Yield gap analysis in oil palm: Framework development and application in commercial operations in Southeast Asia

We assessed for each site at plantation scale water-limited potential yield using the PALMSIM simulation model, attainable yield determined by best performing blocks within the plantation as defined by 90th percentile of observed yields and actual yields (blocks representing the median yields). The water-limited potential yield did not differ very much; 35-39 t fresh fruit bunch (FFB) during the plateau phase, the most productive phase in the life time of a palm. This reflected the favorable environmental conditions found in many parts of Sumatra and Borneo for oil palm. Attainable yields were in the range of 26-31 t FFB/ha. The exploitable YG between attainable and actual yield ranged for the four sites from 5 to 7 t FFB/ha/year. For one site (Central Kalimantan), we assessed yield variability due to varying soil conditions at the block scale according to its dominant soil type. This suggested that they were indeed exploitable by management. If the plantation could close the gap between attainable and actual yield this could give about 21,000 t/yr higher FFB. This indicated the large scope for intensification oil palm offers in many parts of insular Southeast Asia.