maximizing yield in oil palm plantations ... -...

Seminar on Oil Palm Management in Northeast Sabah 21st August 2006, Kudat, Sabah

Maximizing Yield inOil Palm Plantations in Sabah

C R DONOUGH

Consultant Breeder/Agronomist

Acknowledgements Data from IJM Plantations Berhad

Slides from Southeast Asia Program (PPI/PPIC-IPI)

2003 MPOB GIS Statistics

Total planted area 1,135,100 ha

FELDA 124,559 ha

FELCRA 13,840 ha

S/holders (licensed) 66,777 ha

Private estates 831,330 ha

State scheme & 98,555 haGovt agencies


C R DonoughConsultant Breeder/Agronomist

OIL PALM PLANTED AREAS IN SABAH



Growth in planted area in Sabah

(MPOB Statistics)

1980 94,000 ha

1985 162,000 ha

1990 276,000 ha

1995 518,000 ha

2000 1,001,000 ha

2005 1,200,000 ha

+ 14,000 ha yr-1

+ 23,000 ha yr-1

+ 48,000 ha yr-1

+ 97,000 ha yr-1

+ 40,000 ha yr-1

• Phenomenal growth in 1995-2000• Major expansion in Sugut & Paitan area since 1998



FFB Yield (t ha-1) (MPOB Statistics)

Sabah Malaysia

1987 15.6 17.1

1990 18.0 18.5

1995 20.2 18.9

2000 19.5 18.3

2001 21.0 19.1

2002 20.6 18.0

2003 21.3 19.0

2004 21.4 18.6

• Malaysia yield – stagnant since 1990• Sabah yield – stagnant since 2001



FFB Yield (t ha-1)(Private Yield Exchange Program = YEP)

Sabah YEP YEP YEP

Year Yield* Yield Avg Age Area (ha)

1996 20.0 23.3 11 ≈ 38,000

1997 20.1 21.6 10 ≈ 49,000

1998 16.3 19.4 11 ≈ 55,0001999 19.7 23.2 10 ≈ 62,0002000 19.5 21.9 10 ≈ 83,0002001 21.0 24.4 10 ≈ 96,0002002 20.6 22.6 11 ≈ 143,0002003 21.3 23.9 12 ≈ 170,0002004 21.4 24.6 13 ≈ 170,0002005 - 26.0 14 ≈ 172,000

* MPOB Statistics

Private Estates Yield More ≈ 15% more (1996-2004)

But …• Yields stagnant since 2001

• Improved in 2005 ?



FFB Yield (t ha-1) (IJMP Harvesting Studies)

QTR Centre Sg Sabang Estate

(1991 planting) (1999 planting)

Sandakan Sugut

Year Yield (YaP) Yield (YaP)

2002 33.0 11 - 3

2003 33.2 12 26.8 4

2004 32.4 13 32.3 5

2005 39.3 14 37.0 6

290 palms 333 palms

(≈ 2.1 ha) (≈ 2.3 ha)

Site Yield Potentials

• High in Sandakan & Sugut

• High yield can be sustained infully mature palms

• Higher potential in new plantings with latest seed- for FFB & oil



FFB Yield (t ha-1) (MPOB Kluang Deli duras)

(1990 planting)

61 selected palms used by IJMP for DxP seed prodn

Average EstimatedYear(s) Yield Palm age Potential

(Pre-seed production period)

1997-2000 28.0 7-10

(Post seed production period)

2001 33.5 11 37.3

2002 39.3 12 43.7

2003 44.1 13 50.7

2004 45.7 14 55.0

2005 41.5 15 48.3

Genetic Yield Potential

• >50 t ha-1

With adequate inputs . . .• Regular manuring

(alternate month NPK cpd)

• EFB mulch (250-300 kg p-1 yr-1)

• Minimal pruning

Yield ↑ from B Wt Not from B No

pre-SP 11.9 bunches yr-1

post-SP 12.4 bunches yr-1

• Good pollination- an important factor in Sabah



0

20

40

60

80

100Yield gap 1

(20%)

Yield gap 3(20%)

Relative yield (% of maximum)

Yield potential of progeny for

a given soil and climate

Yield reducedbecause ofnutrient

deficiencies

Yield gap 2(20%)

Yield reduceddue to nutrient

deficienciesand poor

management

Maximumeconomic

yield

Adapted from Fairhurst et al (2006)

Y-max Y-mey Y-n Y-a

Yield Gaps

0

20

40

60

80

100Yield gap 1

(20%)

Yield gap 3(20%)



a given soil and climate Yield gap 2

(20%)



management

Maximumeconomic

yieldYield reduced

because ofnutrient

deficiencies

Y-max Limited by

o soil

o climate

o planting material

Fluctuates from year to year

Assumes perfect stand of productive palms

Planted at optimal density

Complete crop recovery

Proper soil conservation and ground cover management



Y-max

0

20

40

60

80

100Yield gap 1

(20%)

Yield gap 3(20%)




(20%)



management

Maximumeconomic

yieldYield reduced

because ofnutrient

deficiencies

Y-max Y-mey

Yield Gap 1 Imperfect stand due to

Permanent soil damage during land development

Poor upkeep of immature palm growth phase

Unsuitable density, lining errors

Poor nursery selection

Failure to remove & replace unproductive palms

Pests and diseases losses



0

20

40

60

80

100Yield gap 1

(20%)

Yield gap 3(20%)




(20%)



management

Maximumeconomic

yieldYield reduced

because ofnutrient

deficiencies

Y-max Y-mey

Yield Gap 1Maximum economic yield (Y-mey) is fixed for the duration of the palm stand by 12 MaP !



0

20

40

60

80

100Yield gap 1

(20%)

Yield gap 3(20%)




(20%)



management

Maximumeconomic

yieldYield reduced

because ofnutrient

deficiencies

Y-nY-mey

Yield Gap 2 Failure to identify nutrient

requirements correctly

Failure to interpret information correctly during preparation

of fertilizer recommendations

• Soil mapping

• Leaf sampling & analysis

• Detection of nutrient deficiencies

• Vegetative growth measurements

• Fertilizer trials



0

20

40

60

80

100Yield gap 1

(20%)

Yield gap 3(20%)




(20%)



management

Maximumeconomic

yieldYield reduced

because ofnutrient

deficiencies

Y-nY-mey

Yield Gap 2

Nutrient limited yield (Y-n) can be influenced by improving nutrient management !



0

20

40

60

80

100Yield gap 1

(20%)

Yield gap 3(20%)




(20%)



management

Maximumeconomic

yieldYield reduced

because ofnutrient

deficiencies

Y-n Y-a

Yield Gap 3Actual yield (Y-a) can be increased by improved management !



Key Principles of Crop and Nutrient Management

5. ‘Need-based’ fertilizer use for effective use of nutrients

1. Decision making based on relevant information

2. Development of management units based on soil and plant surveys

3. Best management practice (BMP) for optimal economic yield

4. Plant-based determination of nutrient needs



www.oil-palm.info

Maximizing Yield in existing mature fields . . . In existing plantations . . .

Limited scope to close Yield Gap 1

Therefore aim to achieve Y-mey• close Yield Gap 3 – improve management

- managers & agronomists

- strict implementation of BMP

• close Yield Gap 2 – improve determination of nutrient needs - agronomists

- soil & plant surveys

- fertilizer trials

- agronomy MIS

Benchmarking performance



BMP as a tool . . .

BMP blocks placed in the estate will provide a useful evidence-based showcase to: determine site-specific Y-mey under optimal management conditions estimate peak crop production (% annual crop in one month) for planning mill

capacity requirements demonstrate the effect of management practices on crop performance and

soil improvement (show case) train staff on the implementation of new practices, and test new technologies



Generic BMP categories . . .

Priority 1Complete crop recovery through collection of all fruits and short harvesting rounds (access for harvesters, short harvesting intervals).

Priority 2Optimal growth and fruit bunch production through quantitative canopy management (pruning, removal of unproductive palms).



Generic BMP categories. . .

Priority 3Optimal root function and nutrient uptake of palms through adequate moisture availability (drainage, water conservation).

Priority 4Other improvements • Improvement of soil organic matter and indigenous

nutrient supply through legume cover plants• Optimal nutrient use through complete utilization of

crop residues (empty fruit bunches, decanter cake).• Optimal access and erosion control through contour paths• Optimal fertilizer use efficiency through weed- free platforms around trees and correct

fertilizer placement.



The BMP approach . . .

Step-wise implementation . . . Full inventory of information & yield constraints

• palm stand, yield history, fertilizer history, P&D problems, soil & climate data

Identify BMPs & select pilot phase blocks• 1 block per 1,000 ha

• optional – corresponding reference block of similar conditions

Monitor & evaluate progress in pilot phase

Plan for wider-scale implementation according to results in pilot phase



Crop recovery iscritical . . . Example : IJM Pltns

harvesting studyin Sandakan

1991 planting

Losses tend to beover-looked –

Yield is already ‘high’ (>30 t ha-1) Un-recovered crop not weighed . . .

un-recorded unseen



Research Plot Whole Estate block

Year FFB ha-1 B ha-1 BWt FFB ha-1 B ha-1 BWt

2002 33.0 1,837 17.9 30.1 1,659 18.1

2003 33.2 1,510 22.0 32.6 1,622 20.1

2004 32.4 1,369 23.6 26.8 1,311 20.4

2005 39.3 1,645 23.9 32.2 1,581 20.4

290 palms 56.4 ha

(≈ 2.1 ha)

Database for benchmarking…• Existing - FFB Yield Exchange

Program (YEP) in Sabah• Started since 1992• Voluntary & by invitation• Coordinated & managed by

PPB Oil Palms• Current membership

- 11 groups- variable representation

• Total area covered –≈ 175,000 ha≈ 16 % of Sabah OP

• Also includes OER & KER



FFB Yield (t ha-1) (Private Yield Exchange Program)

YEP YEP Avg YEP as % ofYear Area (ha) Palm Age Sabah OP area

1996 ≈ 38,000 11 7 %

1997 ≈ 49,000 10 8 %

1998 ≈ 55,000 11 8 %

1999 ≈ 62,000 10 8 %

2000 ≈ 83,000 10 10 %

2001 ≈ 96,000 10 11 %

2002 ≈ 143,000 11 15 %

2003 ≈ 170,000 12 16 %

2004 ≈ 170,000 13 16 %

2005 ≈ 172,000 14 -

*based on MPOB stats

• Smallest common unit - same year of planting in a division or estate• Also given by most – stand ha-1

FFB Yield Exchange ProgrammeIJM Group of Companies 2002

Company Estate Phase Yr Pltd Ha Stand Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TotalTotal FFB [mt]

Desa South I 1987 801 128 1919 1643 1624 1813 2131 2088 2042 2675 15935Talisai South II 1988 798 125 1618 1540 1397 1460 1908 1907 1959 2376 14165

Subtotal 1599 127 3537 3183 3021 3273 4039 3995 4001 5051 0 0 0 0 30100

North IIIA 1989 1121 136 2071 1913 1944 2121 2447 2478 2544 3050 18568North IIIB 1990 494 143 1058 927 1009 778 1217 941 1054 1351 8335North IV 1991 787 132 1589 1547 1398 1570 1881 2005 1834 2130 13954Subtotal 2402 136 4718 4387 4351 4469 5545 5424 5432 6531 0 0 0 0 40857

Total 4001 132 8255 7570 7372 7742 9584 9419 9433 11582 0 0 0 0 70957

FFB Yield/ha [mt/ha]Desa South I 1987 801 128 2.40 2.05 2.03 2.26 2.66 2.61 2.55 3.34 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 19.89Talisai South II 1988 798 125 2.03 1.93 1.75 1.83 2.39 2.39 2.45 2.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 17.75

Subtotal 1599 127 2.21 1.99 1.89 2.05 2.53 2.50 2.50 3.16 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 18.82

North IIIA 1989 1121 136 1.85 1.71 1.73 1.89 2.18 2.21 2.27 2.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16.56North IIIB 1990 494 143 2.14 1.88 2.04 1.57 2.46 1.90 2.13 2.73 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16.87North IV 1991 787 132 2.02 1.97 1.78 1.99 2.39 2.55 2.33 2.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 17.73Subtotal 2402 136 1.96 1.83 1.81 1.86 2.31 2.26 2.26 2.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 17.01

Total 4001 132 2.06 1.89 1.84 1.94 2.40 2.35 2.36 2.89 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 17.73

Typical data submitted



Typical Output :-Age Profile

Monthly Distribution

Quarterly Distribution

Yield Profile

Yield-Age Profilederived from YEP data



Internal Yieldbenchmarking



Deficiencies :-

• Small representation• Variable contributions• Variable sizes of plantings• Lack of supplementary info

Could be better if the following also included :-

• Bunch nos• Major soil type• Planting material used• Previous crop• Planting or replanting method• Month planted• Rainfall data



FFB Yield Exchange Program …

Maximizing Yield in new plantings & replantings . . . Ensure high Genetic Yield Potential . . .

access to good planting materials• choices available

• history & selection methods

• parent palms background & performance

• production level

establish own production• quality control, tailor-made, availability

• need access to genetic materials

• need breeder

stringent nursery selection



Maximizing Yield in new plantings & replantings . . . Close Yield Gap 1 . . .

land preparation suited to protect soil from permanent damage • appropriate machinery

• drainage & soil conservation planning

• limit soil loss by quick establishment of legume covers

establish complete stand of productive palms• nursery selection, timing of planting

• appropriate planting density & correct lining

• P&D control, timely supplying & replacement of poor palms

high standard of immature maintenance



Pushing Yield limits further . . .

LFs only to mills • harvest bunches induce LF

• better efficiency throughout the production chain

• 20-25 t ha-1 LF only

40-45% OER

8-11+ t ha-1 oil

• simpler mills (lower cost of capital & process)

• more effective nutrient recycling (EFB)



Near term possibilities . . .

Revive assisted pollination ? • seasonal fruit set problem

in Sabah since 1992

• serious in first 2-3 years harvesting

• less serious but even in fully mature fields

• significant loss of kernel yield

• oil yield loss in worst years

• if done, pollination cannot be ad hoc


Long term possibilities . . . Invest in breeding & seed production

• need germplasm – from where ?

• need breeder

• cost & time – 1st cycle 15 years to pay back

Use clones • promises - quick exploitation of elite &/or novel traits

• high cost – certain

• performance – still uncertain




Long term possibilities . . .

Breeding objectives for mechanized field operations• palm architecture

- for high density planting

- higher yield ha-1 faster, shorter planting cycles

• non-shedding bunches ?

- first found in Pamol Sabah 1992, later also in Pamol Kluang

• more consistent yield pattern

- better field productivity & milling efficiency



Barriers to achieving higher yields . . . Know-how is available but . . .

‘cost control mindset’ limits yield increases too difficult & too long to measure yield benefits

Knowledge-intensive technologies available but . . .

‘IT threshold’ holding back companies

Evidence-based BMP approach can . . .

lower the ‘IT threshold’ change the ‘cost control mindset’



No short cuts . . .No miracle cures . . .

Success & its Rewards need . . .

FAITH• in knowledge-based strategy & decisions, and

• the results they will bring

HARD WORK• in implementing best practices strictly & diligently

PERSEVERANCE• in adversity to carry through plans that take time to yield results



Thank you



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