Irrigation of oil palms in Southern Thailand
Publicación:
Revista Palmas; Vol. 21 Núm. especial, (2000); 233-241
0121-2923
Revista Palmas; Vol. 21 Núm. especial, (2000); 233-241
0121-2923
Abstract
Results of two irrigation trials on Southern Thailand are discussed. Irrigation at the rate of 4-5 mm rainfall equivalent per day gave significant increases in bunch number per palm, without change in mean bunch weight. The yield increase averaged about 6 t FFB/ha/yr. The response appeared to be non-linear, with the first 2 mm of water giving a greater response than additional water. No differences were detected between different methods of irrigation. There were indications of possible effects of irrigation on oil to bunch, but these were not consistent between the trials. Economic analysis showed that irrigation should be profitable at palm oil prices above US$400/t, and the method with the lowest capital cost (furrow irrigation) was the most profitable. Where infield mechanization is practiced, bridges over the furrows would increase capital cost, and drip irrigation would then be equally profitable, and probably more reliable. El documento analiza los resultados de dos ensayos de riego en el sur de Tailandia. El riego a una tasa equivalente a 4-5 mm de precipitación por día resultó en un aumento significativo en el número de racimos por palma, cambio en el peso medio del racimo. El promedio del aumento en el rendimiento fue de aproximadamente 61 de RFF/ha/año. La respuesta parece no ser lineal, ya que los primeros 2 mm de agua dieron una respuesta mayor que el agua adicional. No se detectaron diferencias entre los distintos métodos de riego. Hubo ciertos indicios de posibles efectos del riego sobre la relación aceite/racimo, pero éstos no fueron consistentes entre los ensayos. El análisis económico demostró que el riego debe ser rentable con precios del aceite de palma por encima de los US$400/t, y que el método con los costos de capital más bajos (riego por surcos) fue el más rentable. En los casos donde se emplea la mecanización dentro del cultivo, los puentes sobre los surcos aumentan el costo del capital y el riego por goteo sería igualmente rentable, y probablemente más confiable.
Results of two irrigation trials on Southern Thailand are discussed. Irrigation at the rate of 4-5 mm rainfall equivalent per day gave significant increases in bunch number per palm, without change in mean bunch weight. The yield increase averaged about 6 t FFB/ha/yr. The response appeared to be non-linear, with the first 2 mm of water giving a greater response than additional water. No differences were detected between different methods of irrigation. There were indications of possible effects of irrigation on oil to bunch, but these were not consistent between the trials. Economic analysis showed that irrigation should be profitable at palm oil prices above US$400/t, and the method with the lowest capital cost (furrow irrigation) was the most profitable. Where infield mechanization is practiced, bridges over the furrows would increase capital cost, and drip irrigation would then be equally profitable, and probably more reliable.
Palabras clave:
palma de aceite
elaeis guineensis
métodos de riego
análisis económico
Tailandia
palma de aceite
elaeis guineensis
métodos de riego
análisis económico
Tailandia