Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantation on tropical peatland in South East Asia: Photosynthetic response to soil drainage level for mitigation of soil carbon emissions

Introductory Chapter: Elaeis guineensis – An Overview and an Update

“…Climate change poses challenges to oil palm cultivation, affecting land suitability and economic stability. Understanding soil properties, moisture parameters, and adopting sustainable practices are essential for navigating these complex dynamics [4]. The significance of E. guineensis extends to sustainable agricultural practices, as it impacts the management of water resources, soil properties, and the complex relationship between climate change and oil palm cultivation.…”

“…Moreover, the multifaceted uses of oil palm make it a valuable and versatile crop with profound implications for agriculture, environment, and society at large. As global demand for palm oil is expected to double by 2050, it is imperative to consider the sustainable management of E. guineensis to ensure a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental conservation [4,5].…”

“…Malaysia, a significant player in the oil palm industry, faces considerable economic and livelihood consequences. This intricate relationship between climate and soil dynamics underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted impacts of climate change on the oil palm industry, as climate plays a major role in the formation and development of soil, including its texture and the soil organic matter cycle [4,6]. Nevertheless, innovative approaches, such as the use of biofertilizers, have gained attention in oil palm plantations.…”

“…As demand for palm oil increases, driven by its widespread use in cooking and various consumer products across Africa and Asia, production is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory. Estimates suggest that as the global population expands, palm oil production will soar to between 93 and 156 million tons by 2050 [4,5,13,15].…”

“…However, climate change and environmental concerns may impact Malaysia's oil palm output in the future. Nevertheless, the palm oil industry continues to thrive, offering significant economic benefits and a reliable source of vegetable oil and biofuels for the world [4,7,13,15].…”