Phosphorus Uptake of Oil Palm Leaves on the Axillary Application of Diammonium Phosphate Fertilizer

Abstract

Fertilization costs for almost all oil palm plantation companies range from 40-60% of the total plant maintenance costs. Farm fertilizer consumption and world fertilizer prices for the three main macronutrients increase yearly, but the use efficiency is low. Meanwhile, pressure came from environmentalists regarding the effects of pollution by excessive use of fertilizers. Application of fertilization through axillary oil palm midrib is expected to overcome inefficiency. This study examined the phosphorus uptake of three-year-old oil palm leaves on the application of diammonium phosphate fertilizer through two positions of the axil, the top and bottom, with four dosage levels, namely 200. 250. 300 and 350 grams per tree. The split-plot design method was used in the research conducted at PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro oil palm plantation, West Kalimantan. The results showed that Phosphorus uptake was relatively the same in all leaf axil positions and doses and control with the highest dose of 350g/tree through the soil. The results indicate that fertilization of oil palm is possible to do through any axils with a lower amount than it through the soil.