Usage of Biofertilizers to Correct the Nutrient Deficiency of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis): An Observational Study and Review

Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is one of the most nutrient-intensive plantations in Malaysia. It requires many nutrients to reach its full potential and production stage. The main issue is that nutritional stress is a crop health issue caused by a lack of nutrient components to sustain crop growth requirements. We aimed to review the nutrient deficiency of oil palm based on an observation and literature study. The leaflet of the oil palm tree was analyzed for this study. The result showed that nutrient deficiency in oil palm is a common issue. Since oil palm is a heavy feeder plant that requires a well-balanced supply of nutrients, the continuous use of sustainable (eco-friendly) biofertilizers at a cost-effectively optimal level is necessary to achieve the maximum yield of oil palm. Though there are some inevitable causes of nutrient deficiencies, good management program should be carried out to lessen this problem and improve oil palm health and production.