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Report on the mission to Presco oil palm estates (Nigeria), 3 to 8 december 2007

Bonneau X.. 2008. Montpellier : CIRAD-PERSYST, 73 p.. numero_rapport: CIRAD-PERSYST N°2173.

In mineral nutrition trial PR CP 01, the absence of any response of palm yields to potassium chloride applications is confirmed. For leaf contents, a significant palm response to KCI applications is also confirmed, but it remains low and limited to a range of contents probably compressed by the pressure of calcium contents. KCI application rates will be increased from 2008 onwards and soil samples will be taken to try and understand where K is blocked. Upkeep in density trial PR CP 02 is very good, with uniform young palm growth. Replacements were made in 2007 as planned, with double protection against the cutting grass, resulting in very low mortality. Mineral nutrition, measured in December 2007, is satisfactory: good, uniform leaf contents. However, Mg contents need sustaining. The site of future trial PR CP 03 (gypsum and subsoiling) has been chosen: plot K 13-1 at Ologbo. The protocol has been drawn up, including a series of soil measurements, which will be carried out in conjunction with INRAB. Planting is scheduled for April 2008. There remains to transport 44 tonnes of gypsum from Gombe State, where a good quality product has been identified. The mineral nutrition of mature palms is satisfactory at both the Cowan and Obaretin estates, and more uniform than in 2006, despite lower KCI applications. As the K contents remain at high levels compared to the thresholds determined in trial PR CP 01, the annual amount of KCI will continue to be reduced, whilst maintaining a sufficient safety margin. The N, P and K nutrition of immature palms is confirmed as being satisfactory, with the two annual applications of compound fertilizer. Any patches of magnesium deficiency symptoms will be treated with kieserite. If they are seen over excessively large areas, a generalized application of kieserite should be made on immature palms, to compensate for the relative poverty of the soil in Mg.

Mots-clés : elaeis guineensis; fertilisation; expérimentation; plantations; nigéria

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