THE WATER RELATIONS AND IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS OF OIL PALM (ELAEIS GUINEENSIS): A REVIEW

Abstract

The results of research on the water relations and irrigation need of oil palm are collated and summarized in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to drought mitigation and irrigation practices. Background information is given on the centres of origin (West Africa) and of production of oil palm (Malaysia and Indonesia), but the crop is now moving into drier regions. The effects of water stress on the development processes of the crop are summarized followed by reviews of its water relations, water use and water productivity. The majority of the recent research published in the international literature has been conducted in Malaysia and in Francophone West Africa. The unique vegetative structure of the palm (stem and leaves) together with the long interval between flower initiation and the harvesting of the mature fruit (ca. three years) means that causal links between environmental factors (especially water) and yield are difficult to establish. The majority of roots are found in the 0-0.6 m soil horizons, but roots can reach depths greater than 5 m and spread laterally up to 25 m from the trunk. The stomata are a sensitive indicator of plant water status and play an important role in controlling water loss. Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis are negatively correlated with the saturation deficit of the air. It is not easy to measure the actual water use of oil palm, the best estimates for mature palms suggesting crop evapotranspiration (ETc) rates of 4-5 mm d −1 in the monsoon months (equivalent to 280-350 l palm −1 d −1 ). For well-watered mature palms, crop coefficient (Kc) values are in the range 0.8-1.0. Although the susceptibility of oil palm to drought is well recognized, there is a limited amount of reliable data on actual yield responses to irrigation. The best estimates are 20-25 kg fresh fruit bunches ha −1 mm −

Evaluation of Six High-Resolution Satellite and Ground-Based Precipitation Products over Malaysia

“…The country crucially needs reliable spatial information on precipitation as it mainly relies on agriculture and is subject to frequent floods. It is, for instance, one of the main oil-palm-producing countries, with palm oil productivity highly affected by water availability [18]. This is one reason why adequate monitoring of precipitation over the country is essential.…”

Review: Omics and Strategic Yield Improvement in Oil Crops

“…Water and nutrient supplies are two factors that limit yield. Availability of water, obtained either through rainfall or soil water, is also considered a factor in yield improvement for the cultivation of oil palm [190,191]. However, interrupted dry seasons and waterlogging or prolonged submergence of roots in stagnant water limits productivity [192,193].…”

Evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) on the main nursery in a greenhouse

“…The nursery stage requires big amounts of water and it is therefore important to choose a location with a sufficient water source for the nursery [1][2]. Crop water requirements are closely related to the rate of evapotranspiration.…”