Authors: Ya Li Lim, Fatima A. Tenorio, Juan Pablo Monzón, Hendra Sugianto, C. R. Donough, Suroso Rahutomo, Fahmuddin Agus, M.A. Slingerland, Nuzul H. Darlan, Asri A. Dwiyahreni, Rana Farrasati, Nurul Mahmudah, Tohirin Muhamad, Denni Nurdwiansyah, Sandri Palupi, Iput Pradiko, Shofia Saleh, Muhdan Syarovy, Dhimas Wiratmoko, Patricio Grassini | Year: 2023 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103729
Smallholder farmers manage approximately 40% of Indonesia’s total oil palm area, a substantial contribution to national crude palm oil production. But behind this figure lies a concerning reality: the majority of smallholder plantations operate far below their productivity potential, and one of the main causes is suboptimal nutrient management. This large-scale study, one of the first comprehensive assessments of nutrient status among Indonesian oil palm smallholders, reveals just how serious this problem is.
The study analyzed data from hundreds of smallholder farms across various oil palm-producing provinces in Indonesia. The research team collected leaf and soil samples, recorded actual fertilization practices, and measured FFB production to obtain a comprehensive picture of nutrient status and its relationship with productivity. The results were then compared with optimal nutrient recommendation standards for oil palm.
The findings were both surprising and concerning. Nearly all surveyed farms showed nutrient deficiencies, whether total insufficiency or imbalances between nutrient elements. Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) were the most commonly deficient, though deficiency patterns varied across regions reflecting differences in soil characteristics and local practices. More worryingly, many farmers applied no fertilizer at all, while those who did often used the wrong type or dosage, driven more by limited knowledge and capital than by negligence.
The following table summarizes the factors studied along with their roles and level of influence.
| Factor | Role in Study | Condition / Context | Influence Level | Specific Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen & Potassium Deficiency | Two most commonly deficient macronutrients in Indonesian smallholder plantations | Found across nearly all surveyed farms from various oil palm-producing provinces | Very High | Deficiency patterns differ across regions reflecting local soil characteristics. Farms applying no fertilizer or using wrong dosage/type dominated the findings |
| Smallholder Yield Gap | Large production gap between smallholder farms and professionally managed large estates | Smallholders manage ~40% of Indonesia’s oil palm area yet productivity far below potential | Very High | Most of this gap can be explained by differences in nutrient management, not land or weather factors |
| Limited Capital & Knowledge | Root cause behind suboptimal fertilization practices, not farmer negligence | Many farmers do not fertilize due to capital constraints, not unwillingness | Very High | Farmers who do fertilize often use wrong type or dosage due to limited access to accurate information and recommendations |
| Leaf & Soil Analysis | Site-specific nutrient diagnostic tool enabling targeted fertilizer recommendations | Affordable access remains a barrier for many smallholder farmers | Significant | Broader subsidy programs for leaf and soil analysis could be a highly cost-effective policy intervention to boost smallholder productivity |
| Comprehensive Intervention | Multi-pronged approach needed to meaningfully close the productivity gap | Includes: effective nutrition training, affordable soil analysis access, accessible fertilizer credit schemes | Significant | No single intervention is sufficient; a combination of training, information access, and financial support is needed simultaneously |
The productivity gap between smallholder farms and professionally managed large estates can largely be explained by differences in nutrient management. Closing this gap requires comprehensive interventions, ranging from effective nutrition training programs, access to affordable soil and leaf analysis, to fertilizer credit schemes that are more accessible to farmers.
Have questions about this research or similar experiences in your plantation? Write in the comments section, we’d be happy to discuss.
Glossary
- Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB)
- The harvest unit of oil palm, consisting of a complete bunch with unprocessed fruits. FFB is the primary measure of oil palm plantation productivity.
- Nitrogen (N)
- A primary macronutrient required by plants to form proteins, chlorophyll, and enzymes. Nitrogen deficiency causes leaf yellowing and stunted growth.
- Potassium (K)
- A macronutrient that regulates water balance within plant cells and stomatal activity. Potassium deficiency increases plant susceptibility to diseases and drought stress.
Source
Lim, Y. L., Tenorio, F. A., Monzón, J. P., Sugianto, H., Donough, C. R., Rahutomo, S., Agus, F., Slingerland, M., Darlan, N. H., Dwiyahreni, A. A., Farrasati, R., Mahmudah, N., Muhamad, T., Nurdwiansyah, D., Palupi, S., Pradiko, I., Saleh, S., Syarovy, M., Wiratmoko, D., Grassini, & P. (2023). Too little, too imbalanced: Nutrient supply in smallholder oil palm fields in Indonesia. Agricultural Systems. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103729
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