A well-planned fertilizer schedule is crucial for the healthy growth and productivity of oil palm trees. Below is an ideal fertilizer schedule for oil palm, broken down by the age of the trees, along with the types of fertilizers, quantities, and application periods.
Fertilizer Schedule for Oil Palm
1. Year 0-1 (Nursery Stage)

At this stage, the seedlings are in the nursery and require specific nutrients to develop a strong root system and healthy growth.
- Type of Fertilizer:NPK 20:10:10
- Application:
- Apply 10-15 grams of 20:10:10 fertilizer per seedling once a month.
- Use foliar fertilizers like Urea or DAP (Diammonium phosphate) as supplementary feeding.
- Why: To encourage balanced growth in terms of root and shoot development.
- When: Apply monthly, starting from the 2nd month of nursery establishment.
2. Year 1-3 (Young Palms in the Field)
Transplanted oil palm seedlings need help establishing themselves in the field. Fertilization at this stage is critical for root development and canopy formation.

- Type of Fertilizers:
- NPK (20:10:10) or NPK (12:12:17)** (Balanced growth).
- Urea or Ammonium Sulfate (for nitrogen boost).
- Muriate of Potash (MOP) (for potassium, especially important for fruit development).
- Rock Phosphate or Single Super Phosphate (SSP) (for phosphorus, necessary for root development).
- Application:
- Apply 150-250 grams of NPK per plant, split into 2 applications per year.
- Apply 150 grams of MOP and 50-100 grams of Rock Phosphate per plant annually.
- Why: Encourages the palm to grow a strong trunk and leaf canopy, which is essential for future yields.
- When:
- Apply in early rainy season (April/May) and again in the late rainy season (September/October) for maximum absorption.
3. Year 4-6 (Juvenile Palms)

The palms will start to flower and fruit, requiring more nutrients to support this transition from vegetative growth to productive growth.
- Type of Fertilizers:
- NPK (12:12:17) + Magnesium (Mg).
- NPK (15:15:15)
- MOP (Muriate of Potash).
- Rock Phosphate.
- Magnesium sulfate (for magnesium to aid in oil production).
- Application:
- Apply 500 grams of NPK (12:12:17) + Mg or (15:15:15) per palm, divided into 2 doses per year.
- Apply 300 grams of MOP and 150 grams of Rock Phosphate annually.
- Apply 100 grams of Magnesium sulfate once a year to promote oil formation.
- Why: The palms are entering their productive phase, and adequate nutrient supply is critical to support flower and fruit development.
- When: Apply twice a year, once in the early rainy season and once in the late rainy season.
4. Year 7 Onwards (Mature Palms)

At this stage, the trees are at their peak fruiting capacity, and fertilization is essential to maintain high yields and overall tree health.
- Type of Fertilizers:
- NPK (12:12:17) + Mg.
- NPK(15:15:15)
- MOP.
- Magnesium sulfate.
- Boron (to prevent Boron deficiency, which can reduce yield).
- Dolomite lime (to correct soil pH and supply calcium and magnesium).
- Application:
- Apply 750 grams of NPK (12:12:17) + Mg per tree, split into 2 doses per year.
- Apply 400-500 grams of MOP per tree annually.
- Apply 150-200 grams of Magnesium sulfate and 50 grams of Boron per tree annually.
- Use Dolomite lime every 2-3 years to correct pH and add essential minerals.
- Why: Mature palms produce the most fruit, and adequate nutrients ensure continuous high yield. Potassium is especially important to support oil production in the fruits.
- When: Fertilize twice a year in the early rainy season and the late rainy season. Magnesium and Boron should be applied once a year.
Additional Tips
- Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests at least every 2-3 years to determine the exact nutrient deficiencies and adjust your fertilization plan accordingly.
- Foliar Feeding: In addition to soil-applied fertilizers, foliar feeding (applying fertilizers directly to the leaves) can be used during critical growth phases to correct specific deficiencies like zinc or boron.
- Water Management: Ensure proper irrigation during the dry season to prevent water stress, which can reduce fertilizer absorption.
Summary Fertilizer Application Schedule
Plant Age | Fertilizer Type | Quantity/Tree (Annually) | When to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Year 0-1 (Nursery) | Urea | 10-15 g per seedling | Monthly |
Year 1-3 (Young Palms) | NPK (20:10:10), MOP, Rock Phosphate | 150-250 g NPK, 150 g MOP, 50-100 g RP | Early and late rainy season |
Year 4-6 (Juvenile Palms) | NPK (12:12:17), (15:15:15), MOP, Magnesium sulfate | 500 g NPK, 300 g MOP, 100 g Mg | Twice per year |
Year 7+ (Mature Palms) | NPK (12:12:17), (15:15:15), MOP, Boron, Magnesium sulfate | 750 g NPK, 400-500 g MOP, 150-200 g Mg, 50 g Boron | Twice per year (NPK/MOP), once per year (Mg/Boron) |
This schedule ensures that your oil palms receive the nutrients they need at each stage of growth, leading to high productivity and strong, healthy trees.
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This is highly informative
very glad to learn. more in agriculture