PJB-2019-605
USING MAGNESIUM-RICH SYNTHETIC GYPSUM TO SUSTAIN OIL PALM PRODUCTION ON AN ACIDIC ULTISOL
Shamshuddin Jusop
Abstract
A field trial in an oil palm plantation was conducted to elucidate the impact of applying Magnesium-rich Synthetic Gypsum (MRSG) on the properties of an Ultisol and to determine if the chemical plant by-product could be used to replace kieserite as the Mg source to sustain oil palm yield production. The study showed that the clay fraction of the soil was dominated by kaolinite, hematite and goethite; the two are variable charge minerals. Low soil productivity was evidenced by its low pH, coupled with lack of Ca and Mg. However, oil palm production should not be significantly affected if proper agronomic management is practised to supply the required nutrients. Application of MRSG in the plantation had brought about positive agronomic impact, in terms of soil chemical properties, vegetative growth and oil palm yield. Soil erosion remained under control, while plant nutrient loss was negligible. No significant drop in yield was found due to treatments, indicating no negative impact of MRSG application on growth. Oil extraction rate due to MRSG treatment was comparable to that of the kieserite. The findings of this study can be used to justify to the palm oil industry in Malaysia or even throughout the world that MRSG is suitable to replace kieserite as the source of Mg for sustainable oil palm cultivation.
To Cite this article:
Download
