Evidence Hub: Field Research and Trial Data
Evidence Hub: Field Research and Trial Data
Key Performance Metrics
Species Performance Data
| Spesies | N-Fixation (kg N/ha/yr) | Biomass (t DM/ha/yr) | Establishment (weeks) | Ketahanan terhadap naungan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pueraria javanica PJ) | 100-200 | 8-15 | 8-12 | Sedang |
| Calopogonium mucunoides CM) | 80-150 | 5-10 | 6-8 | Low-Moderate |
| Centrosema pubescens CP) | 80-160 | 5-12 | 10-14 | Moderate-High |
| Mucuna bracteata MB) | 100-250 | 10-20 | 10-16 | Low-Moderate |
Weed Suppression Effectiveness
Research across multiple Southeast Asian plantation environments demonstrates that established legume cover crops reduce weed biomass by 80-95% compared to unmanaged controls. Mucuna bracteata is particularly effective against Imperata cylindrica, achieving near-complete suppression within 6-12 months of establishment in field trials conducted across Malaysian and Indonesian oil palm plantations.
The mechanism is primarily light exclusion: dense cover crop canopy prevents weed seed germination and rhizome regrowth by reducing light penetration to the soil surface below 5% of full sunlight.
Soil Health Improvements
Long-term studies (5+ years) of legume cover crops in tropical plantations show measurable improvements in soil organic carbon (15-30% increase), soil aggregate stability, water infiltration rates, and microbial biomass. These improvements compound over time and are most significant in degraded or sandy soils where organic matter levels are initially low.
Nitrogen fixation by cover crop root nodules is confirmed by 15N isotope dilution studies, with fixation rates highest in the first 2-3 years of establishment when nodulation is most active.
Erosion Control on Slopes
On sloping terrain common in Malaysian and Indonesian plantation regions, established cover crops reduce soil erosion by 60-90% compared to bare soil. Ground cover of 80% or more is the threshold for effective erosion control, which most species achieve within 4-8 months of planting under favorable conditions.
SoilBoost EA Performance
Nutrient Uptake Enhancement
SoilBoost EA's humic and fulvic acids improve nutrient uptake efficiency in tropical crops. Field observations show improved root development, increased cation exchange capacity (CEC), and more efficient use of applied fertilizers. The product is effective across a broad pH range (4.0-8.0), suitable for the diverse soil conditions across Southeast Asia.
Application at 2-5 kg/ha as a soil drench or foliar spray complements existing fertilizer programs, with growers reporting improved plant vigor and fruit quality in durian, melon, mango, and other tropical fruit crops.
References and Further Reading
The performance data presented on this page draws from published agronomic literature on tropical cover crops, including research conducted by FELDA, MPOB (Malaysian Palm Oil Board), and various international agricultural research institutions. Specific data ranges reflect variability across different soil types, climatic conditions, and management practices.
We continuously update our evidence base as new research becomes available. If you are conducting field trials with our products and would like to share your results, please contact our technical team.