Alternative Methods of Replanting Oil Palms

摘要

Oil palms are generally replanted after 25 to 30 years for economic reasons. Replanting involves considerable hidden costs from the offset of profits had the area remained in production over the long immature period as well as the actual cost incurredin replanting operations. Despite the agronomic advances made in reducing the immature period, the non-productive period is still too long with the conventional clean clear techniques. Alternative methods of replanting oil palms with emphasis on improved economic returns and minimal impact on the environment are described. Updated results from a series of trials on underplanting and advanced planting materials are presented to illustrate the benefits of these methods over the conventional clean clear techniques.