InfoSAWIT, MEDAN — Not all weeds in oil palm plantations must be eradicated. Some pose serious threats to crop productivity, while others help maintain plantation ecosystem balance. This was highlighted by Djend Muhayat of the Oil Palm Research Center (PPKS) during a knowledge-sharing session on weed management in oil palm estates.
Djend emphasized that plantation maintenance no longer relies solely on chemical control. Many estates are now shifting toward mechanical and selective weed control approaches aimed at protecting soil organisms and preserving biodiversity around oil palm stands.
“What growers need to understand is which weeds truly harm oil palm and which do not require aggressive control,” he said, as quoted from PPKS’ official social media page on Thursday (Jan 29, 2026).
Weeds That Must Be Controlled
According to Djend, the most dangerous weed for oil palm is cogon grass. It has strong rhizome roots and releases exudate compounds that disrupt nearby plant growth. Once present, it must be controlled.
“Because of its root system, cogon grass requires systemic herbicides. Otherwise it spreads rapidly and reduces palm productivity,” he explained.
Other harmful weeds include narrow-leaf species such as Dicanthium linearis, often indicating nutrient-poor soils, particularly phosphate deficiency. Its purplish leaves signal low organic matter content.
Woody seedlings with taproots such as Clidemia hirta and Melastoma malabathricum are also considered dangerous, as they compete directly with oil palms for water and nutrients and should be treated with cambium-targeting herbicides.
Weeds That Can Be Tolerated
On the other hand, Djend noted that some weeds can be beneficial. Amaranth-type ground cover growing outside the main palm circle can help maintain soil moisture if it does not disturb the primary root zone.
Another useful plant is the fern Nephrolepis biserrata, an epiphyte whose roots do not penetrate palm tissue. It helps retain micro-moisture and reduce soil erosion.
“Weeds are everywhere, but not all are harmful. Some actually help growers maintain a more balanced and productive plantation,” Djend said.
He stressed that the key to weed management is understanding and selectivity — focusing control only on species that truly disrupt growth and yield, while supporting a healthier plantation ecosystem. (T2)
