The economics of using phosphate rock under matured oil palm in the semi-deciduous forest zone in Ghana

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out the economic suitability of using phosphate rock under matured oil palm in the semi-deciduous forest zone in Ghana. The study was conducted between 2002 and 2007 at the Oil Palm Research Institute at Kusi, Ghana. The oil palm trees selected were 8 year old tenera (DXP ex OPRI). Each plot measured 17.6 m×17.6 m. There were four treatments, consisting of: 1). TSP-control: 222 kg of AS+222 kg of TSP+296 kg of MOP/ha/yr- OPRI fertilizer recommendation; 2). PR1-PR 715 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha-Yr 1. PR 358 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha-Yr 2. PR358 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha-Yr 3; 3). PR2-PR 1428 kg+222 kg of AS+296 kg of MOP/ha applied once in every 5 years; 4). PR3- PR 142.85 kg/ha+222 kg AS/ha+296 kg of MOP/ha applied twice in every 5 years. The cost-benefit analysis was carried out by comparing production cost and revenue for triple super phosphate and phosphate rock regimes. The cost benefit ratio in a declining order were: 3.4, 3.1, 2.9 and 2.4 for PR3, PR2, PR1 and TSP, respectively. The study has clearly shown that, economically it is sound to use PR under matured oil palm. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014.