Discuss briefly a named oil crop under the following headings (a) climatic and soil requirements (b) planting date, seed rate and spacing (c) nursery practi...

Answer Details

Oil palm is a popular oil crop known for its high yield and versatility in the production of various products. Below are some important points to note about oil palm:

(a) Climatic and soil requirements: Oil palm requires a tropical climate with an average temperature of 27°C and an annual rainfall of 2000-2500mm. It thrives best on deep, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH of 4.5-7.0.

(b) Planting date, seed rate, and spacing: Oil palm can be planted all year round, but the best time is at the onset of the rainy season. The seed rate is 150-200 seeds per hectare, and the spacing is usually 9m x 9m or 10m x 10m.

(c) Nursery practices: The oil palm seeds are first soaked in water for three days to soften the outer shell before they are planted in the nursery. The nursery should be well-prepared, and the seedlings should be watered regularly. After six months, the seedlings are ready for transplanting.

(d) Harvesting: Oil palm trees start bearing fruits after three years, and the peak production is usually between 10-15 years. The fruits are harvested every two weeks using long poles with sickles attached to them.

(e) Processing and storage: After harvesting, the fruits are processed to extract the oil. The fruits are first sterilized, stripped of their flesh, and then pressed to extract the oil. The oil is then refined, packaged, and stored in a cool, dry place.

In conclusion, oil palm is a valuable oil crop that requires tropical climatic conditions, well-drained soils, and proper nursery practices. The harvesting process involves regular harvesting of the fruit, while the processing involves sterilization, stripping, pressing, refining, packaging, and storage.