Techniques of soil and water conservation and nutrients recycling in oil palm plantations on inland soils
This article discusses various techniques of soil and water conservation, and nutrient recycling practices in oil palm plantations with the aims of achieving the yield potential while safeguarding the environment using the most appropriate techniques for managing soils, water and nutrients so as to reduce soil deterioration and erosion.
During the early stage of plantation development, there is a need to terrace slopes and build silt pits, establish legume covers and plant the oil palm as quickly as possible, all of which will help to reduce run off and soil erosion.
Other recommended practices at replanting are adoption of the zero burning technique, mulching with empty fruit bunch (EFB), placement of pruned fronds and trunk chips, land application of mill effluent (POME) and using Ecomat®, and soil water management through suitable irrigation practices. Such techniques increase the soil productivity and constitute sustainable practices.
ABSTRAK
Artikel ini membincangkan pelbagai kaedah bagi pemuliharaan tanah dan kelembapan, serta kitaran nutrien di ladang sawit untuk mencapai potensi hasil dan melindungi alam sekitar dengan menggunakan kaedah yang baik bagi mengurus tanah, air dan nutrien untuk mengurangkan kemerosotan kualiti dan hakisan tanah.
Pada awal pembangunan ladang, teres dan lubang kelodak perlu dibina bagi kawasan cerun, menanam kekacang penutup bumi dan anak sawit secepat mungkin untuk mengurangkan aliran air di permukaan dan hakisan.
Antara amalan ketika tanam semula sawit ialah penggunaan teknik pembakaran sifar, sungkupan dengan buah tandan kosong, letakan pelepah yang dipangkas dan racikan batang sawit, penggunaan efluen kilang sawit dan Ecomat®, serta pengurusan tanah dan air melalui pengairan. Semua amalan ini dapat meningkatkan produktiviti tanah dan merupakan amalan mapan