The study on soil compaction in the cattle integration in oil palm project

The oil palm industry in Malaysia has expanded rapidly from 60,000 ha in 1964 to 4.49 million ha in 2008. More than 80% of the matured areas may provide vast Opportunity for integration with livestock. This is to maximize the utilization of such production resources as feeds, land and workforce. Cattle integration in oil palm plantation offers one of the best options to increase local beef and dairy supply. Studies and observations on cattle-oil palm integration have shown promising benefits in terms of savings in weeding and labor costs, as well as improved biological and agro-ecosystem impact. This study were to analyse the effect of cattle's trampling on soil compaction in non grazing area and grazing area at the oil palm plantation area at ESPEK Livestock Sdn Bhd Durian Mas, Terengganu. Soil bulk density were use as the main indicators to determine whether the soil compaction exist in the cattle integration in oil palm plantation. The methodology to test the soil sample is using moisture content test and soil bulk density taken at plot PO4 and P08 ESPEK Livestock Sdn Bhd Durian Mas,Terengganu. The result shows plot PO4(cattle integration)have higher bulk density from plot P08(non cattle integration) with means of soil bulk density of 1.05g/cm₃. However, the amount of that soil bulk density does not restrict the root penetration. Based on the result, we can conclude the cattle integration does not give negative impact to the soil structure which indirectly influence plant growth and root penetration. Indirectly according to the result , will alter the perception of smallholder and plantation industries to implement cattle integration management. The systematic managements of cattle integration has the potential for expansion and can be viable enterprise for a long run.