InfoSAWIT, MEDAN – The soft fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) that often grows around the base of palm oil trees does not need to be cleared. This was revealed by Palm Oil Research Center (PPKS) researcher Djend Muhayat, who affirmed that the presence of these ferns is beneficial to the palm oil plantation ecosystem.

According to Djend, the Nephrolepis biserrata fern can maintain soil moisture by holding rainwater that falls from above, keeping the conditions around the palm tree stable. "Don't pull out or destroy this fern. Its presence helps maintain humidity and plays an important role in supporting palm oil growth," he said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from PPKS on Monday (9/1/2025).

Furthermore, this fern also serves as a host for the natural enemies of pests, such as parasitoids that prey on bagworms and fire caterpillars—major pests on palm oil plants. Thus, the presence of the soft fern can help control pest infestations naturally without the need for excessive pesticide intervention.

Djend added that Nephrolepis biserrata is an epiphytic plant that does not take nutrients from the palm tree. On the contrary, its presence supports the plantation ecosystem by maintaining a balanced microclimate. "If the humidity decreases, it can affect the production of female flowers, which then turn into male flowers. So, the benefits of this fern are very significant," he explained.

For this reason, PPKS urges farmers and plantation managers not to clear the Nephrolepis biserrata fern from the plantation area. "This fern is not a harmful weed but a part of the natural system that supports palm oil productivity," Djend emphasized. (T2)