Evaluation Status Hara Land and Leaf Plant Coconut Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) Plantation People in Linggabayu District, Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is one of the most important plantation crops in Indonesia, and requires
effective soil and nutrient management to achieve optimal productivity. This survey aimed to evaluate soil and
leaf nutrient status in oil palm plantations managed by smallholders in Linggabayu District, Mandailing Natal
Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Data were collected through field observations and soil and leaf
sampling in Batuloting Village, Banjar Selamat, and Padang Silojongan, with 10 trees sampled at each location. All
samples were analyzed at the PT Socfin Indonesia (SOCFINDO) Laboratory to determine the macronutrient content
of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). The results showed that soil N, P, and K
levels at most locations were low to very low, while Mg levels ranged from low to high. Leaf tissue analysis
revealed that nitrogen content was generally within the optimal range at almost all locations, except in Banjar
Selamat Village and Padang Silojongan, where deficiency symptoms were observed. Phosphorus content in leaves
ranged from adequate to optimal, while potassium content varied from low to optimal across sampling locations.
Magnesium levels in leaves were relatively adequate, although a small percentage of samples still indicated
deficiencies. These findings suggest that, despite generally limited soil fertility, oil palm plants can effectively
absorb nutrients. This condition is supported by current fertilization practices and the physiological adaptability
of oil palm plants to efficiently utilize soil nutrients. Therefore, site-specific nutrient management, particularly
for N, P, and K, is recommended to improve soil fertility and maintain oil palm productivity in smallholder
plantations.