OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis)

Origin: West Africa

Botanical Name: Elaeis guineensis

Family: Arecaceae

➤ Soil
Deep, well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.0–6.5. Avoid saline, poorly drained, and lateritic soils. Requires a soil depth of at least 1.5 m for root development.

➤ Climate
Thrives in humid tropical climate. Optimal temperature range is 25–32°C with 2000–2500 mm annual rainfall, well distributed. Requires at least 5 hours of sunlight daily.

➤ Varieties
Tenera hybrid (cross between Dura and Pisifera) is most productive.

➤ Propagation
Propagated through tissue-cultured plantlets or selected seeds. Seedlings are raised in nurseries for 12–15 months before field planting.

➤ Planting
Spacing is 9 m x 9 m in a triangular system. Dig pits 60 x 60 x 60 cm filled with compost and soil. Best planting time is early monsoon.

➤ Irrigation
Oil palm is highly water-demanding. Drip irrigation is ideal. Each palm may require 150–200 liters of water/day during peak season.

➤ Manuring & Fertilization
Apply 600–1200 g N, 300–600 g P₂O₅, and 900–2000 g K₂O per palm/year in 3–4 splits. Organic mulch and manures improve soil structure and health.

➤ Intercropping
Legumes, banana, ginger, and turmeric can be grown in the initial 3 years. Helps in additional income and soil fertility.

➤ Pests & Diseases
Major pests: Rhinoceros beetle, bagworm.
Diseases: Basal stem rot, bud rot. Manage with sanitation, resistant varieties, and biocontrols.