Jurnal Penelitian Kelapa Sawit

The Effect of Mixing Light Phase Decanter with Crude Oil from The Crude Oil Tank (COT) on CPO Quality

2026-05-12T04:58:18+00:00

To improve the productivity of palm oil mills, maximizing oil recovery and minimizing losses are crucial efforts. One applicable approach is optimizing the mixing of the light phase discharged from the decanter with crude oil from the crude oil tank in the continuous settling tank. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the light phase on the final quality of the produced oil and to determine the optimal mixing ratio that yields the best oil quality. Experiments were conducted with four mixing variations between crude oil and light phase: 90%:10%, 80%:20%, 70%:30%, and 60%:40%. After mixing, laboratory analyses were performed to determine the oil content, free fatty acid (FFA) level, moisture content, and impurities of the resulting oil. The results showed that higher proportions of light phase in the mixture led to increased oil content. The FFA level initially decreased to a minimum at 23.8% light phase due to the dilution effect of crude oil by the light phase, which had higher oil content, but then increased at higher proportions because of the higher FFA contribution from the light phase and potential hydrolysis reactions. Moisture and impurity levels from the light phase did not significantly affect the quality of the mixed oil because their differences compared to crude oil were relatively small. The optimal composition was achieved at 23.8% light phase, yielding 65.07% oil content, 2.0367% FFA, 0.367% moisture, and 0.0189% impurities. These findings indicate that an appropriate mixing strategy can improve oil utilization efficiency and reduce losses, thus supporting productivity enhancement and the sustainability of the palm oil industry without compromising CPO quality standards.

Potential of Soybean (Glycine Max L.) as an Alternative Legume Cover Crop to Mucuna Bracteata for Enhancing Soil Chemical and Biological Properties and Growth Performance of Immature Oil Palm

2026-05-12T04:54:58+00:00

The use of cover crops contributes significantly to maintaining soil fertility and land sustainability during the immature phase of oil palm plantations. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of soybean (Glycine max L.) as a substitute for Mucuna bracteata in relation to soil chemical and biological properties, as well as the growth of immature oil palm. The research was conducted at Adolina Estate, PTPN IV, North Sumatra, using two treatments: oil palm with M. bracteata and oil palm intercropped with soybean, each replicated three times. Observed parameters included soil and leaf nutrient contents, functional microbial populations, leaf area, biomass, and vegetative growth of oil palm. The results indicated that soybean intercropping exerted a relatively comparable effect to M. bracteata on soil chemical properties and supported slightly higher vegetative growth of oil palm. However, populations of nitrogen-fixing, phosphorus-solubilizing, and potassium-solubilizing microbes were higher under the M. bracteata treatment. Overall, soybean has potential as an alternative cover crop that supports productivity and circular economy practices in immature oil palm plantations.

Investment Feasibility Analysis of Product Diversification Programme Case Study in Sei Aek Pancur Biofertilizer Factory

2026-07-10T04:15:09+00:00

The substantial decline in sales of Bioneensis biofertilizer which is reaching only 37% of the previous year's performance, significantly disrupted the operational continuity of the Sei Aek Pancur factory in North Sumatera. In response, PT Nusantara Estate Crops Research Institute (PT RPN) implemented a product diversification strategy by introducing two additional bioproduct, namely Greemi-G biofungiside and Metaribb bioinsecticide. This study aims to evaluate the impact of policies and business feasibility based on a forward integration strategy approach, where the production location was directed to be closer from consumers. The analysis was conducted using secondary data comprising production volumes, sales figures, distribution patterns, operational costs, and factory capacity. Methodologies employed included a comprehensive pros-and-cons assessment, market potential analysis, financial feasibility evaluation, and business sensitivity analysis. The findings indicate although the diversification strategy incurs depreciation costs for equipment and labor amounting to IDR 4.79 billion, it remains financially and operationally viable. Market projections suggest a potential annual demand of 1,695 tons for Greemi-G dan 300 tons for Metaribb. Financial analysis demonstrates favorable outcomes, with a Net Present Value (NPV) of IDR 4.86 billion, a Benefit-Cost (B/C) ratio of 1.22, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 17.4%, a Profitability Index (PI) of 3.99, and a payback period of seven months. The diversification initiative is considered both technically and financially sustainable with supported by adequate technological infrastructure and qualified human resources.

Life Cycle Cost Assessment of Biogas Utilization POME for Alternative Energy Toward Decarbonization and Sustainability

2026-07-13T07:49:11+00:00

Pome is a source of emissions that affect the environment, especially as a source of greenhouse gases, eutrophication, and acidification. However, pome also has the potential to be used as a renewable energy source and to minimize environmental impacts by producing biogas with methane capture technologies. This study aims to analyse the economic and financial implications of POME utilization under four schemes co-firing (scheme 1), electricity (scheme 2), bio-CNG as a gasoline substitute (scheme 3), and bio-CNG as an LPG substitute (scheme 4). The analysis was conducted at three palm oil mills in Riau each processing 45-60 tons fresh fruit bunch (FFB) per hour and employing district POME utilization technologies. The methodologies employed include life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), levelized cost (LC) and financial feasibility analysis. he LCCA results are IDR 26.55 billion for scheme 1, IDR 81.84 billion for scheme 2, IDR 253.10 billion for scheme 3, and IDR 165.25 billion for scheme 4. The LC for each scheme is IDR 42.06 per MJ, IDR 1,143.57 per kWh, IDR 8,500.27 per LSP, and IDR 6,526.41 per kg, respectively. The corresponding selling prices are IDR 34.49 per MJ, IDR 1,444.70 per kWh, IDR 8,500.27 per LSP, IDR 4,500 per LSP, and IDR 6,526.41 per kg. The results indicate that schemes 2 and 4 are feasible according to LCCA, while schemes 1 and 3 are not. Financial feasibility analysis further demonstrates that only scheme 3 is not viable. Overall, scheme 1 provides a low-carbon, cost-effective solution for internal decarbonization of PKS, as it does not necessitate additional infrastructure for compressed gas distribution. Conversely, bio-CNG development is more suitable as a substitute for external fuels and as a long-term approach to achieving carbon neutrality in the transportation and industrial sectors, thereby supporting the advancement of new and renewable energy.

Panel Data Regression Analysis on Oil Palm Plantation Development and Community Welfare

2026-07-09T03:57:11+00:00

This research employs a green economy theory approach, which is rare in oil palm plantation studies. This study aims to analyze the impact of oil palm plantations on community welfare, using variables such as the proportion of oil palm plantations, productivity, and farmer-added value, alongside area control and Gross Fixed Capital Formation, with the dependent variable being the welfare level of the Human Development Index. Data from the Central Statistics Agency at the district and provincial levels consisting of 8 districts with a time span of 10 years. Utilizing panel data regression models. Results show plantation areas are less prosperous than non-plantation areas in North Sumatra's east coast. The results highlight the need for Local governments need to promote economic diversification, particularly through downstream agro-industries and MSME development, while prioritizing productivity improvements rather than land expansion.