Palm oil plantation oriented agrosilvopastoral system development for enhancing the economy

Abstract

Oil palm plantation is one of the potential economic sources for Indonesia. However, the plantation area is always claimed to bring a damage to the environment. One alternative in managing the landscape of oil palm plantation is through an agrosilvopastoral system. The pattern used is the improvement of plant biodiversity and water and nutrient conservation. These agroecosystems are production and conservation based on silvicultural practices complementary to pre-existing agriculture activities. By promoting these practices, the opportunities of production and conservation function can be gained. Community welfare can be achieved through the planning and revitalizing of eco-palm oil plantation concept. Such systems contain significant ecological and economic interaction. Agrosilvopastoral system can improve the productivity of oil palm plantation, contribute to the environmental maintenance, increase cattle productivity, and harmonize the relationship of the industry and the community, and the sustainability of oil palm plantations.