What's new since OMP version 8
Pesticide module: Add-in programme for OMP to manage and monitor pesticide recommendations and applications per block on a monthly basis.
The programme stores data per product and active ingredients. It offers filter, data analysis and report options, and it is designed to support both actual field management as well as long term documentation.
Status: beta release available mid 2005
EMS application: see EMS page
Analyses and report options already incuded in previous OMP versions
Land preparation methods
Documenting land preparation methods is a fundamental topic to prove a sustainable and environmentally consious production history. Additional important information can be provided by satellite images and the GIS. The method of land clearing is stored for each block so that the effects on land preparation methods can be studied.
The information are relevant for practical management decisions for replanting programs. Comparisons between land preparation methods and the effect on yields can be made and management methods adjusted accordingly. The effects of soil compaction, site disturbance and burning on subsequent yield profiles and longer term productivity can be analysed in detail. OMP has powerful filtering features so that meaningful comparisons can be made (and mapped if required).
As patterns emerge, management practices can be adapted to adopt the best land clearing practices for particular sites, soil types and situations.
Erosion
Aim to minimise erosion in all palm areas.
- Is erosion being adequately managed to acceptable standards?
- Is the level of erosion related to drainage, ground cover, soil type, topography or other factors?
- What impact is erosion having on surrounding areas and waterways?
- If there are problems, have there been improvements over time or is the problem becoming worse?
Soil conservation
Soil conservation is fundamental to best practice. If topsoil is eroded and moved it may cause environmental damage, and the soil loss will certainly affect long term yields and estate productivity.
OMP maintains records of annual environmental audits that include soil conservation measures that have been implemented to preserve the soil. These can be monitored over time and in conjunction with erosion assessments and topography to ensure suitable conservation measures are being implemented.
Ground cover
Maintaining adequate ground cover is important to prevent soil damage, increase nutrient recycling, reduce soil temperatures and to provide a haven for beneficial insects.
OMP stores the ground cover status from each environmental audit so that both current status and long term changes can be examined and mapped.
Legume cover plants (LCP) are not usually grown as a crop in oil palm plantations and are therefore not referred to as ‘legume cover crops' or ‘LCC'. LCP are planted to achieve the following objectives:
- Erosion control (by protecting the soil from heavy rainfall and direct sunlight).
- Improved soil conditions (by providing a mulch of organic matter).
- Reduced soil temperatures, more rapid water infiltration and reduced surface water runoff.
- Stimulation of the soil micro and macro flora and fauna.
- Provide N by symbiotic fixation of atmospheric N 2 (=300 kg N/ha/yr).
- Pest control (i.e. prevent rhinoceros beetle from breeding in felled palm trunks)
- Weed control due to competition against weed species from the legume cover plants.
> read more: LCC PDF file
Drainage
Palm blocks should have optimal drainage to allow proper maintenance but not cause 'over-drainage' and drying of the soil profile. Due consideration should be given to maintenance of riparian zones, natural wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.
- Are the palm blocks adequately drained to allow proper management and prevent uncontrolled water flows?
- Are drain designs and layout correct for the block and the topography?
- Have water management structures been installed to maintain water levels and prevent inflows or salination?
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