Bunch and Oil Analysis of Oil Palm: A Manual

This is a hands-on, practical guide to describe physical bunch and oil analysis of oil palm. Bunch and oil analysis laboratories are set up at oil mills to assess production, yield potential of plantations and oil extraction rates relative to targets. The higher the oil yields produced by the planting material, the less land that is needed to achieve a specific level of production, hence helping in the sustainability of the crop.Practical, illustrated steps are given in determining bunch and oil characteristics of oil palm. Promoting green, eco-friendly agriculture, this book covers: An introduction to bunch and oil analysisHealth and safety considerationsBunch samplingPhysical bunch analysis of stalks, spikelets, fruits and nutsFruit samplingNut analysis and measurements of componentsOil analysis, oil extraction and measurementCalculation of bunch components and reporting. This is an invaluable manual for oil palm mill managers, oil palm plantation managers, palm oil producers, oil palm breeders, agronomists, oil chemists, oil palm seed producing companies and research institutes across the world (especially tropical zones). It is useful for those starting a career in oil palm production, as a reference guide for managers and for training purposes.