Partial Substitution of Inorganic with Organic Fertilizer for Enhancement Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) Productivity in Oil Palm Plantations

Partial Substitution of Inorganic with Organic Fertilizer for Enhancement Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) Productivity in Oil Palm Plantations

This paper describes the alternative fertilizer application in oil palm plantations of Riau Province, Indonesia. Expensive Inorganic fertilizer is needed in a considerable amount that farmers seek for alternatives. One of the solutions is by using organic palm residue fertilizer, as it is cheap, much available, and rich in nutrition. Fertilizer application is differentiated based on the four age category: young (3-8 years), juvenile (9-13 years), mature (14-20 years), and old (21-25 years). Three types of fertilizer, which is Inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and Inorganic fertilizer with partial substitution, was applied to each category. For a one year, several data such as type of fertilizer, fertilizer dose, fertilizing rotation and FFB productivity was observed monthly. The result shows that partial substitution of Inorganic fertilizer with organic fertilizer significantly raise FFB productivity, especially for young (Yplus) and old (Oplus) age category. It yields continuous improvement of FFB productivity, beginning from age young until old. Thus, the productive period of oil palm can last more than 25 years. Besides, better FFB productivity is achieved in young age category compared to usual production.