Evolving Strategies in Oil Palm Agronomy
Considering the scarcity of suitable land for further expansion, more knowledge-intensive technologies are probably required for an ecological intensification of oil palm production on existing, already planted land. Oil palm growers and researchers have made substantial progress in recent years to develop standardized crop and nutrient management practices that promise high productivity and profitability through an efficient and effective use of inputs and resources. These practices have recently been summarized into five major crop and nutrient management principles:
1. Decision making based on relevant information
2. Development of management units based on soil and plant surveys
3. Best management practice for optimal economic yield
4. Plant-based determination of nutrient needs
5. ‘Need-based’ fertilizer use for effective use of nutrients
These principles are matched by a suite of readily available technologies. The IPNI Southeast Asia Program is actively involved in the development and evaluation of site-specific crop and nutrient management approaches and assists in their adaptation and promotion of associated technologies.
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