Assessing Soil Quality Status in Ghana's Oil Palm Smallholder Plantations

Joseph Kannesan, . and Keeren S. Rajoo, . and Arifin Abdu, . and Daljit S. Karam, . and Zamri Rosli, . and Norul Izani, . and Dzarifah Zulperi, . (2023) Assessing Soil Quality Status in Ghana's Oil Palm Smallholder Plantations. Malaysian Journal of Soil Science (MJSS) (Malaysia), 27. pp. 218-225. ISSN 1394-7990

Despite continuous governmental initiatives, oil palm yields in Ghana is significantly lower than Southeast Asian nations, being unable to even satisfy domestic demand. It hypothesized that one of the main limiting factors to oil palm production in Ghana is due to poor soil suitability. However, there is limited soil studies in Ghana oil palm plantations. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the soil fertility status of smallholder oil palm plantations in the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. By understanding the soil condition, appropriate land management strategies can be conducted to increase the productivity of Ghana’s smallholder oil palm plantations. Soil sampling was conducted in four plantations, two each in the Ashanti Region and Brong Ahafo Region, with 25 samples collected from each plantation. Samples were taken from between palm trunks, at a depth of 0-20 cm, using a soil auger. Appropriate soil analyses were conducted to determine the chemical soil properties of the samples. Additionally, the Nutrient Index was calculated to evaluate the soil’s sufficiency for crop nutrition. The soil analysis revealed differences between the regions, with Brong Ahafo exhibiting lower soil quality, particularly in organic matter and available phosphorus. Both regions displayed low Nutrient Index values, indicating inadequate soil nutrient supply for optimal crop growth. To enhance smallholder productivity and profitability, addressing knowledge gaps and providing support in land preparation, field maintenance, and fertilizer access is crucial. Government intervention and subsidies for smallholders can boost yields, meet domestic palm oil demand, and improve farmers' livelihoods in Ghana.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.msss.com.my/mjss/Full%20Text/vol27/V27...

Abstract

Despite continuous governmental initiatives, oil palm yields in Ghana is significantly lower than Southeast Asian nations, being unable to even satisfy domestic demand. It hypothesized that one of the main limiting factors to oil palm production in Ghana is due to poor soil suitability. However, there is limited soil studies in Ghana oil palm plantations. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the soil fertility status of smallholder oil palm plantations in the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. By understanding the soil condition, appropriate land management strategies can be conducted to increase the productivity of Ghana’s smallholder oil palm plantations. Soil sampling was conducted in four plantations, two each in the Ashanti Region and Brong Ahafo Region, with 25 samples collected from each plantation. Samples were taken from between palm trunks, at a depth of 0-20 cm, using a soil auger. Appropriate soil analyses were conducted to determine the chemical soil properties of the samples. Additionally, the Nutrient Index was calculated to evaluate the soil’s sufficiency for crop nutrition. The soil analysis revealed differences between the regions, with Brong Ahafo exhibiting lower soil quality, particularly in organic matter and available phosphorus. Both regions displayed low Nutrient Index values, indicating inadequate soil nutrient supply for optimal crop growth. To enhance smallholder productivity and profitability, addressing knowledge gaps and providing support in land preparation, field maintenance, and fertilizer access is crucial. Government intervention and subsidies for smallholders can boost yields, meet domestic palm oil demand, and improve farmers' livelihoods in Ghana.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Elaeis guineensis
AGROVOC Term:	soil fertility
AGROVOC Term:	smallholders
AGROVOC Term:	soil sampling
AGROVOC Term:	soil analysis
AGROVOC Term:	land management
AGROVOC Term:	farmers
AGROVOC Term:	organic matter
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	19 May 2025 07:44
Last Modified:	19 May 2025 07:44
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2793

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