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A group of researchers at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), led by Ahmad Afandi Murdi have innovated a fertiliser formulation containing optimum balanced nutrients that can raise oil palm yield.
Director-General of Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulam Kadir said, the innovation, called MPOB F3 compound fertiliser, is in the form of compact fertiliser and contains a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium and borate, specifically formulated for oil palms planted on mineral soils. MPOB F3, formulated with balanced nutrients is also suitable for oil palm planted on various soils.
“Palm trees need proper fertilisation including optimum balanced nutrient fertilisers to raise their yield. Even though the nutrient requirement is site-specific, the balanced nutrient ratio in such formulated compound fertilisers will provide a satisfactory nutrient input needed at the various locations. The systematic use of this fertiliser is cost effective as it will increase the productivity of fresh fruit bunches and hence, will raise the income of growers,” said Dr. Ahmad Parveez.
According to him, MPOB F3 is a cost-effective fertiliser as it can reduce the loss of nutrients and increase the nutrient uptake efficiency of the oil palm roots.
The introduction of this balanced fertiliser formulation in oil palm plantations subsequently minimises the negative environmental impacts related to over-fertilisation, land degradation and pollution from heavy metal.
Research for the innovation began in 1990 until 2006 and the selection of raw materials as sources for the formulation of the fertiliser is based on cost-effectiveness, consistency in nutrient contents and suitability for blending and compounding. The formulation includes a conditioner or zeolite to increase nutrient recovery by the crops.
MPOB F3 will be in the market as MPOB has signed an agreement with FGV Fertilizer Sdn Bhd whereby the company will produce the fertiliser.
MPOB has signed an agreement with FGV Fertilizer Sdn Bhd for the commercialisation of MPOB F3 fertilizer. The handing over ceremony of the agreement document between MPOB and FGV Fertilizer Sdn Bhd was witnessed by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities during the pre-launch ceremony of the Transfer of Technology 2021 Webinar last April.