UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

DECOMPOSITION OF EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH AND ITS

INTERACTION WITH INORGANIC N AND K FERTILISERS IN OIL PALM

LIM KIM CHIEW

FP 1998 2

DECOMPOSmON OF EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH AND ITS INTERACfION WITH INORGANIC N AND K

FERTILISERS IN OIL PALM

By

LIM KIM CBIEW

Thesis Submitted in FuU-dment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Agricultural Science

in the Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia

May, 1998

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to express my sincere gratitude and deepest appreciation to Assoc.

Prof Dr. Hjh. Zaharah Abd. Rahman, chairperson of the supervisory committee for

her continuous support, valuable advice, guidance and most of all her ever inspiring

encouragement throughout the tenure of this study. I am also very grateful to the

members of the supervisory conunittee, Prof Dr. Hj. Sharifuddin Hj. Abdul Hamid

and Dr. Rosenani Abu Bakar for their constructive suggestions and fruitful

discussions.

I am greatly indebted to Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd. for giving me the

opportunity for further self development and endorsing the research project

undertaken in this study. My warm and special thanks are accorded to the Director,

Plantation Division, En. Ali Hj. Ahmad for his kind approval and support. I am

particularly grateful to my immediate superior, Dr. Chan Kook Weng, PJK, DSNS,

who is the Controller of Research and Development, Guthrie Research Chemara., for

his persistent encouragement and infectious enthusiasm in always wanting me to

strive for greater achievements in the field of academic excellence. I wish to thank

him for his pennission to use the research facilities available in Chemara.

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I am sincerely grateful to the staff of Oil Palm Research, Guthrie Research

Chemara for all the assistance rendered. Without their efforts to provide me the

means, this study would not have completed as scheduled. The efforts, help and

endurance of Miss Hiew Kiew Peng were very critical and irreplaceable. Whenever

there was hard work to be done, she never relented. I also deeply appreciate the

willingness and efforts of Puan Rohani Tahir and En. Saharudin bin Mohd. Nor who

had rendered help in many ways. To the field staff, especially Mr. M. Sellaldurai,

my heartfelt thanks in assisting to conduct the experiments and the taking of samples.

The support from the other research sections in Guthrie Research Chemara is

gratefully acknowledged. My special thanks go to En. Ahmad Alwi, Manager,

Statistics and Data Processing for the constructive discussions and assistance

rendered in the statistical analysis of the voluminous results. To his staff, I wish to

extend my deepest appreciation. I wish also to thank the cooperation of the staff of

Chemara Laboratory Sdn.Bhd. in ensuring that the various analysis were duly

completed.

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Finally, I wish to extend my warmest special thanks to my wife and son for

all their sacrifice, understanding, continuous encouragement and support during the

course of this study.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS... .. ..... ..... ........... . ........ .......... ......... ..... II

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................ . .... ...... . . ..... ..... ............. .......... v

LIST OF TABLES ....... .......................... .......... . ................ . ........... x

LIST OF FIGURES ....... ... ...................... ......... ...... ........ ............... XVI

LIST OF PLATES..... ........ . ... .................................... ....... ...... ....... xviii

ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' " xx

ABSTRAK ................ .............. '" ................. ... ......... .............. .... ..... xxiii

CHAPTER

I INTRODUCTION .............................................................. .

II

Organic Mulching with Empty Fruit Bunch............................. 1 Disposal And Application of EFB . . ............................... .... .. ... 4

Application of EFB with Inorganic Fertilisers...................... .. 7

The Need to Study Interaction Effects................................... 9

The Need f or Decomposition and Mineralisation Studies ....... 11 The Obje ctive of the Research Project ......... . ..... ... .......... ....... 12

EXPERIMENT 1 : EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH-NUTRIENT INTERACTION STUDIES ................................................. . 14 Review of Literature ... ............. ..... .......... ...... .......... . ..... . ... .... . . 14

Early Results and Research Thrusts ............................. 14

Problems in Field Application ..... ... . . .. . ... . .. ........ ...... ... . 15 Benefits of EFB Application .. ... . . . ........... . ......... . ..... .. . . 16 Empty Fruit Bunch Interaction with Inorganic Fertilisers.............. ....... . ........ ..... .. . . ............ ....... ..... ...... 20

The Problem and Approach......................................... 23

Materials and Method s..................... .................. .................... 24 General Experimental Information ............................... 24 Rates of EFB Application ... ..... . .. ... ..... ..... .................... 25

Rates of N Application ................. . ........................ . . . . .. 25

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Rates ofK Application ...... .. ....... ..... .. .. .. ... . .. .. .... . . .. ...... 27 Frequency ofN and K Fertiliser Application ................ 27 Basal Dressings of Phosph ate Rock and Ground Magnesium Limestone.. . ...... . . ..... ......... .... ..... . . .. ... . .. .. .. 27 Method of Fertiliser Application ................................. 28 Experimental Design .. .. ....... . .. .............. ... .... ... ... ...... .... 28

Number of Treatments .. ...... .. . ..... .. ........ ...... .. ... 28 Treatment Design . ... ... ..... ... . . .... ......... ..... .. . ...... 29 Plot and Experimental Size .............................. 29

Data Recorded .. . . ........ ...... ...... .. .... .. ... .... .. . ... . .. .. ... ...... . 3 1 Leaf Analysi s . .. .. ...... . ....... .. ...... ..... .... .. ............. 31 Vegetative Measurements .. .. ... . ...... .. . .............. . 33 Yield .. . ... .. ...... .. .. . ... ...... .... . ..... .... ..... . ............ . . . . 34 Soil Analysis . ....... ........ ..... ... .. ........ .. ... .. .. ..... .... 36

Statistical Analysis .. .. ...... ...... . . .... .. . . . .... ....... ... .. .... . ..... .. 37 Results ........ . . . . . . .. . .. . . ........ . .. . . . ..... . . ............... .......... ............ .. . . . 38

Leaf Analysis Results ................................................... 38 Leaf Nitrogen .............................................................. 39 Leaf Phosphorus ..... ...... . .. . ...... ... . ... .... ........ .... .... .. ....... . 43 I..eafPotassium ..................... ........ ..... ... .. ........... .. ..... ... 46 UafMagnesium .... ............ .. .. .... .... ..... ............ .. . . ...... ... 49 Vegetative Measur ement Results................................. 52

Petiole Cross Sec tion .. ... .. ............ .................... 52 Leaf Area . ...... . .. ..... ...... .. .... ... ... .. . . ..... .. ...... . ..... . 56

Yield Results . ...... ..... .. ..... ...... . .. ..... ... . .. ........... ...... .. .. . .. 59 Fresh Fruit Bunch................... . .. .. . .. ..... ..... ..... .. . 59 Bunch Number .... .............. ....... ......... .. . . . ......... 63 Average Bunch Weight.. ... ..... .. .. .. .. .................. 66

Soil Analysis Results ....... .. . .. ....... . .. . . .. ... .. ......... .. ... .. ..... 66 Soil pH ..... .. .. ...... .. .. .......... .... .. .. ... . .... .. .. ...... . . . .. . 70 Soil Organic Carbon......................................... 70 Total Nitrogen.................................................. 75 Extractable Phosphorus ........................................ 78 Exch angeable Potassium . .. ... .. .. ... .. ...... .. .... . .. . .... 78 Exch angeable Calcium ............. . ........... .... . .. .... .. 83 Exch angeable Magnesium .. .. .. .. ... ....... .. ........... .. 83

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ill

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Discussion .......................................... ..... ..... .......... . .. 88 Interaction Effects on Leaf Nutrient Levels ..... 88 Interaction Effects on Vegetative Growth ... . ... 93

Interaction Effects on yield............................. 96 Interaction Effects on Soil Chemical Properties ....................................... ...... . . ........ 97

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS .................................. .

EXPERIMENT 2 : EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH DECOMPOSmON AND NUTRIENT MINERALISATION STUDIES .................... . Review of Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Factors Affecting Organic Matter Decomposition

101

106 106

and Nutrient Mineralisation . . .. ...... .......................... . ... 106 Nature of Organic Matter............................... 106 Soil Microbial Activity, Temperature and Moisture Content .... ......... . ....................... 107 Addition of Inorganic Nutrient and CIN Ratio........................................................ 108 Soil pH ..... ....... .......... ................. ... ............... .. 110

Process of EFB Decomposition ......... ........... .......... .. . . III Empty Fruit Bunch Decomposition and Nutrient Mineralisation During Compo sting ............................. 112

Rate ofEFB Dry Matter Weight Loss ..................... .... 113 Rate ofEFB CIN Ratio Reduction ............................... 114 Rate of Release of Nutrients From Decomposing EFB .......... ........ ............... ......... .. ....... ... 115 Effects of EFB Application on Soil Chemical Properties..................................................... 117 The Problem and Approach .... .............. ....... ..... .. .... .... . 118

Materials and Methods .............. ......... .... ........... .............. . ...... 119

General Experimental Information ... ... ....... .................. 119

Treatments and Experimental Design ...... .................. ... 120

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Dat a Recorded . . . .. ... . .. .......... .. . ... .... ...... .. .... ...... . . . . . .. .. . .. 121 Fie ld E FB Weights . .. . .. . . .. . ... .. . .. . . .. .. .. .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . 121

Empty Fruit Bunch Dry Mat ter Weights .. . .... . ... 122 Empty Fruit Bunch Nut rien t Analysis . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 122

St atistic al Analysis . . . . ... .. . .. .. . . . .... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ... . .. .. . . . . . . . . ... 123 Res ults . . . ....... . .. ............. . .... ..... . . . ....... ..................... .. . ........... . . . 124

Empty Fruit Bunch Dry Matt er Weights .. ..... .... ........... 124 Mean Dry Matte r Weights with Time . . . .. .. . .. . .. . . 124 R ate and P atte rn of Dry Matte r Loss . ... . . . .... . . . . . 130 Model Fitt ing Resu lts and An ov a for Full Reg ressi on . . . ... . . .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. ... . .. ... . 130

Effects of Diffe rent Laye rs ofEFB on Dry :Matte r Weig ht Loss .. . . . . . . .. .. . . .. .. . ... . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 140

Effects of Inorganic N Rates on Dry Matte r Weight Loss . .. . . . .. .. . . .. ... . ... ... . . .. .. .. . . .. . .... . .. . . . .. . . . . 140 Effects of Inorganic K R ates on Dry Matte r Weig ht Loss . .. . . . ..... . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. .. . . .. . . . . ... . . . . 147

Nutrient N in E FB . ... .. ... . ... .. . . . ... .. . .... . . . . ... . . . . . . .. . ... .. . . .. . . . 152

Me an Nu trient N in EFB with Time . .. . ... . . . . . . .. .. . 152

Rate and P att ern ofE FB-N Rele ase . .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . 158

Model Fi tting Resu lts and An ov a for Fu ll R egress ion .. . . . . . .. . . . . ... .. .. . . . . .. .. .... . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . . ... . . . . 158

Effects of Inorg anic N Rates on Rele ase ofE FB-N . ... . ... .. . . .. . . . . ... . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. .. . . .. ... . .. .... . . . . 159

Effects of Inorganic K R ates on Re le ase ofEFB -N .. . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. ... . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .... . . .. . . 162

Nut rient K in EFB . . .. . . . . .. .. . . .. . ... .. .. .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . ... ........... 165

Mean Nutrient K in E FB with Time .. . . . ... . . .. .. . . . .. 165

R ate and P atte rn ofEFB-K Re lease .. .. . ... .. .. .. . . .. . 170 Model Fitt ing Resu lts and An ova for Fu ll Re gressi on .. .. .. . . . .. . .. . ..... .... . . . . .. .... .. .. ...... .. .. .. .. .. . . 170 Effects of Diffe re nt Laye rs ofEFB on Re lease ofEFB -K . .. .. .. . ... . .. ........... ........... ...... ................ 177

Effects of Inorganic N Rates on Re le ase ofEFB-K .. ... ..... ... .. . .. . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .... . . .. . . . .. . . 177 Effects of Inorg anic K R ates on Re le ase ofE FB-K . . ..... . . ... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . ... . . . . .. . . .. .. 182

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Discussion.. .. .... .. . . .. .... .. . ..... .. .. .... .... .. . ... ... ... .. .... .... .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . 189 Empty Fruit Bunch Decomposition. .. . . .. .. .. .. .... .. .... .. .. . . . ... 189

Rate ofEFB Decomposition................................ 189 Effects ofN on EFB Decomposition . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 192 Effects ofK on EFB Decomposition .. . . .. .. .. .. .... .. . . 194

Empty Fruit Bunch Nutri ent N Release . .... .. .... . ... . . . . .... 195

Rate of EFB Nutrient N Release .. . . ... ... .. . . .. .. .. . . 195

Effects ofN on EFB-N Release .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .... .. .. . 197 Effects ofK on EFB-N Release . ... . . . .. .. . . .. .. . .. . ... 198 Contribution to M x N Interaction . .. ... .. .. . ... .. .. .. 199

Empty Fruit Bunch Nutrient K Release .. ........ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 200 Rate ofEFB Nutrient K Release. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . .. .. .. 200

Effects of N on EFB-K Release. .. .... .. .... .. . ........ 201

Effects ofK on EFB-K Release .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .... .. 203

Contribution to M x K Interaction . .. .... .. .. .. .. .... . 203

V SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS . .. .. .. .... ... ............. ......... 205

VI GENERAL CONCLUSIONS . . .. .. . ... . . . . . . .. . ............................. 210

REFERENCES . .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . ... .. . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . . .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. . 211

VITAE .......... ................. .............. .............................. ......... ....... . . . . . . . . . 221

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LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

2

3

4

5

6

7

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9

10

11

Composition of Empty Fruit Bunch............................ 3

Empty Fruit Bunch-Nutrient Interaction Studies: Treatment Layout ..................................................... . 30

Leaf Analysis Results : Anova - Mean Squares ......... . 40

Leaf Nitrogen Results (% Dry Matter) : Means of Main Factors ............................................................. . 41

Leaf Nitrogen Results (% Dry Matter): Two-Way Table of Treatment Means ......................................... . 42

Leaf Phosphorus Results (% Dry Matter) : Means of

Main Factors ............................................... ............. . . 44

LeafPhorphorus Results (% Dry Matter): Two-Way Table of Treatment Means ...... ................................. . . 45

Leaf Potassium Results (% Dry Matter) : Means of

Main Factors .............................................................. . 47

Leaf Potassium Results (% Dry Matter) : Two-Way Table of Treatment Means .......................................... . 48

Leaf Magnesium Results (% Dry Matter): Means of Main Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Leaf Magnesium Results (% Dry Matter): Two-Way Table of Treatment Means ........................................... . 51

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12 Vegetative Measurement Results: Anova - Mean Squares .... .... .. .. .. .. ...... ... ....... .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .... ...... .. .. ....... . 53

13 Petiole Cross-Section Results (em 2) : Means of Main Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

14 Petiole Cross-Section Results (em 2) : Two-Way Table of Treatment Means .. ... .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . ... .... .. .. .. .. . 55

15 Leaf Area Results (m2) : Means of Main Factors . . . ... . . . . . 57

16 Leaf Area Results (m2): Two-Way Table of Treatment Means . .. . . ............ .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ............ .. .. .. .... ..... .. 58

17 Yield Results (January 1995 - December 1996) : Anova - Mean Squares . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . ...... . 60

18 Fresh Fruit Bunch Weight Results (mt/halyear): Means of Main Factors ...... .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. .. ... ... .. .. .... .. .... .. .. .. .. . ... . 61

19 Fresh Fruit Bunch Weight Results (mtlhalyear): Two-Way Table of Treatment Means . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 62

20 Bunch Number Results (no/halyear) : Means of Main Factors ..... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 64

21 Bunch Number Results (no/halyear): Two-Way Table of Treatment Means ....... ..... ............. ............ .. .. .. ......... . 65

22 Average Bunch Weight Results (kglbunch) : Means of Main Factors .. ... .. ...... .. .. ...... .. .. .. ...... .... .. .. ........ ... ....... .. . 67

23 Average Bunch Weight Results (kglbunch) : Two-Way Table of Treatment Means ... .... .. .. .. .................... .. . ..... . . 68

24 Soil Analysis Results (November 1996): Anova -Mean Squares ..... .. .. .. .. .. .. ...... .. ..... . .. . . . ..... . ....... .. .. .. . . .... . 69

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25 Soil pH: Means of Main Factors . . ..... ........ .. .. .. . . . . . ..... 71

26 Soil pH: Two-Way Table of Treatment Means ..... . ......... . . . ... . . . . .... .... . . ... . ................................. 72

27 Soil Organic Carbon (%) : Means of Main Factors .... 73

28 Soil Organic Carbon (%) : Two-Way Table of Trea:tInent Means .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .... . . . . . . . . .. . 74

29 Soil Total Nitrogen (%): Means of Main Factors .. .. .. . . 76

30 Soil Total Nitrogen (%): Two-Way Table of Treatment Means . . . .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 77

31 Soil Extractable Phosphorus (mglkg) : Means of MlUn Factors . . . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .... .. .. .... .. .. . 79

32 Soil Extractable PhosholUs (mglkg) : Two-Way Table of Treatment Means . . .. . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . .... .. .. .. . . . .. 80

33 Soil Exchangeable Potassium (cmol (+) kg -1) : Means ofM:ain Factors .. .. .... . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. ... . .. . .. .. . . ... .. . .. 81

34 Soil Exchangeable Potassium (cmol (+) kg -1) : Two-Way Table of Treatment Means . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . .. .. . 82

35 Soil Exchangeable Calcium (cmol (+) kg -1): Means of Main Factors . .... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .. .. . . .. . . . . .. .. .. .. . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. ... 84

36 Soil Exchangeable Calcium (cmol (+) kg -1) : Two-Way Table of Treatment Means ........ ................... 85

37 Soil Exchangeable Magnesium (cmol (+) kg .1) : Means of Main Factors . . . .. . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . .. . . . 86

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38 Soil Exchangeable Magnesium (cmol (+) kg -1) : Two-

Way Table of Treatment Means _ . . .. .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

39 Mean EFB Dry Matter Weights With Time (kglbunch) of Single Layer EFB ................................................... 125

40 Mean EFB Dry Matter Weights With Time (kglbunch) of Double Layer Top EFB .......................................... 126

41 Mean EFB Dry Matter Weights With Time (kglbunch) of Double Layer Bottom EFB .................................... 127

42 Empty Fruit Bunch Dry Matter Weights With Time: Anova - Mean Squares . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

43 Means of Monthly Dry Matter Weights (kglbunch) ..... 129

44 Empty Fruit Bunch Dry Matter Weight With Time of Single Layer, Double Layer Top and Double Layer BottomEFB: '1' Test of Regression Coefficients ....... 138

45 Empty Fruit Bunch Dry Matter Weights: Exponential Models With Regression Coefficients (k) and Coefficients of Determination (R2 ) . . . . . . . . . .. ... . . . . . . .. 139

46 Effects of Inorganic N on EFB Dry Matter Weights: 't' Test of Regression Coefficients .............................. 145

47 Effects of Inorganic K on EFB Dry Matter Weights :

't' Test of Regression Coefficients .............................. 151

48 Mean EFB-N (glbunch) With Time for Single Layer EFB . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

49 Mean EFB-N (glbunch) With Time for Double Layer Top EFB ........................................................... 154

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50 Mean EFB-N (glbunch) With Time for Double Layer Bottom EFB ..................................................... 1 55

5 1 Empty Fruit Bunch-N Content With Time: Anova -Mean Squares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . ... . . 1 56

52 Means of Monthly EFB-N Content ................... ......... 1 57

53 Empty Fruit Bunch-N Content: Quadratic Models With Regression Coefficients and Coefficients

of Determination (R2) .................................................. 1 60

54 Effects of Inorganic Non EFB-N Content: '1' Test of Regression Coefficients .......................................... 1 63

55 Effects ofInorganic K on EFB-N Content: '1' Test of Regression Coefficients .......................................... 1 66

56 Mean EFB-K (glbunch) With Time for Single Layer EFB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 67

57 Mean EFB-K (glbunch) With Time for Double Layer Top EFB .......................................................... 1 68

58 Mean EFB-K (glbunch) With Time for Double Layer Bottom EFB ..................................................... 1 69

59 Empty Fruit Bunch-K Content With Time: Anova -Mean Squares . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 1

60 Means of Monthly EFB-K Content .. . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 1 72

61 Empty Fruit Bunch-K Content With Time of Single Layer, Double Layer Top and Double Layer Bottom EFB: '1' Test of Regression Coefficients .................... 1 75

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62

63

64

Empty Fruit Bunch-K Content: Exponential Models With Regression Coefficients and Coefficients of Determination. _. , . _ . . . .. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. , . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effects of Inorganic N on EFB-K Content: 't' T est of Regression Coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effects of Inorganic K on EFB-K Content: '1' Test of Regression Coefficients ............................... . .

xv

1 76

1 83

1 88

Figure

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

LIST OF FIGURES

Mean Percentage of Dry Matter Remaining inEFB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Empty Fruit Bunch Dry Matter Weights With Time for Single Layer, Double Layer Top and Double Layer Bottom EFB (kglbunch) ........................ .

Effects of Application of Inorganic N Fertiliser on Dry Matter Weight of Single Layer EFB (kglbunch) .................................................................. .

Effects of Application of Inorganic N Fertiliser on Dry Matter Weight of Double Layer Top EFB (kglbunch) ................................................................. .

Effects of Application oflnorganic N Fertiliser on Dry Matter Weight of Double Layer Bottom EFB (kglbunch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .

Effects of Application oflnorganic K Fertiliser on Dry Matter Weight of Single Layer EFB (kglbunch) ................................................................. .

Effects of Application of Inorganic K Fertiliser on Dry Matter Weight of Double Layer Top EFB (kglbunch) . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. . . .... ... . . . . . . .. ..... . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . ..... .

Effects of Application of Inorganic K Fertiliser on Dry Matter Weight of Double Layer Bottom EFB (kglbunch) ................................................................... .

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Page

1 3 1

14 1

142

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148

149

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9 Effects of Application ofInorganic N Fertiliser on EFB-N Content of Single Layer EFB ........................... 161

10 Effects of Application ofInorganic K Fertiliser on EFB-N Content of Single Layer EFB ........................... 164

11 Mean Percentage ofK Remaining in EFB .................... 173

12 Empty Fruit Bunch-K Content With Time for

Single Layer, Double Layer Top and Double

Layer Bottom EFB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

13 Effects of Application of Inorganic N Fertiliser on EFB-K Content of Single Layer EFB .......................... 179

14 Effects of Application of Inorganic N Fertiliser on EFB-K Content of Double Layer Top EFB ................. 180

15 Effects of Application of Inorganic N Fertiliser on

EFB-K Content of Double Layer Bottom EFB ............ 181

16 Effects of Application of Inorganic K Fertiliser on EFB-K Content of Single Layer EFB .......................... 184

17 Effects of Application of Inorganic K Fertiliser on EFB-K Content of Double Layer Top EFB .. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

18 Effects of Application oflnorganic K Fertiliser on EFB-K Content of Double Layer Bottom EFB ............ 186

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LIST OF PLATES

Plate Page

1 Disposal of Empty Fruit Bunch in Heaps ..................... 5

2 Empty Fruit Bunch Application in the Interlines of 17 year old oil palm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Empty Fruit Bunch Application in Single Layer ........... 26

4 Empty Fruit Bunch Application in Double Layer . . . . . . . . . 26

5 Frond 17 With Six Middle Leaflets cut for Leaf Analysis and Leaf Area Measurement .......................... 32

6 Selected Six Middle Leaflets from Frond 17 for Leaf Analysis and Leaf Area Measurement ................... 32

7 Petiole Cross-Section Measurement of Frond 17 . ..... . . .. 35

8 Weighing of Fresh Fruit Bunch ..................................... 35

9 Close-up View of Fresh EFB Single Layer Application With Nylon Mesh placed for weighing the EFB ............. 1 32

1 0 Close-up View of Fresh EFB Double Layer Application With Nylon Mesh placed for weighing the EFB .............. 1 32

11 Single Layer EFB 4 Months after Field Application ......... 133

12 Double Layer EFB 4 Months after Field Application ....... 1 3 3

1 3 Single Layer EFB 6 Months after Field Application . . . . . . . . . 1 34

14 Double Layer EFB 6 Months after Field Application ........ 1 34

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15 Empty Fruit Bunch At 10 Months after Field Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

16 Stages of EFB Decomposition ................................... . . 136

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Abstract of the Thesis Presented to the Senate of Universiti Putra Malaysia in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Agricultural Science

DECOMPOSITION OF EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH AND ITS INTERACTION WITH INORGANIC N AND K

FERTILISERS IN OIL PALM

By

LIM KIM CHIEW

May, 1998

Chairperson: Associate Prof. Dr. Hjh. Zaharah Abd. Rahman

Faculty: Agriculture

Investigations to study the multifactorial interactions between applying

varying rates (M) of empty fiuit bunch (EFB) with different rates of inorganic

nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilisers and to detennine the effects of these

inorganic fertilisers on decomposition and mineralisation rates of EFB in mature oil

palm were undertaken. Two experiments were carried out viz. EFB-nutrient

interaction studies and EFB decomposition and nutrient mineralisation studies.

Significant M x N interactions were detected in all palm growth parameters and some

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important soil chemical properties. Palm nutrition, vegetative vigor and yield of

fresh fiuit bunch (FFB) were all enhanced, with the exception of leaf magnesium

levels which significantly decreased. Significant M x K interaction enhanced leaf

potassium level but decreased leaf magnesium. No significant effects on leaf nitrogen

and phoshorus were detected. Vegetative vigor and yield were also significantly

increased but no M x K significant effects were detected on soil chemical properties.

There was a rapid initial dry matter loss of the EFB with declining rates at the

later months after field application. Total physical disintegration was observed at

eight months with dry matter loss of 70%, after which there was hardly any loss up

to the 10th month. Differences in decomposition rates were detected among the

three layers ofEFB. Inorganic N additions generally increased EFB decomposition.

No evidence of EFB-N release was detected during the ten months of

monitoring. There were no effects of inorganic N or K on EFB-N release. A rapid

release of EFB-K was experienced in its initial stages cumulating to 90010 after six

months. Subsequently, the release was slow and at the tenth month more than 99%

EFB-K was released. Differences in EFB-K release were detected among the three

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layers of EFB. Addition of inorganic N generally increased rate of EFB-K release.

Addition of inorganic K caused a general decrease in EFB-K release.

The significant interactions ofEFB mulching with inorganic Nor K fertilisers

detected in enhancing oil palm growth i.e. M x N and M x K interactions, were

mainly due to the beneficial effects of mulching by the EFB.

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Abstrak T esis yang Dikemukakan Kepada Senat Universiti Putra Malaysia Sebagai Memenuhi Syarat Keperluan Untuk Ijazah SaIjana Sains Pertanian

PEREPUTAN TANDAN KELAPA SAWIT KOSONG DAN INTERAKSI

DENGAN BAJA N DAN K TAK ORGANIK KEATAS

KELAPA SA \VIT

Oleh

LIM KIM CHIEW

Mei, 1998

Pengurusi: Prof Madya Dr. Hjh. Zaharah Abd. Rahman

Fakulti. Pertanian

Kajian telah dijalankan untuk mengkaji interaksi multifakta diantara

pemberian berbagai kadar (M) tandan kelapa sawit kosong (EFB) dengan kadar baja

nitrogen (N) dan kalium (K) tak organik, dan menentukan kesan baja tak organik ini

keatas kadar penguraian EFB dan pemineralan nutrien apabila EFB diberikan kepada

kelapa sawit matang. Dua ekspiremen telah dijalankan, iaitu, kajian interaksi EFB-

nutrien dan pereputan EFB dan pemineralan nutrien. Interaksi M x N yang bererti

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dalam semua parameter tumbesaran kelapa sawit dan sesetengah sifat kimia tanah

yang penting. Pemakanan kelapa sawit, pertumbuhan vegetatif, dan hasil tandan

(FFB) semuanya meningkat, manakala, kepekatan Mg dalam daun menurun.

Interaksi M x K yang bererti telah meningkatkan kepekatan K dalam daun, manakala

kepekatan Mg menurun. Tidak ada kesan yang bererti didapati bagi unsur N dan P

dalam daun. Pertumbuhan vegetatif dan hasil FFB juga bertambah dengan bererti,

tetapi tidak ada kesan M x K yang bererti dikesan keatas sifat-sifat kimia tanah.

Kehilangan berat kering EFB ditahap awal berlaku dengan cepat sekali.

Diakhir kajian, kehilangan berat kering berkurangan. Pereputan EFB secara fizikal

pada keseluruhannya didapati selepas 8 bulan EFB diletak diladang, dimana 70%

daripada berat kering asal telah hilang. Tidak ada kehilangan berat kering yang

ketara didapati berlaku diantara 8 hingga 1 0 bulan berikutnya. Perbezaan ketara

didapati dalam ketiga-tiga lapisan EFB. Pemberian baja N pada kadar Nl dan N2

didapati meningkatkan kadar pereputan EFB.

Pembebasan EFB-N tidak kelihatan dalam masa 10 bulan. Pembajaan N dan

K tak organik tidak memberi kesan keatas pembebasan EFB-N. Pembebasan EFB-K

amat cepat ditahap awal pereputan dan meningkat sehingga 90% selepas 6 bulan.

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