Attempts were made to quantify the availability of biomass from a mature plantation annually and also at the stage of felling. The representative samples of the palm components were analysed separately for nutrient content viz., N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The biowastes available to the tune of 15 tonnes every year from a mature plantation under rain fed conditions, 132 kg N, 11.5 kg P, 155kg K, 92 kg Ca and 38 kg Mg could be expected. If recycled properly, this can meet almost 77% nitrogen, 13% phosphorus and 90% potassium requirement of palms as per the present recommendation of 1200-600-1200g NPK under rain fed conditions. At felling stage, with an estimated biomass yield of 163 tonnes per hectare, 1503 kg N, 129 kg P, 2345 kg K, 513 kg Ca and 438kg Mg could be expected. Thus it is clear that though oil palm is a heavy feeder, major share of the nutrients absorbed by palms is recycled back to the soil during its lifespan of 30–35 years. The nutrients available at the end of the crop could be utilized by the subsequent crop if properly managed and a major share of the requirement during initial years could be met through these nutrients.
oil palm, biomass, nutrients, recycling
