Research and Development Projects: Oil Palm Agronomy – EFR10/02
|
Code :
|
EFR10/02
|
|
Title :
|
Evaluation of P sources for oil palm on Bungor series
|
|
Objectives :
|
1) To determine the best source of phoshate rock for oil palm on Bungor series soil.
|
|
2) To develop the best criteria to differentiate the economic values of different sources of phosphate rock.
|
|
|
3) To investigate soil factors that control oil palm response to different P sources.
|
Research and Development Projects: Oil Palm Agronomy – EF8/93
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Code :
|
EF8/93
|
|
Title :
|
To determine the efficiency of AS and N distribution in young mature oil palm using N15 technique
|
|
Objectives :
|
1) To determine the efficiency of ammonium sulphate uptake by young mature oil palms on Munchong series soils using N15 labelled fertiliser.
|
|
2) To determine the distribution of N15 after uptake within the experimental palms.
|
|
|
3) To determine the fate of the N fertilizer in young mature oil palms.
|
Research and Development Projects: Oil Palm Agronomy – EF15/00
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Code :
|
EF15/00
|
|
Title :
|
Methods of fertilizer application for oil palm (>10 years old) on steep terrain
|
|
Objectives :
|
1) To study the efficiency of the fertilizer recovery of different methods of fertilizer application on steep terrain.
|
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2) To determine the economic returns of different methods of fertilizer application.
|
|
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3) To study the growth response of oil palm to different methods of fertiliser application.
|
Research and Development Projects: Oil Palm Agronomy – EF14/00
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Code :
|
EF14/00
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|
Title :
|
Residual effects of fertilisers on mature oil palm (Paloh Estate)
|
|
Objectives :
|
1) To test the effects of fertiliser withdrawal on the yield of well manured mature oil palms on Rengam series soils.
|
|
2) To test the effects of resumption of fertilisers on yield of previously unmanured mature oil palm.
|
Research and Development Projects: Oil Palm Agronomy – CM5,7&9/97
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Code :
|
CM5,7&9/97
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|
Title :
|
Use of expert system and artificial intelligence in pattern recognition and data mining.
|
|
Objectives :
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1) To develop a knowledge-based expert sytem for fertiliser management technology with risk assessment.
|
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2) To develop a knowledge-based expert system for identifying and managing pests, disease and weeds in oil palm plantation.
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|
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3) To create an intelligent search engine for AeGIS database.
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Research and Development Projects: Oil Palm Agronomy – CM4/94
|
Code :
|
CM4/94
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|
Title :
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Itegration and development of an oil palm agroecosystem software
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Objectives :
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To integrate the various models which AAR is developing and our database into an oil palm agroecosystem software.
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Coconut: Trial
KCa FERTILISER TRIAL ON COCONUTS INTERCROPPED WITH COCOA IN SEDU SERIES
In 1972, it was noted that `premature’ nut fall incidence was as high as 12 per cent of the nut yield in a Sedu series area. The problem appeared directly due to snapping of the bunch stalk and leaf analysis. Results of groups of palms with and without broken bunch stalks were checked (Table 11).
TABLE 11. LEAF 14 NALAYSIS RESULTS OF COCONUT PALMS WITH AND WITHOUT BROKEN BUNCH STALKS IN ACID SULPHATE AREAS (JULY 1972)
|
Coconut palms |
(% on d.m.) |
||||||||
|
Ash |
N |
P |
K |
Mg |
Ca |
Mn |
|||
| Area 1 | } | Broken stalks |
8.17 |
1.85 |
.130 |
1.29 |
.18 |
.10 |
80 |
| } | No broken stalks |
7.51 |
1.78 |
.137 |
1.19 |
.19 |
.11 |
75 |
|
| Area 2 | } | Broken stalks |
7.32 |
2.08 |
.138 |
1.15 |
.25 |
.10 |
90 |
| } | No broken stalks |
7.35 |
2.07 |
.130 |
1.19 |
.26 |
.11 |
98 |
|
| KCa Trial area (Sept. 1972) |
8.08 |
1.82 |
.129 |
1.22 |
.20 |
.06 |
80 |
||
As no clear pattern emerged from the results, it was decided to check the effects of liming and potassium application in the area.
A 2 2 KCa factorial trial was laid down in 1973 on the most affected `premature’ nut fall area with the following results on soil pH, growth, and yields of the underplanted cocoa (1971 planting) and coconuts (1955 planting at 270 palms/ha). The limestone and Muriate of potash were broadcast over a 2 m radius circle around the coconut palms.
Soil pH in the applied area was raised markedly up to 45 cm depth (Table 12).
|
Soil pH (air-dry) |
|||
|
0-15 (cm) |
15-45 (cm) |
45-90 (cm) |
|
| Ca0 – nil |
3.87 |
3.50 |
3.31 |
| Ca1 – 5.5 kg limestone/palm/yr. |
4.48 |
4.04 |
3.40 |
| S.E. ( ± ) |
.30 |
.14 |
.07 |
Liming treatment appeared to depress the number of fronds per palm but had little effect on the frond sizes (Table 13).
TABLE 13. CANOPY MEASUREMENTS OF COCONUT PALMS (1977)
|
|
No. of fronds/palm |
Frond 14-hybrids |
Frond 14-dwarfs |
|||
|
Hybrids |
Dwarfs |
Length (cm) |
Leaf area (m2) |
Length (cm) |
Leaf area (m2) |
|
| Ca0 |
32.4 |
25.4 |
390 |
10.4 |
347 |
8.19 |
| Ca1 |
29.5 |
24.6 |
390 |
10.6 |
356 |
8.26 |
| S.E.( ± ) |
1.0 |
0.8 |
7 |
0.2 |
9 |
0.3 |
Liming the coconut palms improved copra yields by 10.6 per cent in the hybrid palms and 5.6 per cent in the dwarf palms, primarily by improving copra content per nut. Application of potash at 2.5 kg muriate of potash per palm per year appeared to depress nut yield but increased copra content per unit with subsequent small effect on yields. After 1972 `premature’ nut fall incidence declined markedly to less than three nuts per palm for all treatments (Table 14).
TABLE 14. YIELD OF COCONUTS IN KCa MANURING TRIAL (1973-1977)
|
|
Hybrid palms |
Dwarf palms |
||||
|
Nuts/palm |
Copra |
Copra |
Nuts/palm |
Copra |
Copra |
|
| Ca0 |
440 |
51.8 |
118 |
266 |
28.8 |
108 |
| Ca1 |
440 |
57.3 |
130 |
264 |
30.4 |
115 |
| K0 |
456 |
55.1 |
121 |
263 |
29.4 |
112 |
| K1 |
424 |
54.1 |
128 |
267 |
29.8 |
112 |
| S.E.( ± ) |
15 |
2.3 |
9 |
1.1 |
||
Leaf analysis results are in Table 15 .
|
Leaf 14 (% on d.m.) |
||||||
|
Ash |
N |
P |
K |
Mg |
Ca |
|
| Ca0 |
8.48 |
1.67 |
.123 |
.91 |
.28 |
.12 |
| Ca1 |
7.62 |
1.64 |
.121 |
.82 |
.25 |
.22 |
| K0 |
8.06 |
1.65 |
.121 |
.77 |
.28 |
.16 |
| K1 |
8.04 |
1.65 |
.123 |
.95 |
.26 |
.17 |
| S.E.( ± ) |
0.17 |
.03 |
.001 |
.04 |
.01 |
.01 |
Liming depressed leaf K and Mg but markedly increased Ca content in the coconut leaves.
Liming had very pronounced effect on growth and yield of the cocoa (Table 16).
TABLE 16. UNDERPLANTED COCOA RESULTS IN KCa TRIAL ON COCONUTS ON SEDU SERIES SOIL
|
Girth (1977) |
1974 – 1977 (3½ years) |
||
|
Pods/tree |
Wet bean kg/tree |
||
| Ca0 |
7.94 |
42.6 |
3.69 |
| Ca1 |
8.79 |
66.7 |
6.28 |
| K0 |
8.15 |
50.6 |
4.60 |
| K1 |
8.57 |
58.6 |
5.36 |
| S.E.( ± ) |
.32 |
8.7 |
.79 |
Girth was improved by 10.7 per cent and yield by 70.6 per cent by application of limestone to the coconuts.
Leaf analysis results in the cocoa in 1976 are shown in Table 17.
TABLE 17. LEAF ANALYSIS RESULTS OF UNDERPLANTED COCOA IN KCa TRIAL ON OCONUTS ON SEDU SERIES
|
Leaf 14 (% on d.m.) in 1976 |
|||||||
|
Ash |
N |
P |
K |
Mg |
Ca |
Mn |
|
| Ca0 |
8.68 |
2.18 |
.144 |
1.65 |
0.69 |
0.36 |
268 |
| Ca1 |
8.63 |
2.27 |
.155 |
1.33 |
0.83 |
0.67 |
202 |
| K0 |
8.48 |
2.21 |
.147 |
1.18 |
0.80 |
0.54 |
243 |
| K1 |
8.83 |
2.23 |
.151 |
1.80 |
0.72 |
0.49 |
227 |
| S.E.( ± ) |
0.51 |
0.07 |
.013 |
0.11 |
0.08 |
.05 |
80 |
Limestone application markedly depressed leaf K levels and increased Ca and Mg levels.
Reference
Chew P.S., Kee K.K. and Ooi L.H. 1984. Management of coconuts and cocoa on acid sulphate soils. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 60 (704) : 483-498.
Note: The full list of references quoted in this article is available from the above paper.
Papers : Others
Chan K.S. and Chew P.S. 1987. Boric acid and fertiliser borate for improved urea fertiliser efficiency. International Symosium. on Urea Technology and Utilization, 1987. Preprint.
Chan K.S. and Chew P.S. 1988. The choice of a foliar fertiliser. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 66 (774) : 473-479.
Chan K.S. 1988. Report on Local Plant Analysis cross-checks 1986 and 1987. 9th Seminar on Standardisation of Soil and Plant Analysis.
Chan K.S. 1993. Fertiliser analysis cross-checks in Malaysia 1990-1991. Proc. Seminar on Progress in Soil, Plant and Fertilizer Analysis, Malaysian Society of Soil Science, Sabah : 121-135
Chan K.S. 1994. Fertiliser analysis cross-checks in Malaysia 1992-93. Seminar on advances in Soil, Plant and Fertilizer Analysis and the 12th Standardisation Meeting.
Chan W.H. and Goh K.J. 1997. A short note on effective advisory service in the private section. ISOPA Newsletter Vol. 6 : 1-3
Chang H.F. and Petronella G.A.T. 2014. Quantification of measurement uncertainty using AgLAM fertiliser proficiency testing data. Seminar on Advances in Soil, Plant and Fertilizer Analysis, 25 to 27 Nov., Kuching.AgLAM, Kuala Lumpur. Preprint.
Chew P.S. 1991. Report on biological sciences/biotechnology grouping to the Chairman, Strategic sector, IRPA panel on IRPA strategic sector national seminar 16-19/12/91.
Chew P.S. 1995. KLK Annual Managers’ Conference 1995 : Panel Discussion on prospects and challenges of the plantation industry in Malaysia.
Chew, P. S. 1996. Industry’s low OER problems – impact, outlook and implications. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur (72) : 273-290.
Chew P.S., Soh A.C. and Goh K.J. 1998. Notes on Revitalising Plantation Agriculture in Malaysia. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 73 (854) : 247-253.
Gan H.H. and Goh K.J. 2003. Some useful statistics and statistical methods for analytical laboratories. Presented at Seminar on Advances in soil, plant and fertilier analysis (ASPFA 2003), September 9-10, Kuantan, Pahang. Preprint.
Kee K.K. 1995. Regional rainfall pattern and climatic limitations for plantation crops in Pen. Malaysia. 1st pub. AAR Research News, Jan. ’89 issue; 2nd pub. N. Sembilan Planters Association Annual Journal. 3rd pub. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 71 (827) : 67-78.
Kee K.K. 1996. Runoff and erosion studies – Trial NB5-91. Proc.Seminar/Field Dayat Kalumpang Development Corporation, Tawau.Applied Agricultural Research Sdn. Bhd., Selangor : 72-80.
Moradidalini A., Teh C.B.S., Goh K.J., Husni, M.H.A. and Ishak, C.F. 2014. Decomposition and nutrient release temporal pattern of oil palm residues. Ann ApplBiol 164: 208–219
Ng H.C.P., Chew P.S., Goh K.J., Gan H.H. and Heng Y.C. 2000. Planter’s toolbox in the 21st century. In: Pushparajah, E. (ed). Proc. International Planters Conference on Plantation Tree Crops in the New Millenium : The Way Ahead. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur : 717-737
Petronella G. and Tan L.H. 2001. Fertilizer analysis cross-checks in Malaysia 1999-2000 Seminar on Quality and Advances in Soil, Plant and Fertilizer for the millennium held at Kota Kinabalu from 3 to 4/10/01. Preprint
Petronella G. and Tan L.H. 2003. Fertilizer analysis cross-checks in Malaysia 2001-2002. Seminar on Advances in Soil, Plant and Fertilizer for the millennium held at Kuantan, Pahang. Also presented at IKM advanced workshop on measurement uncertainty in chemical analysis – case studies at Penang on 30/7. Preprint.
Petronella G. and Tan L.H. 2004. Fertilizer analysis cross-checks in Malaysia 2003-2004 Seminar on Advances in Soil, Plant and Fertilizer Analysis for the millennium held at Miri, Sarawak. Preprint
Petronella G. and Tan L.H. 2005. Addition of cations to urea does not necessarily reduce N volatilisation losses. In : Teh C.B.S., Zin Z.Z., Izham A., Fauziah I., Osmanu H.A. and Wan Noordin W.D. (eds). Proc. Soils Conference on advances in soil science for sustainable food production. Malaysian Society of Soil Science : 61-64.
Petronella G. and Tan L.H. 2008. Fertiliser analysis cross-checks in Malaysia 2005-2007. Presented at Seminar Advances in Soil, Plant and Fertiliser Analyses, Langkawi from 16 to 17 January. Preprint.
Petronella G.A.T. 2010. Fertiliser analysis cross-checks in Malaysia 2008-2009. Seminar on advances in soil, plant and fertiliser analysis held 12-21 October.
Petronella G.A.T. and Tan L.H. 2014. Fertilizer proficiency testing programme in Malaysia 2013. Seminar on Advances in Soil, Plant and Fertilizer Analysis, 25 to 27 November, Kuching.AgLAM, Kuala Lumpur. Preprint.
S.M.F.D. Syed Mustapha, S.T. Bong and Goh, K.J. 2000. Measuring Performance of Probabilistic Inferencing and K-Nearest Neighbor for the Best Month Fertilizer Application. In: Hamza M.K. (ed). Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing, IASTED/ACTA Press Banff, Alberta, Canada: 380-385.
Shahrakbah Y. 2009. Impact of fertilizer price on fertilizer use. Guest Editorial. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur : Vol.85 No.995, 65-66.
Tang S.Y., Hara S., Melling L., Goh K.J. and Hashidoko Y. 2010. Burkholderia vietnamiensis isolated from root tissues of Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans) in Sarawak, Malaysia, proved to be its major endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium. Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry 74(9): 1972-1975.
Teh C.B.S., Henson I.E, Goh K.J. and Husni M.H.A. 2004. The effect of leaf shape on solar radiation interception. In: Shamsuddin Z. et al. (eds). Agriculture Congress: Innovation towards modernized agriculture (2004 Sri Kembangan). Book of Abstracts of AGRICONGRESS. Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), Selangor, Malaysia, Oct. 4-7, 2004: 145-147. Also published in Jr of Tropical Plant Physiology 1 (1) 2006:12-26.
Zaharah A.R., Gikonyo E.W., Silek B., Goh K.J. and Soltangheisi A. 2014. Evaluation of phosphate rock sources and rate of application on oil palm yield grown on peat soils of Sarawak. Journal of Agronomy 13 (1):12-22.
Records 1 to 29 of 29
Coconut: Planting
COMMERCIAL COCONUTS AND COCOA PLANTINGS ON ACID SULPHATE SOILS
Young Coconuts
There are no young MAWA coconut areas in our group on acid sulphate soils. However, 133 ha of MAWA hybrids were replanted in Estate 1 following rubber in 1980 and 1981 on Briah/Java/Sedu series soils. At the commencement of field preparation, the detailed soil maps were not yet available and following soil pH tests which showed values below pH 3.6 and 4.1 in the top 15 cm, the areas were treated as potentially acid sulphate and field preparations made accordingly. A brief description of the planting practices adopted is given:-
• Land preparation and drainage. The old rubber was poisoned, felled and burnt. These precautions were taken to minimise rhinoceros beetle problems.
The cleared land was ploughed and harrowed for weed control, to fit new uniform drainage schemes and to level the areas. The practice is useful for mechanization in future and also to benefit the legume growth by reducing initial weed competition.
New drains were then dug at the specifications decided, usually 1 m (width) x 1 m (depth) x 0.5 m (bottom width) at every fourth palm row.
The management was encouraged to practise water management by keeping the water table at 75 cm depth where possible by using weirs in the drains.
• Planting practices. Standard polybag nursery practices i.e. using 45 cm x 50 cm size polybags, fertilizer schedule (Appendix 2) and daily watering were adopted with satisfactory growth. Top soil was used to fill the bags.
APPENDIX 2. FERTILISER SCHEDULE FOR MAWA COCONUTS IN POLYBAG NURSERY
|
Months after planting |
CIRP |
CCM25 (kg/bag) |
|
Bag filling |
Mix 200g/bag (45 cm x 50 cm x 500 gauge) thoroughly |
|
|
1 |
5 g |
|
|
2 |
10 g |
|
|
3 |
15 g |
|
|
5 |
20 g |
|
|
7 |
40 g |
|
|
9 |
40 g |
Leguminous covers were planted in these areas. Again, standard techniques were used although in the acid sulphate areas, liming at 2.5 to 5.0 tons per ha was suggested with apparently beneficial effects to the legumes. Difficulty in establishing and maintaining the legumes in these areas was experienced due to abnormal flooding and probably high acidity. Results obtained usually were legume/grass mixtures.
Normal ring weeding of the palms was carried out to minimise weed competition with the palms.
• Fertiliser application. The fertilizer schedules followed in the acid sulphate areas are given in Appendix 3.
APPENDIX 3. SUGGESTED FERTILISER SCHEDULES (KG/PALM) FOR HIGH YIELDING HYBRID COCONUTS ON ACID SULPHATE SOILS (CHEW, 1982)
| Year |
Linau-Sedu Ass. |
||||
|
CCM 77 |
Urea |
CIRP |
M.Potash |
Mg. Limestone |
|
| 1 |
1.00 |
– |
0.75 |
– |
3.0 |
| 2 |
– |
0.75 |
1.00 |
1.25 |
– |
| 3 |
– |
1.50 |
1.50 |
2.00 |
3.0 |
| 4 |
– |
1.50 |
1.50 |
1.50 |
– |
| 5 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
| 6 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
| 7 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
| 8 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
1.25 |
– |
The high rates are to ensure good early establishment and precocious yields for which the MAWAs are famous.
The early growth of the planted MAWAs appeared satisfactory. Only problems were damage by rhinoceros beetles.
Old Coconuts
The policy in all coconut areas is to intercrop with cocoa to maximize profits. Most of the coconut areas on the acid sulphate soils are (>25 yrs) and were planted with a mixture of dwarfs, natural hybrids in 1954/55, at close density for dwarf palms (approx. 6.7 m). Planting practices in these areas are discussed and compared with similar coconut palms planted on non-acid sulphate soils (Sabrang and Briah series) in Estate 2 probably from the same seed palms as Estate 1 and dwarf palms on comparable age in another non-acid sulphate soil (Bernam/Selangor series) in Estate 3.
• Planting practices. All areas are inter-cropped with cocoa. As this was carried out over a period of years from 1968 and with some considerable conflicting views, planting density and spacings of the cocoa varied considerably but were usually very dense at 750 to 1100 bushes per ha initially and recently thinned down to 530 to 750 bushes per ha.
The ground cover is usually bare of vegetation in view of the dense shade of the cocoa and coconuts and also the deliberate policy of the management to keep out all ground vegetation.
Coconut husks, after removing the nut, which used to be burnt in pre-cocoa planting days are now usually left scattered in heaps in the interrows.
• Water management. This is stressed in the acid sulphate areas in view of the need for adequate drainage with cocoa planted in the areas and also the potential dangers of higher acidity developing in the soil on over-drainage. Water tables in the acid sulphate areas fluctuated from 0.3 m to 1.2 m but were mostly 0.6 m to 0.9 m.
Often however, with the seasonal rainfall of the estates, excessive water or absence of it was the problem and largely outwith the control of the management.
• Nutrition. The coconuts were fertilized sparingly as seen in Table 3.
TABLE 3. NUTRIENTS (KG/PALM) APPLIED TO COMMERCIAL COCONUT AREAS (1974 TO 1982)
| Est. | No.of fields | Soils | No. of years applied |
Nutrients (kg/palm) |
||||||
|
N |
P205 |
K20 |
Mg0 |
Limestone | ||||||
| 1 | 4 | Acid Sulphate areas (81% Sedu Series, 1.2% Guar Series) | 5-8 | Mean |
1.68 |
0.51 |
0.28 |
1.79 |
13.4 |
|
| Range |
1.34-2.12 |
0.33-0.68 |
nil-0.82 |
1.38-2.11 |
9-18 |
|||||
| 1 | 4 |
Less Acid Sulphate Areas (44% Sedu Series, 27% Selangor Series, 13% Java Series) |
5-6 | Mean |
1.28 |
0.33 |
0.24 |
1.29 |
13.2 |
|
| Range |
1.08-1.34 |
0.33 |
nil-0.41 |
1.0-1.76 |
7-16 |
|||||
| 2 | 4 | Sabrang and Briah Series | 5-7 | Mean |
1.63 |
0.48 |
0.34 |
nil |
nil |
|
| Range |
1.06-2.00 |
0.43-0.59 |
nil-0.82 |
nil |
nil |
|||||
| 3 | 3 | Bernam/Selangor Series | 8 | Mean |
2.57 |
0.36 |
0.63 |
nil |
nil |
|
| Range |
2.43-2.74 |
0.36 |
0.41-0.95 |
nil |
nil |
|||||
Fertiliser rates are drawn up on available general information of the nutrient requirements of the palms, leaf and soil analysis results and the fertilizer application made to the cocoa, nutrient requirements of the latter and expected profitability of fertilizer applications made.
Only magnesium applications as magnesium limestone and calcium limestone application were applied at high rates in the acid sulphate areas.
The other feature in the fertilizers applied is the higher nitrogen and potassium application on the Bernam/Selangor series areas. This is in view of the expected responses to nitrogen and the lower leaf K levels.
Applications were withdrawn in the last two years on very low copra prices.
Leaf and soil analysis data on the acid sulphate areas are given in Table 4 and 5 and compared to non-acid sulphate areas.
| Est. | Soils |
No.of yearsanalysed |
Frond 14 (% on d.m.) |
||||
|
N |
P |
K |
Mg |
Ca |
|||
| 1 | Acid sulphate areas (81% Sedu Series, 12% Guar Series) |
10 |
1.90-1.95 |
.125-.131 |
.84-.97 |
.23-.25 |
.14-.19 |
| 1 | Less Acid Sulphate areas (44% Sedu Series, 27% Selangor Series, 13% Java Series) |
10 |
1.90-1.93 |
.130-.135 |
.81-.89 |
.18-.34 |
.15-.20 |
| 2 | Sabrang and Briah Series |
9 |
1.88-1.90 |
.128-.133 |
.76-.84 |
.33-.38 |
.18-.21 |
| 3 | Bernam/Selangor Series |
10 |
1.80-1.82 |
.135-.137 |
.57-.61 |
.44-.45 |
.18-.19 |
The soil analysis results given for individual fields in the coconut areas discussed are for fertilized areas in the cocoa interrow areas and mainly unfertilized areas (except for limestone) between the coconut palms.
Soil pH results (air-dry soil) of topsoil samples after 1980 are above four units in all cases. Earlier analysis showed lower pH in the acid sulphate areas but these were subsequently corrected by liming.
Organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents are higher on the Sedu series than on Bernam series but have lower base cations. Limited analysis results are available for the Sabrang and Briah series areas. Their soil nutrient contents for available P and the exchangeable cations appear similar to the Bernam series.
Nutrients applied to the cocoa are shown in Table 6.
TABLE 6. NUTRIENTS (KG/BUSH) APPLIED TO COCOA AREAS (1976-1982)
| Est. | Soils |
No.of years applied |
Nutrients (kg/bush) |
|||||
|
N |
P205 |
K20 |
Mg0 |
Limestone |
||||
| 1 | Acid Sulphate areas (81% Sedu Series, 1.2% Guar Series) | 7 | Mean |
.43 |
.36 |
.49 |
.09 |
7.21 |
| Range |
.28-.51 |
.11-1.01 |
.40-.55 |
.05-.10 |
6.0-8.4 |
|||
| 1 |
Less Acid Sulphate Areas (44% Sedu Series, 27% Selangor Series, 13% Java Series) |
7 | Mean |
.45 |
.11 |
.55 |
.08 |
6.5 |
| Range |
.35-.63 |
.06-.18 |
.46-.71 |
.05-.10 |
4.8-9.0 |
|||
| 2 | Sabrang and Briah Series | 7 | Mean |
.58 |
.25 |
.52 |
nil |
5.7 |
| Range |
.43-.63 |
.22-.27 |
.42-.58 |
nil |
5.3-6.0 |
|||
| 3 | Bernam/Selangor Series | 7 | Range |
.64 |
.15 |
.44 |
nil |
1.1 |
High limestone applications were again made in the acid sulphate areas. Applications of nitrogen and phosphorus were lower than on the other soils with approximately similar potassium values.
Leaf analysis results of the cocoa are given in Table 7.
TABLE 7. LEAF ANALYSIS RESULTS OF SOME COMMERCIAL COCOA AREAS ON COASTAL CLAY SOILS
| Est. | Soils |
No. of yearsanalysed |
Leaf analysis results (% on d.m.) |
||||
|
N |
P |
K |
Mg |
Ca |
|||
| 1 | Acid Sulphate areas (81% Sedu Series, 1.2% Guar Series) |
4-8 |
2.13-2.25 |
.139-.165 |
1.57-1.83 |
.57-.67 |
.87-1.43 |
| 1 |
Less Acid Sulphate Areas (44% Sedu Series, 27% Selangor Series, 13% Java Series) |
3-9 |
2.05-2.13 |
.146-.154 |
1.50-1.86 |
.57-.83 |
.84-1.03 |
| 2 | Sabrang and Briah Series |
5-6 |
2.00-2.06 |
.146-.158 |
1.37-1.72 |
.82-.90 |
.68-.85 |
| 3 | Bernam/Selangor Series |
2-7 |
1.91-2.06 |
.142-.166 |
1.70-1.74 |
.79-.93 |
.69-.80 |
The feature of the results may be higher N and Ca values in the acid sulphate areas.
• Yields of the coconuts. The coconut yield results in the areas discussed are shown in Table 8 with individual year yield trends in Figure 1.
TABLE 8. COMPARISON OF COCONUT YIELDS (1970-1982) ON ACID SULPHATE AND OTHER COASTAL CLAY SOIL AREAS
| Est. | Soils | Year Planted | Planting Material | Stand/ha |
Copra(kg/ha/yr) |
Copra |
| 1 | Acid Sulphate areas (81% Sedu Series, 1.2% Guar Series) | 1954/55 | Mixed Malayan Dwarfs/hybrids | ~ 244, thinned to ~ 210 in 1979/1980 |
1762 ± 79 |
8.79 ± 0.9 |
| 1 |
Less Acid Sulphate Areas (44% Sedu Series, 27% Selangor Series, 13% Java Series) |
1954/55 | Mixed Malayan Dwarfs/hybrids | ~ 253, thinned to ~ 204 in 1976/1980 |
2095 ± 81 |
8.62 ± .10 |
| 2 | Sabrang and Briah Series | 1954 | Mixed Malayan Dwarfs/hybrids | ~ 270, thinned to ~ 220 in 1978 |
2439 ± 140 |
8.76 ± .46 |
| 3 | Bernam/Selangor Series | 1952 | Malayan Dwarfs | ~ 225 |
1920 ± 145 |
8.42 ± .28 |
In the Malayan dwarf/hybrid areas, there is a gradation of yield increase from the acid sulphate areas to the non-acid sulphate Sabrang and Briah series areas. Yield over the period considered (approximately year 16 to 28) was 38 per cent higher in the non-acid sulphate area. This would be larger probably but for the thinning carried out in 1978 which reduced differences considerably.
The mean yields in the Malayan Dwarf area on the Bernam/Selangor series area appeared comparable to the acid sulphate areas only. However, this may be misleading as unusually poor results (possibly related to abnormally very high rainfall on the estate) were obtained in the last four years despite no thinning carried out.
Copra content figures do not appear to show differences between the different soil areas. However, again this may be misleading due to differences between the years and possibly estate recording methods (Table 9). Copra content is probably better in non-acid sulphate areas.
| Estate | Soil Series |
Copra content (nuts/kg) |
|||||
| 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | ||
| 1 | Acid Sulphate | 8.75 ± .35 | 8.76 ± .29 | 8.93 ± .14 | 8.96 ± .16 | 8.26 ± ..05 | 8.76 ± .14 |
| 1 | Less Acid Sulphate | 8.54 ± .61 | 8.59 ± .30 | 8.76 ± .35 | 8.99 ± .18 | 8.25 ± .11 | 8.80 ± .11 |
| 2 | Sabrang and Briah Series | 7.24 ± .36 | 7.68 ± .13 | 7.87 ± .22 | 7.84 ± 1.26 | 9.85 ± .325 | 12.17 ± .58 |
| 3 | Bernam/Selangor Series | 7.46 ± .24 | 7.73 ± .43 | 7.91 ± .19 | 8.62 ± .27 | 9.45 ± .24 | 11.22 ± .75 |
• Yields of the cocoa. The cocoa were under planted in the coconut areas in several blocks in each coconut field in the acid sulphate areas due to uncertainty of policy and success over 1968-1975. In the other estates, underplanting of cocoa was carried out in 1968 (Bernam/Selangor area) and in 1969/71 in the Sabrang and Briah soil areas. Planting materials were mainly F1 hybrids.
Yields for some of the oldest plantings have been extracted and yield trends with age for these plantings on the different soils are indicated inFigure 2.
In view of the different planting practices and times, yields up to year five are probably not useful for strict comparison although they indicate that early yield results are also related to acidity of the areas. Yields after year five are shown in Table 10.
TABLE 10. YIELDS FROM COMMERCIAL MATURE COCOA (YR. 6 TO YR. 12) UNDER DWARF/HYBRID COCONUTS ON COASTAL CLAY SOILS
| Estate | Soil series | Coconut shade |
Mean cocoa yieldKg/ha/yr |
Range |
| 1 | Acid Sulphate soils (81% Sedu Series, 12% Guar Series) | Dwarfs/hybrids |
365 ± 56 |
30-40 |
| 1 | Less Acid Sulphate soils (44% Sedu Series, 27% Selangor Series, 13% Java Series) | Dwarfs/hybrids |
460 ± 64 |
30-40 |
| 2 | Sabrang and Briah Series | Dwarfs/hybrids |
732 ± 117 |
30-85 |
| 3 | Bernam/Selangor Series | Dwarfs |
664 ± 47 |
41-43 |
The highest yields were obtained on the Sabrang and Briah series areas under Dwarf/hybrid coconuts. This area outyielded the acid sulphate areas by 59 per cent and 100 per cent. The less acid sulphate areas outyielded the acid sulphate area by 26 per cent. The cocoa in the Bernam/Selangor series outyielded the acid sulphate areas by 44 per cent and 82 per cent.
Absolute yield levels were very low under the generally heavy shade conditions in the acid sulphate areas and even in the non-acid sulphate areas. Improved yield responses seen in Figure 2 in the Sabrang and Briah series area is in part due to reduced shade levels from palm thinning carried out in 1978.
Reference
Chew P.S., Kee K.K. and Ooi L.H. 1984. Management of coconuts and cocoa on acid sulphate soils. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 60 (704) : 483-498.
Note: The full list of references quoted in this article is available from the above paper.
Papers : Techno-economic Management
Chew P.S. 1990. Research and Development on Mechanisation in oil palm estates. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur, Guest Editorial 66 (773) : 384-385.
Chew P.S. 1992. Report on the questionnnaire on research and development requirements for mechanisation on oil palm estates. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 68 (792) : 147-168.
Chew P.S., Kee K.K., Goh K.J. and Tey S.H. 1994. Further advances in agronomic management of oil palm plantations. In: Goh S.H., Chin A., Tang T.S., Khor H.T., Soon T.K., Ooi C.K. and Tay C.S. (eds). Proc. International Congress on Oils and Fats: Meeting the needs for oils and fats in the 21st century. Malaysian Oil Science and Technology Association (MOSTA) and Trans-event Sdn. Bhd., Lumut, Perak, Malaysia : 214-222.
Chew P.S. 1999. Prospects for precision plantation practices in oil palm. i) Talk at the 17th PORIM PAC Seminar in 1997 and ii) The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 74(873) : 661-684.
Chow K.C. and Ooi L.H. 2000. An improved field practice and mechanisation of ffb evacuation and manuring in oil palm plantations. Seminar on Labour-Saving Approaches and Technologies Towards Oil Palm Cultivation in Sarawak. Incorporated Society of Planters Central Sarawak Branch, Sibu.Preprint.
Gan H.H., Heng Y.C. and Goh K.J. 2001. An improved yield recording and reporting system for oil palm estates with hand-held organiser. Proc. International Palm Oil Congress on cutting-edge technologies for sustained competitiveness. Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Bangi : 562-567
Goh K.J. 1995. A lecture note on agronomic management in oil palms (point form). Presented at talk to BEA auditors.
Mohd M.M. and Chew P.S. 1985. Oil palm replanting techniques in P. Malaysia. TDM Seminar. Unpublished.
Ng H.C., Chew P.S., Goh K.J., Gan H.H. and Heng Y.C. 2002. IT tools for the management of oil palm. Seminar On Managing Oil Palms For Maximum Yield held on 14 October. Incorporated Society of Planters, North East Branch, Sandakan, Sabah. Preprint.
Ooi L.H. 1996. Some labour saving practices in oil palm plantations. Proc.Seminar/Field Dayat Kalumpang Development Corporation, Tawau. Applied Agricultural Research Sdn. Bhd., Selangor : 22-32
Ooi L.H. 1996. Field day notes on integrated system of harvesting and ffb evacuation. Proc.Seminar/Field Dayat Kalumpang Development Corporation, Tawau. Applied Agricultural Research Sdn. Bhd., Selangor : 91-98
Ooi L.H. 1996. Field day notes on application of fertilizers. Proc.Seminar/Field Dayat Kalumpang Development Corporation, Tawau. Applied Agricultural Research Sdn. Bhd., Selangor : 99-107
Ooi L.H. 1996. Harvesting of tall palms. Proc.Seminar/Field Dayat Kalumpang Development Corporation, Tawau. Applied Agricultural Research Sdn. Bhd., Selangor : 108
Ooi, L.H. 1996. Mechanization of some field practices in oil palm plantations – an overview. Boustead Plantations Managers’ Seminar. Johore Bahru.
Ooi L.H. and Sim B.S. 1997. Impact of two improved oil palm estate practices on labour requirements and production costs. Proc. International Planters Conference on Plantation Management for the 21st Century. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur : 371-383.
Ooi L.H. 1997. Impacts of the current currency fluctuations on oil palm estates. Mechanization Workshop and Field Day. Boustead Estates Agency, Sandakan, Sabah.
Ooi L.H. 2000. Mechanical Application and Efficient Use of Fertilizer. Taiko Plantations Assistants’ Seminar. Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, Perak.Preprint.
Ooi L.H., Goh T.M., Ang B.N. and Tan K.S. 2001. A new method of clearing oil palm for replanting. Proc. International Palm Oil Congress on Cutting-Edge Technologies for Sustained Competitiveness. Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Kuala Lumpur : 151-158
Ooi L.H. and Tey S.H. 2001. Tracking and weighing of fresh fruit bunches in oil palm estates. Proc. International Palm Oil Congress on Cutting-Edge Technologies for Sustained Competitiveness. Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Kuala Lumpur : 133-145
Ooi L.H., Tey S.H. and Ng H.C. 2001. Innovations to management practices in oil palm estates. Proc. National Seminar on Strategic Directions for the Sustainability of the Oil Palm Industry. Incorporated Society of Planters. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah : 1-9
Ooi L.H., Heng Y.C. and Tey S.H. 2003. Automation of yield recording and yield mapping in oil palm plantations. In : Chan C.W., Teoh C.C., Ten S.T., Yong H.L. and Ibni H.R. (eds.). Proc. Agricultural & Food Engineering Conference : enhancing skills and practices of agricultural and food engineers. Institution of Engineers Malaysia : 32-40. Also published in The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 79(931) : 643-659.
Ooi L.H. 2004 : Cost reduction in ffb production. Guest Editorial. The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur : 80(936) : 137-139.
Ooi L.H., Kodiappan P. and GunaRajan M. 2004. Some pulverisation techniques of clearing old palms for replanting. Proc. National Seminar on replant or perish. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur : 47-63. Also published in The Planter. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur 80(943) : 631-650. Also presented at the BEA Mechanisation Field Day and Workshop for East Malaysia, 18-19 August 2004.
A modified version entitled: Improved zero burning techniques for replanting old palms, was also presented at the Department of Environment Seminar-cum-Workshop on The Guidelines for The Implementation of The Asean Policy on Zero Burning held in May 2004 in Kuala Rompin, Pahang.
Ooi L.H. and Heng Y.C. 2005. Automation of weighing and recording of oil palm yield in the field. Book of Abstracts 5 ECPA-2ECPLF (5th European Conference on Precision Agriculture), Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Uppsala, Sweden : 226-232
Ooi L.H. and Heriansyah 2005. Palm pulverization in sustainable oil palms replanting. Plant Production Science 8 (3) : 345-348. Poster presentation at the 4th International Crop Science Congress, Brisbane, Australia and for oral presentation at the 5th Asian Crop Science Conference, Brisbane.
Ooi L.H., Loh W.C., Chan K.S., Shafie M.Z., Shahrakbah Y. and Visuvalingam. 2007. Treatment of p.o.m.e. and efb by the zero-waste zero-discharge Boustead Biotherm Palmass Plant. Presented at PIPOC Conference. Preprint.
Paramananthan S., Goh K.J. and Chew P.S. 2000. A framework for land evaluation for oil palm in the 21st century. In: Pushparajah E. (ed). Proc. International Planters Conference on Plantation Tree Crops in the New Millenium: The Way Ahead. Incorporated Society of Planters, Kuala Lumpur : 869-885
Pushparajah E. and Chew P.S. 1998. Integrated nutrient management for sustaining high yields of plantation tree crops in Tropical Asia. Proc. Soil Science Conference of Malaysia. Malaysian Society of Soil Science, Kuala Lumpur : 94-116.
Quah Y.T., Reventhiran N., Thomas T. and Soh A.C. 2002. Mulch system – A procedure for mulching immature oil palm. Plasticulture Congress held in USA in February 2002. Preprint.
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