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sterilized during the oil extraction process and can be
considered as pathogen-free and therefore relatively safe
to use directly without composting in the planting hole
especially for the cultivation of fruit crops. EFB can also be
applied in furrows for the cultivation of long-term vegeta-
bles such as sweet shoots. The EFB becomes the source
of slow-release organic matter and some nutrients to the
infertile sand tailings. It also aids in retaining nutrients and
water, and can be used as a mulch to prevent the surface
soil temperature from rising too high.
The POME is collected in ponds near the palm oil mills.
Here the effluent undergoes a series of anaerobic and
Yields of leafy vegetables on sand tailings compared to mean yields on normal soils
Source: Abd. Shukor et al.
2
Common name
Yield (t/ha)
English
Local
Sand tailings
Normal soils
Chinese mustard
Sawi bunga
12-20
12.8
Chinese spinach
Bayam
12-25
14.3
Water convolvulus
Kangkong
10-20
10.0
Lettuce
Daun salad
8-15
17.9
Chinese chives
Kucai
10-15
11.5
Yields of fruit vegetables on sand tailings compared to farmers’ mean yield
Source: Abd. Shukor et al.
3
Common name
Yield (t/ha)
English
Local
Sand tailings
Farmers’ mean
Chilli
Cili
6-19
11.8
Brinjal/egg plant
Terung
25-30
16.0
Okra/lady’s finger
Kacang bendi
~20
13.4
Cucumber
Timun
38
19.1
Tomato
Tomato
21-40
28.4
Herb yields on sand tailings compared to farmers’ mean on normal soils
Source: Abd. Shukor et al.
4
Common name
Yield (t/ha)
English
Local
Sand tailings
Farmers’ mean
Lemon grass
Serai makan
17.8-24.7
12.1
Ginger
Halia
16.0-24.9
6.0
Turmeric
Kunyit
6.2-10.9
12.6
Noni
Mengkudu
3.7, 14.8, 12.9
1.2, 16.0, 18.0*
Aloe vera (gel yield)
-
14.5
-
*Yields in first, second and third years
L
iving
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and