Field Notes
Earthworms are among the most productive worker...
Earthworms and vermicompost improve soil biology, structure, and yield in tropical cropping systems. This article summarises what the systematic review evidence shows, how soil enzyme activity connects to nutrient cycling,...
How many palms per hectare is the right number?...
Planting density affects oil palm yield for the entire stand life. A 14-year trial comparing three densities shows the trade-offs between canopy closure, individual palm yield, and per-hectare FFB output....
Conventional urea loses a large proportion of i...
Nitrogen loss from conventional urea in rubber plantations is high due to volatilisation and leaching. The 2024 CCRU research shows how controlled-release urea formulations improve nitrogen use efficiency and Hevea...
Pineapple yields vary widely. Site-specific nut...
Pineapple yields vary widely between farms on similar soils. The research points to nutrition management as the primary lever. This article covers the NPK requirements, the case for slow-release nitrogen,...
One third of paddy soils are zinc deficient. Th...
Zinc deficiency is the most common micronutrient problem in flooded paddy soils. This article covers the scale of the problem in Malaysia, the human nutrition connection, and the agronomic application...
Sarawak produces 97% of Malaysia's pepper. Most...
Most black pepper farms in Sarawak are not reaching their yield potential. This article covers the nutrient demand profile of Piper nigrum, the critical growth stages, and the soil problem...