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Mechanical weeding enhances ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm

Author

Listed:
  • Najeeb Al-Amin Iddris

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Greta Formaglio

    (University of Goettingen
    University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD)

  • Carola Paul

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Volker Groß

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Guantao Chen

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Andres Angulo-Rubiano

    (University of Goettingen
    University of Goettingen)

  • Dirk Berkelmann

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Fabian Brambach

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Kevin F. A. Darras

    (Westlake University)

  • Valentyna Krashevska

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Anton Potapov

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Arne Wenzel

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Bambang Irawan

    (University of Jambi)

  • Muhammad Damris

    (University of Jambi)

  • Rolf Daniel

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Ingo Grass

    (University of Hohenheim)

  • Holger Kreft

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Stefan Scheu

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Teja Tscharntke

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Aiyen Tjoa

    (Tadulako University)

  • Edzo Veldkamp

    (University of Goettingen)

  • Marife D. Corre

    (University of Goettingen)

Abstract

Oil palm is the most productive oil crop, but its high productivity is associated with conventional management (that is, high fertilization rates and herbicide application), causing deleterious environmental impacts. Using a 22 factorial experiment, we assessed the effects of conventional vs reduced (equal to nutrients removed by fruit harvest) fertilization rates and herbicide vs mechanical weeding on ecosystem functions, biodiversity and profitability. Analysing across multiple ecosystem functions, mechanical weeding exhibited higher multifunctionality than herbicide treatment, although this effect was concealed when evaluating only for individual functions. Biodiversity was also enhanced, driven by 33% more plant species under mechanical weeding. Compared with conventional management, reduced fertilization and mechanical weeding increased profit by 12% and relative gross margin by 11% due to reductions in material costs, while attaining similar yields. Mechanical weeding with reduced, compensatory fertilization in mature oil palm plantations is a tenable management option for enhancing ecosystem multifunctionality and biodiversity and increasing profit, providing win–win situations.

Suggested Citation

  • Najeeb Al-Amin Iddris & Greta Formaglio & Carola Paul & Volker Groß & Guantao Chen & Andres Angulo-Rubiano & Dirk Berkelmann & Fabian Brambach & Kevin F. A. Darras & Valentyna Krashevska & Anton Potap, 2023. "Mechanical weeding enhances ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(6), pages 683-695, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:6:y:2023:i:6:d:10.1038_s41893-023-01076-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01076-x
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