Is A Palm Oil Plantation A Good Or Bad Idea
Posted by: Ruud T. Kruse / Category: Conservation & ProtectionThe palm oil plantation has been the subject of a lot of debate. There is no denying that it is huge as its now the worlds most produced fruit. The countries that grow this crop have allowed huge areas of rain forest to be cleared to make room for its production. The reason for its popularity is of course money.
It is a very productive crop with just a small area able to produce a large amount of oil. It is the best source of bio fuel as it can produce more than other crops which are used to make this fuel. Obviously all these facts make it an attractive crop for large companies to farm.
It is mainly grown in Asia, with the top countries being Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The plant would not originally have been found in any of these countries as it is native to Africa. It has found huge popularity as a source of fuel, but is also found in a huge variety of foods as well as cosmetics and engine lubricants.
The top producer in the world is Malaysia, but Indonesia is catching up fast. The world is very interested in finding alternatives to traditional diesel so it would seem that palm oil production should be a good thing. Not everyone agrees as it is not always produced in a very green way.
A lot of forest has already been cleared without any regard being paid to the environment. It is though to have put already endangered species like the Orangutan at further risk. The production of the oil has not always been done in an environmentally friendly manner.
Oil production produces more than double the amount of potentially harmful by products. In order to increase the productivity of the earth many insecticides and fertilizers are used that render the ground useless after twenty five years. By this time every bit of goodness will have been removed from the ground.
It does not have to be this way. The oil is a valuable product that if it is properly manged can bring prosperity to some of the poorest regions of the Earth. It can be produced so that it does not harm the environment, and will not leave the soil drained of goodness.
Natural forms of insecticide can be used in the shape of beneficial insects and birds. Old palm trees should not be burned after they are too old to produce any more but should be shredded to provide fertilizer for the new trees. Water irrigation can be managed so that the water table is sustained and not drained.. There are a lot of companies that are embracing these methods so it is important to support them. Their palm oil plantation products may cost a bit more but for the sake of the Earth we should be prepared to pay.
Looking for loads more information on whether a palm oil plantation is a good or bad idea? Get the ultimate low down in our complete get involved overview on http://www.greenpalm.org/en/how-can-i-get-involved/growers
