Integrated Balanced Fertiliser Management in Soil Health Rejuvenation for a Sustainable Oil Palm Cultivation: A Review

Abstract

Oil palm cultivation occupies a large planting area in Malaysia and is one of the most profitable commercial crops contributing to unprecedented socioeconomic development in the country. The crop, however, requires high uptake of macronutrients and some relevant amounts of micronutrients largely supplied by agrochemical-based fertilisers. The overuse of fertilisers endangers the ecosystem with possible effect on the environment especially on the soil health and its microbial diversity. With oil palm replanting in its fourth generation, the practice needs to be sustainable yet economic without compromising the yield and this is the challenge being faced by the industry. This article discusses the importance of fertilisers, types of fertilisers (inorganic, organic and microbial-based products) and balancing the effects with agrochemicalbased fertilisers in oil palm plantations through balanced integrated fertiliser application. This could be one of the most effective sustainable strategies in improving the soil health by enhancing the biodiversity of microorganisms and community composition in soil towards a balanced ecosystem. Sustainable soil health management system has the capacity to produce higher yields while maintaining if not improving the soil health. Finally, the article addresses future recommendations that highlight soil health which is also the current focus of modern agriculture.

Nutrient and trace element concentrations influence greenhouse gas emissions from Malaysian tropical peatlands

“…Calcium is one of the most mobile nutrients in soils (Mengel et al., 2001a; Neilsen & Stevenson, 1983) and is highly prone to leaching especially in acidic soils (Leys et al., 2016) such as the forested peatlands studied here (Dhandapani et al., 2019a). The changes between different agricultural sites were highly variable, possibly attributed to the difference in their management regimes such as types of fertilizer (Sundram, 2019) and pesticide (Taiwo & Oso, 1997) used in the sites, which is unknown. Some notably high concentrations of macronutrients are high phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium concentrations in the wet season measurements of Pineapple Intercropping, Cleared, Yam Intercropping, respectively.…”

OIL PALM ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIA AND R&D PROGRESS IN 2020

“…Looking back a few decades ago, the mainstream research in oil palm industry has always been predominantly focusing on the above ground which is the yield while unconsciously neglecting below ground. The scenario is further aggravated by activities such as agronomic practices, fertiliser and chemical applications, and land use changes that took place in agriculture which negatively impact the general soil health in the long run (Sundram et al, 2019). With sustainable development sought after in each sector of the supply chain, research is emphasised more in sustainable approaches of fertiliser management in the field.…”

The Growth of Oil Palm Seedlings using a Combination Medium of Organic Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch and NPK Fertilizer at Main Nursery

“…This was likely due to the application of OPEFB compost fertilizer was slowly providing nutrients for plant growth. Sundram et al (2019) said that nutrient content of organic fertilizers is for the most invariably low compared to inorganic fertilizers. Based on the results of the analysis that has been carried out nutrient content in OPEFB was N 1.52%, P 0.30%, and K 4.52%.…”

“…According to Sutedjo (2008) that inorganic fertilizers dissolve easily in water because they are hygroscopic so that inorganic fertilizer application to the soil can increase the availability of nutrients quickly for plants. If the plant is only given NPK fertilizer, it will slowly reduce the quality of the soil and will invite negative effects on the soil includes changes in the physical, chemical, and biological properties within the soil (Sundram 2019). That is why the highest amount of open leaves was found in M 3 treatment compared with M 1 treatment.…”

“…Widodo and Kusuma (2018) added that the addition of compost can causes loose soil structure and increased soil pore which will later cause easy plant roots developing. The growth of root can be improved by improving soil structure by increasing organic matter in the soil, thereby increasing nutrient exchange capacity, providing better water retention in the soil, preventing soil acidity by supporting the soil, and reducing leaching of N and P lost through fixation (Sundram 2019).…”