IPNI Releases Comprehensive Review of Oil Palm Nutrition Research Highlighting Current Understanding and Knowledge Gaps

October 3, 2018. Peachtree Corners, Georgia, USA and Penang, Malaysia – A comprehensive review on oil palm nutrition was undertaken by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) for the journal Advances in Agronomy and is now available online.

The article summarizes research results with focus on relevance for oil palm practitioners. The review starts with a look at fruit development and related stress factors, followed by explanations of yield gap concepts and management contributions to yield gap closures.

The article then moves into a detailed assessment of the available knowledge on nutrient stocks and flows in an oil palm system, including critical soil nutrient values; nutrient stocks in trunks, fronds, and bunches and their critical thresholds; and nutrient transfers, recycling, and dynamics. Furthermore, the current understanding of the role and functions of nutrients and other beneficial elements, and the effects of their deficiencies are compiled.

The publication goes on detailing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept, a core strategy of IPNI to support farmers and plantation managers in producing most sustainably and efficiently, and assesses the available knowledge relevant to its four key aspects — applying the right source of nutrient, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. It comprehensively addresses aspects of commonly used fertilizer types, application options, factors influencing their effectiveness, and strategies for dealing with uncertainties.

The article concludes in summing up knowledge gaps and research opportunities related to both management and biological data.

The paper is available in the October 2018 issue, volume 152, of Advances in Agronomy, https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.agron.2018.07.001


About IPNI
The International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) is a not-for-profit, science-based organization dedicated to the responsible management of plant nutrition for the benefit of people. Through cooperation and partnerships with respected institutions around the world, IPNI adds its strength to agronomic research, education, demonstrations, training, and other endeavors. Best management practices for nutrient stewardship encourage the concept of 4Rs - applying the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. To learn more about IPNI, please visit: www.ipni.net

Contact
Dr. Thomas Oberthür, IPNI Director of Southeast Asia Program
Email: toberthur@ipni.net