Key agronomic management factors for maximising oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) yields on acid sulphate soils in Malaysia and Indonesia

Abstract

In Malaysia, approximately 110,000 ha of acid sulphate soils are estimated to occur mostly along the west coast, while about 102.80 million ha are under acidic nature in Indonesia. Acid sulphate soils generally have significant amounts of free and absorbed sulphate, pale yellow mottles of jarosite along old root channels and on ped surfaces with pH (in water) below 4. These soils are high in Aluminium (Al) and phosphorus (P) fixation capacity, contributing towards their low fertility which limits the normal growth of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). However, Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production in oil palm was improved significantly when water level in the field drains was maintained up to 60cm from soil surface mainly to cover jarosites and pyrite layers. Application of organic fertiliser mainly of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Palm Oil Mill Effluents (POME) to oil palm land proved to be beneficial as significant FFB yield up to 35 ton/ha/year was obtained in field trials. Maintaining water table in the drains to cover the pyritic horizon in order to inhibit further oxidation would be an important management tool for managing oil palms on acid sulphate soils.