Soil Science Conference Of Malaysia 2007

Photo 1: Conference Hall for presentation of papers

Photo 2 : Pak Andre & me

Photo 3 : Partcipants from SMG, PT EMAL & PT JAW (Indonesia)

Photo 4 : The Sago "worms" eaters (Pak JF Tarigan; his colleague from Medan & his contractor's son, Hartono)

Photo 5 : Sarawak cultural dance

Pak Andre Hotlando Nevtin (GM, PT KU) and me from Sawit Mas Group attended the Soil Science Conference of Malaysia 2007 held on 17th-19th April in Kingwood Resort, Mukah, Sarawak. We were there to listen, learn and update ourselves the latest information and technique on “peat and other soil factors in crop production”.

Among the many topics presented and discussed, we noted the following important points regarding Oil Palm cultivation and management on deep peat:-

** After drainage, good compaction is very critical for oil palm development on peat. It has a direct effect on the increase of bulk density and thus allow to:
- Overcome the incidence of leaning palms
- More efficient uptake of water and nutrients

**Never compromise on compaction. Not advisable to compact on wet ground. Should use broad chain excavators for compaction.

**FFB yield of oil palm on deep peat has been found performing better in compacted area as compared to uncompacted area.

**Shanting-hole planting technique is recommended for a proper leaning direction and an early palm recovery.

**OP seedlings must be well culled in the nurseries. Ensure healthy seedlings being selected for planting and become producing palms.

**Higher density planting at 180 SPH and 200 SPH in deep peat showed significant higher yield per hectare during the 1st 4 years FFB production. However, in view of faster palm etiolation enhanced by high SPH, the ideal planting density in peat should be 160.

**For effective management of peat, the most cost- effective approach is to have strict control of water level at 50 -75cm from peat surface so as to minimize peat subsidence and maximize yield on peat.