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The key to maximising the
economic return from well managed oil palm for smallholders and
plantation managers is to understand the likely return from inputs such
as fertilizer.
In addition to the bottom line of profitability, the industry is
increasingly committing itself to protecting the environment. One of the
major areas of research for minimising the impact of palm oil production
on the environment is the study of nutrient loss from both fertilizer
inputs and from by-products produced during the milling process.
Understanding the nutrient
dynamics of palm oil production, and developing appropriate management
strategies is the main task of PNG OPRA Agronomy Section.
The priorities of the
Agronomy research program are to:
• Determine optimum nutrient requirements for oil palm grown in
different areas (where optimum is defined as the type and level of
fertilizer required for greatest economic gain with the least amount of
negative environmental impact);
• In those areas where fertilizer responses are not clear, to work on
understanding the processes within the soil which influence and regulate
plant nutrient uptake so that remedial strategies can be investigated to
optimise oil palm production;
• Communication to assist small holders and plantation managers to
achieve their goals in oil palm production through:
(i) the provision of timely information on trial results, and
(ii) training in agronomic principles and management.
MAIN TOPICS OF AGRONOMY RESEARCH
(i) Nutrient Cycling and Soil Fertility
Five years ago several major projects commenced. The first two
concentrate on the retention and loss of nitrogen and magnesium on
volcanic ash soils, these projects have attracted donor funding.
(ii) Fertilizer Response Trials
The bulk of the work undertaken by the Agronomy Team is fertilizer
response work. At each of the plantations we have set up a large number
of trials in collaboration with our funding partners (CTP Holdings,
NBPOL, Hargy Oil Palm and RAI). The types of trials established are
different between different areas and depend on where the gaps in
knowledge are and soil type differences.
(iii) Other Factors
Most of our research is in the area of nutrition. However, we have
some research on spacing and thinning for mechanical in-field
collection, and research on the interaction between agronomic and
socio-economic factors affecting smallholder productivity.
(iv) Predictions and Recommendations
All our research is targeted at improving predictions and
recommendations for the industry. However, we also carry out some work
to improve the way we can translate research results into improved
recommendations.
Results are also starting to flow from our yield monitoring and
prediction studies. The gross effect of annual rainfall on annual yield
2 years later has been evident in trials in all four provinces; these
trends appear to be continuing. Studies in short-term prediction
commenced in Oro, Milne Bay, Poliamba and RAI. This approach provides a
5 to 6 month yield estimation based on time of flowering (anthesis).
(v) Smallholder work
Smallholder samples in several provinces are being
collected each year. As data is accumulated, it will be analysed in
relation to fertilizer application and yield response. This information
also has the potential to fine-tune the AIGF-funded Site Specific
Fertilizer Recommendations project.
Together with OPIC several smallholder blocks have been used to
demonstrate better management practices including timely pruning,
weeding, harvest standards and fertilizer use.
COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES
The PNG OPRA Agronomy Team is actively involved in
communicating the results and knowledge gained from the trial work
undertaken on behalf of the plantations and smallholders. The major
communication activities are:
(i) Adoption of trial results
The primary focus for PNG OPRA Agronomy communication activities is
to get the results from the trials out into the field. Both plantation
managers and smallholders can benefit from the trial results by
comparing trial treatments and associated FFB yield to their own
fertilizer practices and yield. If there is a difference between trial
yield and plantation or smallholder yield it usually means that the
difference in yield can be made up by adopting the fertilizer
applications as was used in the trial. The PNG OPRA Annual Report
fulfils part of the requirement for making trial results available to
both plantation managers and small holders (through OPIC).
(ii) Training
Detailed training notes for managing and monitoring oil palm have
been prepared. Training consists of a combination of ‘class room’ and
‘in the field’ training activities which are always concluded with a
test. Each participant is tested for both the theoretical and practical
knowledge gained during the training activities.
Training modules include:
• Basic oil palm agronomy
• Interpretation of tissue results and calculation of fertilizer
requirements and amounts;
• Nutrient deficiency symptoms
• Identifying frond 17
• Preparing frond 17
• Frond production counts
• Vegetative measurements
• Flower and bunch recording
(iii) Smallholder field days as organised by OPIC
PNG OPRA agronomists and supervisors contribute at OPIC organised
smallholder field days at all the major centres. Contributions at these
field days range from a description of what fertilizers do and how they
should be used, to identifying nutrient deficiencies to insect control
strategies (through the PNG OPRA Entomology group).
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