Migration from inorganic to organic fertilization for a more sustainable oil palm agro-industry

The rapid growth in oil palm production has raised environmental concerns due to the massive discharge of liquid and solid waste. To address this issue, waste generated need to be optimized by composting and converting the waste into organic fertilizer. The practice of pure inorganic fertilization must also be discontinued due to the rising cost of imported fertilizers and their detrimental effect on the soil. Furthermore, several studies have established that recycling self-produced organic waste as fertilizer is an excellent method to achieve sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates a significant response to organic fertilization treatment. The bioorganic empty fruit bunch (EFB) compost was tested on Podzols soil (Typic Placorthods) in the nursery and in the young mature stage of the palm that was treated from the beginning of planting. The results showed that organic fertilization using low and high concentrations of fresh and composted EFB had a more significant effect on seedling growth. A high dose of composted EFB positively affected the N and K content of the leaf. Composted EFB had added value, especially in improving soil chemical properties and assimilation of N nutrients by oil palm seedlings, especially Podzols (Typic Placorthods). Pure inorganic fertilization on Podzols (Typic Placorthods) could not have been more practical due to inadequate nutrient uptake. Composted EFB had a positive effect superior that of the fresh EFB on the chemical composition of the soil, such as improving the saturation rate of the cation exchange capacity and the exchangeable K and Mg. Fresh EFB was good, but composted EFB was better for maintaining yield and less attractivity to Oryctes, which is essential in replanting.