The Basic Concept
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Best Management Practices
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| A limited number of blocks with best management practice (BMP) strategically placed in a plantation provide a useful tool to:
determine site-specific attainable yield under optimal management
- estimate peak crop production for planning mill capacity requirements
- demonstrate the effect of management practices on crop performance and soil improvement
- train staff on the implementation of new practices
- test new technologies
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 Priority 1:
Complete crop recovery through collection of all fruits and short harvesting rounds ( access for harvesters, short harvesting intervals ).
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Under BMP conditions, yield is only limited by:
 Climate
- Planting material
- Soil texture
- Rooting depth
- Water
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 Priority 2:
Optimal growth and fruit bunch production through quantitative canopy management ( pruning, removal of unproductive palms ).
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| Schematic diagram of an estate with trial blocks for BMP
Characteristics of sample estate:
- 5,500 ha with 182 blocks of each 30 ha
- 3 soil types
- 1 BMP block per 1,000 ha
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 Priority 3:
Optimal root function and nutrient uptake of palms through adequate moisture availability ( drainage, water conservation ).
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 Priority 4:
Other improvements
- Improvement of soil organic matter and indigenous nutrient supply through legume cover plants
- Optimal nutrient use through complete utilization
of crop residues ( empty fruit bunches, decanter cake ).
- Optimal access and erosion control through contour paths
- Optimal fertilizer
use efficiency through weed- free platforms around trees and correct fertilizer placement .
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pages & links 
