Report on the mission to GOPD oil palm estates (Ghana), 12 to 18 November 2005

In mineral nutrition trial PR CP 01, the response of oil palm yields to potassium chloride applications remains limited, with only a slight effect on the average bunch weight. The response of leaf K contents is rising slightly, suggesting that yields will follow suit with a slight time difference. The thinning requested in November 2004 has been carried out as planned. The harvesting rate of once every 10 days must be maintained whatever happens. Density trial PR CP 02 was set up in July 2005 as planned under the protocol and under optimum conditions. This is excellent work. At Obaretin, the plots fertilized with EFB are performing just as well (leaf contents and yields) as the plots fertilized with potassium chloride. At Cowan and Obaretin, leaf K contents remain stable, at generally satisfactory levels compared to trial PR CP 01. In 2005, the recommended fertilization was only partially applied at both Cowan and Obaretin, due to a delay in fertilizer supplies. It is a pity, because the addition applied from November onwards was applied in the dry season and very late compared to recommendations. 12-12-17-2 compound fertilizer has been confirmed as the right fertilizer for immature palms, whilst the fertilizer schedule for adult palms has been revised downwards, to take into account the relatively low sensitivity of the oil palms to potassium nutrition seen in reference trial PR CP 01, and in the commercial plots. The soil profiles observed at Obasuyi show a very suitable soil for oil palm cultivation.

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Bonneau, Xavier
Format:	monograph biblioteca
Language:	eng
Published:	CIRAD-CP
Online Access:	http://agritrop.cirad.fr/531879/ http://agritrop.cirad.fr/531879/1/ID531879.pdf
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