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Utilization of Organic Wastes and Natural Systems in Malaysian Agriculture

A.H. Sharifuddin and A.R. Zaharah

University of Agriculture, Serdang, Malaysia

Full Paper (PDF File: 158KB)

Abstract

Malaysia produces about 35 and 59 percent of the world's supply of rubber and palm oil, respectively. It is also the third largest producer of cocoa, (200,000 Mg of raw cocoa beans annually) and the fourth largest producer of pepper (14,200 Mg annually). Other crops produced are rice, pineapple, vegetables, and tropical fruits. To maintain its competitiveness in the world market, there are efforts to reduce the production costs of these crops. The goal is to develop highly efficient management practices without sacrificing environmental quality and the living standard of agricultural workers. Production costs can be reduced by using agricultural waste products for fertilizers and practicing biological pest control, while increasing crop productivity and soil fertility. During the past decade, research was directed toward the use of agricultural wastes and natural systems for crop production. The agricultural wastes include palm oil mill effluent (POME), rubber mill effluent (RME), empty oil palm fruit bunch (EFB), and animal wastes. The natural systems include barn owl, rhizobium, Elaeidobius kamerunicus beetles, and honey bee. Currently, the plantation sector is extensively utilizing POME, RME, and EFB as substitutes for chemical fertilizers, Elaeidobius kamerunicus for pollinating oil palm fruit bunches, barn owl for rodent control, and rhizobium for nitrogen fixation by legume crops. The vegetable and fruit farmers are using animal and agricultural waste products as sources of plant nutrients and as soil conditioners. They are using honey bees to improve pollination of coconut and fruit crops.