AFECTATIONS TO SOIL AND SOIL INFILTRATION BY OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis JACQ) CULTIVATION IN TABASCO

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the possible negative impacts on soil fertility, as a result of the soil use change from the grassland to oil palm.

Design/methodology/approach: The following variables were evaluated: soil organic matter (SOM), bulk density (BD), mechanical penetration resistance (MPR), root system distribution, and infiltration in 5-, 11- and 25-year-old oil palm plantations, as well as in an adjoining grassland —whose land use had not changed to oil palm cultivation.

Results: During the first years of cultivation, the substitution of the grassland for oil palm caused SOM losses, increased BD and MPR, and reduced infiltration levels. After 11 years, these effects became stable and were reversed. Therefore, in mature plantations of >25 years, the soil and infiltration conditions improved, even surpassing the grassland. These changes occur at a depth of 40 cm and are attributable to the SOM provided by the root system; consequently, root distribution does not block infiltration, becoming a beneficial factor, particularly in mature plantations.

Study limitations/implications: The research must be replicated under other soil conditions, in order to observe the fertility behavior.

Findings/conclusions: After the grassland is replaced by oil palm, soil fertility deteriorates during the first years; fertility becomes stable and recovers after 11 years. Meanwhile, the effect reverses and surpasses grassland fertility levels after 25 years.