Research and Development Projects: Oil Palm Agronomy – CM4/94
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Code :
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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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Modelling the Oil Palm Growth and Its Microclimate Environment
The oil palm has been grown commercially for nearly a century and yet little is known about the impact of its canopy architecture on its growth and yield, and microclimate environment. This information is useful in breeding for the ideal palms in relation to the planting density and pattern to maximize productivity. Changing the canopy architecture may lead to easier harvesting, which is currently a major problem in oil palm management, and may lend itself to feasible mechanization. However, the first step coordinator is Dr. Christopher Teh, University Putra Malaysia team members from Malaysian Palm Oil Board and Advanced Agriecological Research S/B.
Some early results are presented in conferences e.g.
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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 Absracts of AGRICONGRESS 2004, Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre(MIECC), Selangor, Malaysia, Oct. 4-7, 2004: 145-147.
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Which leaf shapes intercept the most solar radiation? Leaf shapes for the six plant prototypes: round (RD), square (SQ), triangle (TR), inverted triangle (ITR), ellipse (EL) and lobe (LB)
Which canopy architectures intercept more solar radiation?
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Teh, C.B.S., Henson, I.E., Harun, H., Goh K.J. and Husni, M.H.A. (2005). Modelling oil palm growth and yield. In: Teh, C.B.S., Ahmad, O.H., Fauziah, C.I., Izham, A., Wan Noordin, W.D. & Zakaria, Z.Z. (Eds.) Soils 2005: Advanced in Soil Science for Sustainable Food Production, Malaysian Soil Science Society, Kuala Lumpur: 204-206.
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| Teh, C.B.S., Henson, I.E., Harun, H., Goh K.J.and Husni, M.H.A. (2005). Do not reinvent the wheel: Extending the life span of agriculture models. In: Cebci, Z., Sideridis, A., Say, S.M. & Darcan, N. (Eds.) International Congress On Information Technology In agriculture, Food & Environment (ITAFE 2005), Cukunova University: 550-556. |
Greenhouse Gas Fluxes from Tropical Peatland and Global Warming Potential
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To quantify the amount of soil CO2 fluc under the forest, sago and oil palm ecosystems and to determine the underlying environmental factors related to soil respiration.
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To quantify the amount of CH4 flux under the forest, sago and oil palm ecosystems and to determine the underlying environmental factors that explain the differences in CH4 flux among the three ecosystems, particularly the effects of drainage and compaction.
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To quantitatively determine the rates of N2O emissions from the forest, sago and oil palm ecosystems and to characterize the variations in N2O emissions and relate them to the environmental parameters that control N2O exchange between the soil and the atmosphere.
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To quantify the effect of urea under oil palm ecosystem on the seasonal CH4 variation and to determine the environmental factors controlling it.
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To estimate the relative contribution of the individual GHGs under forest, sago and oil palm ecosystems to the net global warming potential (GWP) of the three ecosystems on tropical peatland.
Some major results are:
| Tropical peatlands function as a significant source of atmospheric CO2on a global scale. |
Dry season in peatland (photo)
 Wet season in peatland (photo) |
Peat profile
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| Soil respiration rate was highest in forest ecosystem on tropical peatland compared to oil palm and sago ecosystems. | ||
| The oil palm and forest ecosystems on tropical peatland behaved like aerobic system in most months whereas the sago ecosystem remained mainly anaerobic throughout the year. Thus, different factors regulated the activity of greenhouse gases in each ecosystem. | ||
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IMPHOS Project: Phosphate Fertiliser Management in Oil Palm Plantation in Malaysia
Phosphate deficiencies is a major factor in declining crop production in many acidic soils in developing countries in the tropics, where the soils are either inherently low in soil P or they are present in forms that are unavailable to plants. These conditions are found in Malaysian soils where oil palms are extensively cultivated. Recent work has shown that phosphate rocks with the right chemical and physical properties can be effective P sources for oil palm if various agronomic factors e.g. sufficient organic matter and living green manure, adequate rainfall and appropriate management are in place. The primary project objectives are:
- To evaluate suitable and cost effective P fertiliser sources for oil palms grown on different soil types and ecological zones in Malaysia
- To study the management practices for P fertiliser application to increase P use efficiency
- To study the effects of organic residue amendments and management (legume covers, empty fruit bunches, cut fronds and palm oil mill effluent) on P fertiliser use by oil palm
- To evaluate methods of fertilizer and soil P analysis and correlate with P uptake and yield of oil palm
- To measure residual P availability in relation to soil P fractions, leaf P content and fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield
- To study the soil P pools and processes affecting PR dissolution and P availability
Briefing on trial progress and results by Patrick Ng, AAR, at Batu Lintang estate, Kedah. (From left to right (clockwise)): Lee chin Tui (Felda), Ilangovan, K. (Felda), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Hanafi Musa (UPM), Teo Chor Boo (AAR), Chang Ah Kow (Tradewinds), Nga Shee Kiong (Felda), Dr. Zulkifli Hashim (MPOB), Shaharudin Bakar (Golden Hope), Prof. Dr. Zaharah Abdul Rahman (UPM) and Patrick Ng (AAR).
Some early results are:
| P concentrations of Mucuna bracteata(MB) responded linearly to phosphate rock up to 97 kg P ha-1 whereas no significant response was obtained for Pueraria javanica (PJ). |
One month after planting the oil palm
 13 months after planting the oil palm
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| MB planted with PJ showed significantly higher mean P concentration of 0.141% compared with pure MB of 0.117%. | |
| This symbiotic effect might be attributed to the rapid ground coverage of PJ which would reduce erosion and run-off losses of applied PR and solubilize PR with consequent higher P availability to MB. | |
| For further details, see Ng P.H.C., Goh K.J., Gan H.H. and Zaharah, A.B. (2005). Impact of phosphate rock on P uptake and dry matter production of mixed legumes under oil palm in Malaysia. In: Li, C.J. et al. (eds) In: Proc. XV International Plant Nutrition Colloquium on Plant Nutrition For Food Security, Human Health And Environmental Protection, Tsinghua University Press, Beijing, China: 1124-1125. |
Useful Links
Local
Boustead Holdings Berhad
Bursa Malaysia
Department of Agricultural Malaysia
Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA)
Genting Plantations
Incorporated Society of Planters
IOI Corporation Berhad
IOI Oleochemical
Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad
Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI)
Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB)
Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC)
Malaysian Oil Scientist’s and Technologist’s Association (MOSTA)
Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)
Malaysian Rubber Board
Malaysian Society of Soil Science (MSSS)
Negri Sembilan Oil Palm Berhad
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
Sime Darby Plantations
SIRIM Berhad
The Malayan Agricultural Producers Association (MAPA)
The Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM)
Tradewinds Plantations Berhad
United Plantations Berhad
International
American Oil Chemist’s Society (AOCS)
American Society of Agronomy (ASA)
ASD Costa Rica
Biotech International (BTi)
CENIPALMA
Cirad, France
Clinical Laboratory International (CLI)
Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)
Directorate of Oil Palm Research (DOPR)
FEDEPALMA
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
Golden Agri Resources Ltd
Grasco Group
IFDC
Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI)
Institute for Plantation and Horticulture Management (INPHOM)
MPI, Germany
National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR)
National Institute of Oilseed Products (NIOP)
National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)
Oil World
Pacific Rim Plantation Services Pte Ltd
Palm Oil HQ Pty Ltd
ProForest
PT ASTRA AGRO LESTARI Tbk
PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk
Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
World Rainforest Movement
Past Internship
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Name : ANNE-LAURE
University : ISTOM, France (College of Advanced Studies in International Argo-Department) Course : – Project : Precision farming project that focused on the production of detailed yield maps using GIS and GPS. Duration of Internship : – Supervisor : – |
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Name : CLAIRE MERLAY
University : ISTOM, France (College of Advanced Studies in International Argo-Department) Course : – Project : 1) ISO 9001:2000 certification of AAR Tissue Culture Laboratory (preparing documentation on packing, delivery schedule, dispatch schedule, after sales service and customer relation. 2) The efficency of Holt Nut Wizard in the aspect of time and cost compared with the conventional method. Duration of Internship : – Supervisor : – |
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Name : HELEN
University : ISTOM, France (College of Advanced Studies in International Argo-Department) Course : – Project : Sustainability of oil palm plantation and the legume cover crop, Mucuna bracteata. Duration of Internship : – Supervisor : – |
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Name : LOW MAY YEE
University : University Putra Malaysia Course : – Project : Estimation of vegetative sizes of oil palm based on Spot 5 image using neural network. Duration of Internship : – Supervisor : – |
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Name : NIRWANA NURDIN
University : University Putra Malaysia Course : – Project : Digital elevation modelling (DEM) and computation of slope for each management unit. Duration of Internship : – Supervisor : – |
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Name : LAURE ANDRE
University : University of ISTOM, France (School of Engineers in International Agro Development) Course : Master in Tropical Agronomy and Development Project : 1) Oil Palm Seed Reserves. 2) Comparison of plantation’s cost of production in M’sia and Indonesia. Duration of Internship : 7/1/2009 – 9/15/2009 Supervisor : GKJ |
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Name : LISE ARCHAMBAUD
University : ISTOM, France (College of Advanced Studies in International Argo-Department) Course : Degree in Tropical Agronomy and Development Project : Comparisons of two arigcultural systems : French vineyards and Malaysia Oil Palm Duration of Internship : 7/1/2009 – 9/15/2009 Supervisor : WCK |
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Name : YAP CHENG LOCK
University : University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus Course : Bachelor (Hons.) in Plant Biotechnology Project : 1) Documenting the injury symptoms of young oil palm seedlings due to fertilizer and herbicide toxicity. 2) The evaluation of Mucuna Bracteata seeds growth rate in different containers and media. Duration of Internship : 7/1/2009 – 9/15/2009 Supervisor : TCB |
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Name : DOYELLE CAMILLE
University : University of ISTOM, France (School of Engineers in International Agro Development) Course : Master in Agrodevelopment Project : 1) Determine the toxicity level of aluminum on oil palm seedlings. 2) Determine the different mineral deficiencies on the leguminous Mucuna Bractetea. Duration of Internship : 7/10/2009 – 9/25/2009 Supervisor : GKJ |
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Name : CHOW JIA WEN
University : INTI (INTI International College University) Course : Bachelor (Hons.) in Biotechnology Project : Recommended genomic DNA (gDNA) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) extraction methods and its application in oil palm biotech research Duration of Internship : 8/17/2009 – 12/4/2009 Supervisor : WWC |
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Name : KHOO XIN HUI
University : INTI (INTI International College University) Course : Bachelor (Hons.) in Biotechnology Project : Optimised protein staining method(s) for different oil palm tissue types Duration of Internship : 8/17/2009 – 12/4/2009 Supervisor : WWC |
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Name : INTAN FARHANA BINTI SHARIFUDIN
University : Monash University Course : Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Project : 1) Comparison of nutrient release rates for controlled release fertilizer using the European standard method – a preliminary studies on development of method to study the quality of fertilizer in the laboratory. 2) To develop a field texture kit for soil survey. Duration of Internship : 12/1/2009 – 2/28/2010 Supervisor : TNM |
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Name : ARINA SHAIRAH BINTI ABDUL SUKOR
University : University Putra Malaysia Course : Bachelor in Agriculture Science Project : Effect of Nitrogen Sources on Growth of Oil Palm Seedlings (Elaies guineensis Jacq.) using Hydroponic and Sand Culture Systems Duration of Internship : 12/24/2009 – 4/16/2010 Supervisor : GKJ |
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Name : NURUL SHAZLIENA BINTI SHAMSULBAHRI
University : University Tecknology Mara Course : Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Chemical (Forensic Analysis) Project : 1) SPA 3-07: To develop a field texture kit for soil survey. 2) SPA 2-06: Development of a method to determine the quality of fertilizer in the laboratory. Duration of Internship : 3/1/2010 – 4/25/2010 Supervisor : PG |
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Name : KOK SUET YHENG
University : Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Course : Bachelor in Geoinformatics Project : Interpretation on spatial distribution of Ganoderma disease in oil palm plantation using GIS Duration of Internship : 4/26/2010 – 7/9/2010 Supervisor : GKJ |
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Name : LIM TZE SIANG
University : University Malaya Course : Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Project : Variation of stomatal frequency among oil palm seedlings Duration of Internship : 5/10/2010 – 7/4/2010 Supervisor : WCK |
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Name : LING KUOK YONG
University : University Malaya Course : Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Project : 1) To assist to conduct observation trial – Mucuna’s ability to absorb water. 2) OP nursery trial – Effect of SCF/CRF in coastal soils (Selangor series). Duration of Internship : 5/11/2010 – 7/4/2010 Supervisor : TCB |
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Name : LEE YING PING
University : University Putra Malaysia Course : Bachelor of Agriculture Science (Soil Science) Project : Induced Aluminium toxicity and hyperacidity symptoms of oil palm seedlings Duration of Internship : 6/21/2010 – 10/22/2010 Supervisor : GKJ |
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Name : LOW KIAN MIN
University : University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus Course : Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Plant Biotechnology Project : AAR clonal oil palm inflorescences data Duration of Internship : 7/1/2010 – 10/1/2010 Supervisor : KK / WCK |
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Name : STEFANIE LEE
University : University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus Course : Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Plant Biotechnology Project : Identification of the primary pathogen for orange leaf spot disease affecting oil palm – an in vivo approach Duration of Internship : 7/1/2010 – 8/31/2010 Supervisor : TNM |
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Name : LOW WEI HAN
University : University Putra Malaysia Course : Bachelor of Agriculture Science Project : Land suitability zoning for rubber cultivation & rubber yield pattern analysis Duration of Internship : 7/12/2010 – 10/29/2010 Supervisor : TSH |
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Name : KHAING NEW MON
University : INTI (INTI International College University) Course : B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biotechnology Project : DNA Banking: Comparison of DNA extracted from different conditional oil palm tissue types Duration of Internship : 8/23/2010 – 12/10/2010 Supervisor : WWC |
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Name : NG PENG WAH
University : INTI (INTI International College University) Course : B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biotechnology Project : Screening of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers suitable for AAR’s planting materials Duration of Internship : 8/23/2010 – 12/10/2010 Supervisor : WWC |
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Name : CHIN WENG FEI
University : University Putra Malaysia Course : Bachelor of Agriculture Science Project : Urea volatilization losses from oil palm plantation Duration of Internship : 1/3/2011 – 4/22/2011 Supervisor : TCB |
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Name : LOGACHANTHIRIKA A/P SITHAMPARAM
University : University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Course : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Biosystem Engineering Project : 1) Evaluating and comparing Takakura Composting Method with other composts. 2) Analyzing nutrient toxicity on young oil palm trees. 3) Designing weed chart for the company. Duration of Internship : 5/3/2011 – 7/30/2011 Supervisor : TCB |
Collaborative Research
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Advanced Agriecological Research S/B welcomes collaborative research into almost all aspects of plantation tree crops and plantation forestry in particular issues related to production and management. Our joint work with public and private research centers, institutes, government agencies and universities worldwide has resulted in a number of publications in international journals and conferences. Some of our collaborators have come from the University of Manchester, England, Simon Fraser University, Canada, Hokkaido University, Japan, MIT, U.S.A., University Malaya, University Putra Malaysia, Department of Agriculture, Sarawak, Malaysian Cocoa Board and Malaysian Palm Oil Board. We have local and international students doing part of their MSc and PhD at our research stations. We also provide practical (industrial) training to undergraduates from local and foreign universities. Although we generate most our research funds through commercialization of our research work and technical advices, we also receive funding from other institutions or companies such as IMPHOS, Sumitomo and Union Harvest. Below are some of our current collaborative research and selected publications with our collaborators.
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