Assessment of fertility status in mature oil palm plantations under different soil types

Authors

  • Dedy Antony Department of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jambi, Indonesia
  • Asmadi Saad Department of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jambi, Indonesia
  • Agus Kurniawan Mastur Department of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jambi, Indonesia

Abstract

Soil fertility is a main factor influencing the productivity and sustainability of oil palm plantations. This study evaluated the fertility status of mature oil palm plantations across peat and mineral soils in Muaro Jambi Regency, Indonesia. A survey with purposive sampling was conducted in plantations managed by smallholders and a company. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm and analyzed for key physical and chemical properties, including bulk density, pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (BS), and exchangeable aluminum (Al). Peat soils exhibited lower bulk density and higher organic carbon content than mineral soils, while bulk density increased with soil depth. All soils were acidic, with fertility status ranging from very low to moderate. Low fertility in mineral soils was mainly associated with low organic carbon, CEC, BS, and nutrient availability, whereas peat soils were primarily constrained by low BS despite their high organic carbon content and CEC. The results indicated that soil type was a major determinant of soil fertility in oil palm plantations. Site-specific management strategies, including organic matter addition in mineral soils and improvement of base saturation in peat soils, are needed to support sustainable oil palm production.

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Published

11-09-2026

How to Cite

Antony, D., Saad, A., & Mastur, A. K. (2026). Assessment of fertility status in mature oil palm plantations under different soil types. Journal of Plantation Crops, 54(1), 53–60. Retrieved from https://updatepublishing.com/journal/index.php/JPC/article/view/10082

Issue

Vol 54, Issue 1 (2026)

Section

Research Articles

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