage of bagworm attacks in smallholder oil palm plantations with different management. This research was carried out by direct observation of bagworms on Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations in Selamat Village and Tenggulun Village. In each village, 2 observation locations were determined and 25 plant samples were selected from each observation location. Dead bagworms are collected to determine the cause of death. The results of the research found 3 species of bagworms at the research location (Mahasena corbetti, Metisa plana and Cremastopsyche pendula). The most commonly found bagworm species is Mahesa plana. Mahasena corbetti is a priority to control because its attack level is in the medium category. Furthermore, the percentage of bagworm attacks ranges from 38-76%. The bagworm population in Selamat Village is lower than in Tenggulun Village, this is because oil palm farmers in Selamat Village have implemented integrated pest control methods in managing their oil palm plants, (utilizing natural enemies/predators, manual eradication of bagworm pests and trunk injection.

Types of land use in Sei Nahodaris Village, Panai Tengah District, Labuhanbatu District using the Horton infiltration model

The aim of this research is to establish an infiltration rate model for land uses including smallholder rubber plantations, rice fields, and shrubs. The infiltration rate data was analyzed using the Horton equation model. Every ten minutes, the water level drops. The results of the research show that the infiltration rate model on smallholder rubber plantation land is is f = 7.2 + (10 – 7.2) e 2.64t, whereas on small oil palm plantation land it is It is f = 7.98 + (10 – 7.98) e−2.68 t on smallholder latex plantation land; f = 9.13 + (10 – 9.13) e−5.20 t on rice fields; and f = 4 + (10 – 4) e−2.96 t on bush land. In smallholder rubber plantations, the infiltration rate is classified as moderate at 2.06 cm/hour; in rice fields and smallholder plantations, it is relatively slow, namely 0.87 cm/hour and 1.87 cm/hour, respectively. The infiltration rate in bush land is relatively fast, namely 6.56 cm/hour. With an infiltration rate of 1.87 cm/hour on smallholder oil palm plantations and 0.87 cm/hour.

Intensification model of smallholder oil palm plantation to achieving sustainability and prosperity, Riau Province, Indonesia

Intensification of smallholder oil palm plantations is still a challenge that needs to be achieved in line with ISPO’s target for smallholders in 2025. The current problem is that not all smallholders have implemented Best Management Practices (BMP), resulting in low productivity and poor performance toward sustainability targets. During the previous several years, Indonesia could achieve self-sufficiency in rice through a rice intensification program from the 1960s to the 1980s. This success is expected to be an example for Indonesia to achieve ISPO in all Indonesian oil palm plantations, especially for smallholders. This paper aims to analyze the effect of fertilization, oil palm age, harvest period, and institutions on the productivity of smallholder oil palm plantations to achieve sustainability targets. The analysis was carried out agronomically using multivariate regression, socially using t-test, and economically using NPV and IRR. According to the study, the harvest period has a stronger influence than fertilization, and institutions do not significantly affect productivity. The results of the NPV and IRR analysis, smallholder oil palm plantations are classified as profitable, with an NPV of USD 161,724 and with an IRR value of 12%.

Rejuvenation; Influencing Factors That Farmers Should Consider

One of the impacts of the replanting program is the cessation of production, which has implications for the loss of farmers' household sources of income. The production cycle in the business of annual crops greatly affects the profit that will be obtained by the farmer. More complicated challenges are faced by perennials than annuals because the time between investment, production, cost, and receipt of farming takes a long time in its implementation. This cross-sectional survey research aims to analyze the problems and socio-economic factors that determine the decision of oil palm farmers to participate in the rejuvenation of oil palm plantations in Jambi Province. This research was carried out in several villages which centered of smallholder oil palm plantations with a sample of 257 oil palm farmers who had old or damaged oil palm plants that had not been replanted or had been replanted. The respondents were selected by using the multistage sampling method. The instrument used is an open-ended questionnaire. The results showed that the farmer's level of readiness, assets, family size, dependency burden, sex ratio, and perception have a significant influence on the farmer's decision to replant oil palm.
 KEYWORDS
 Farmer; Palm oil; Rejuvenation; Sustainability

Street-level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s oil palm replanting implementation program

This article analyzes the Street-Level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s Oil Palm Replanting Implementation Program, focusing on the case in Indragiri Hilir District, Riau Province. PSR aims to renew smallholder oil palm plantations with sustainable varieties and reduce illegal land clearing. The Street Level Bureaucrat model was approved to ensure the responsibility and participation of farmers. This research analyzes Street- Level Bureaucrat Analysis of Indonesia’s Oil Palm Replanting Implementation Program. This study uses qualitative research methods with systematic literature reviews and case observation studies in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The results of the study show that this model has a significant effect on the implementation of PSR. The responsiveness of service providers to farmers’^ needs increases. Service providers understand farmers’ challenges and adapt programs according to field conditions. With intensive interaction between service providers and farmers, farmers’ understanding of decision-making has also increased. Overall, this analysis underscores the importance of the Street-Level Bureaucrats model in ensuring the effective implementation of the Smallholder Oil Palm Replanting Program in Indonesia. Responsiveness to community needs, farmer involvement in decision-making, and support for sustainable growth are the critical elements this model reinforces. Thus, using the Street-Level Bureaucrats model can optimize the results of PSR and its positive impact on society and the environment in Indonesia.

Evaluation of the suitability of three weed species as alternative cover crops in smallholder oil palm plantations through plant spacing management

Smallholder oil palm plantations in Indonesia have reached 8.9 million ha, but their role is still not optimal due to low productivity caused by the lack of knowledge of smallholders regarding sustainable oil palm technical culture, such as the use of cover crops. However, it requires appropriate spacing for different species. This study aims to obtain the optimum spacing of 3 weed species planted as cover crops in smallholder oil palm plantations. The research was carried out in 2022 at the smallholder oil palm plantation Naga Rejo village, Galang, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. The experimental treatments included weed species (Asystasia gangetica, Paspalum conjugatum and Nephrolepis biserrata) as the main plot and spacing (10, 20 and 30 cm) as subplots arranged in a separate plot design with 3 replications. The results showed that the % of 100% land coverage was obtained in plantings of N. biserrata and A. gangetica in 4 WAPs and 10 cm spacing in 3 WAPs independently. The highest leaf area of N. biserrata, P. conjugatum and A. gangetica was obtained at a spacing of 30 cm. The highest dry weight, growth rate and nutrient uptake N and K N. biserrata and P. conjugatum were obtained at a spacing of 10 cm, while A. gangetica at a spacing of 30 cm. This shows that the optimum spacing depends on the weed species. The optimum spacing for A. gangetica (broad leaf) is 30 cm, while for P. conjugatum (grasses) and N. biserrata (ferns) is 10 cm.