A Mini Review of Palm Based Fertiliser Production in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is the second largest exporter of palm oil products (crude palm oil, etc.) after Indonesia. Along with oil palm processing, abundance of lignocellulosic palm biomass is produced annually. Currently, more than 85 % of the total biomass in Malaysia is derived from the oil palm industry. Inefficient management and disposal of such biomass might threaten the environment. On the contrary, wise utilisation of the biomass by applying ‘waste-to-wealth’ concept can strengthen the economy and sustainable development in agriculture sector. This paper reviews the progress, potential and technologies used to convert palm biomass into fertiliser in Malaysia. In overall, palm biomass exhibits great potential to be converted into fertiliser to substitute portion of the country’s fertiliser import fraction for efficient utilisation.