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Hidden Fact Of Oil Palm: Water Efficient And Ecofriendly

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There are still many people who think of palm oil as a water-wasting crop that causes drought. Is it true? Let’s find out the real facts!

MYTH:
Oil palm is a water-intensive plant and causes drought.

FACT:
The oil palm is a water-efficient plant and even significantly contributes to hydrological conservation.

Comparison of Plant Water Requirements

Evapotranspiration Rate

The evaporation process of water into the atmosphere from the soil and plants shows that the oil palm uses less water if compared to many other plants.

Data shows:

  • Lamtoro & Bamboo: 3,000 mm/year
  • Acacia: 2,400 mm/year
  • Sengon: 2,300 mm/year
  • Oil palm: Only 1,104 mm/year (Source: Coster, 1938)

Transpiration Rate

Transpiration is the process of releasing water vapor from leaves. Again, oil palm shows the lowest level:

  • Rubber: 2.44 mm/year
  • Cocoa: 0.5 – 2.2 mm/year
  • Primary forest: 1.0 – 1.7 mm/year
  • Oil palm: Only 0.46 mm/year

(Source: Kobayashi et al., Kohler et al., McJannet et al., Pradiko et al.)

Water Footprint

Total water used to produce one ton of agricultural products:

  • Cotton: ± 4,000 m³
  • Sunflower: ± 3,500 m³
  • Coconut: ± 3,000 m³
  • Rapeseed: ± 2,400 m³
  • Soybean: ± 2,100 m³
  • Palm oil: Only ± 1,100 m³

Even the water used by oil palm mostly comes from rainwater, not irrigation or groundwater which can cause a deficit of water resource.

Water Conservation Mechanism by Oil Palm

  1. Natural Canopy:

The thick and comprehensive structure of the oil palm fronds is able to hold rainwater and prevent erosion due to water run-off.

  1. Deep and Wide Roots:
    The fibrous root system of the oil palm helps to absorb rainwater maximally and stores water reserves in the soil. It prevents drought and maintains stable soil moisture.

Conclusion: It is wrong to accuse oil palm as heavy water-user!

Data from various studies prove that oil palm:

  • Has the lowest level of water requirements
  • Very efficient in maintaining groundwater reserves
  • Plays an active role in water conservation

So, the accusation that oil palm causes drought is false or just a myth.

Coster (1938). Kobayashi et al. (2014). Kohler et al. (2014). Mc Jannet et al. (2007). Pradiko et al. (2022). Makkonen & Hoekstra (2010)

Source: gapki.id

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