There are 2 demonstration plots located within the Agricultural Research and Development Centre in Krabi and Surat Thani. Prototype plots also operate in 3 provinces of the project: Surat Thani, Krabi and Chumphon, where there are 3 demonstration plots (10 rai per plot) and 15 prototype plots (10 rai per plot). The operations in the plot consist of Best Management Practices (BMP) along with 5 greenhouse gas reduction measures.

BMP management is management that increases the efficiency of oil palm production. It consists of 1) Yield Taking, which is managing oil palm harvesting in the most effective way possible and which can increase productivity in the short term (6 months); and 2) Yield Making, management that increases the yield of oil palm trees, and which will see results in the long term (2-3 years) after the palm tree monitoring, use of palm production technology, application of fertilisers according to the leaf analysis results, and application of fertilizers according to the 4Rs principle (Right source, Right rate, Right time and Right place)

In addition, 5 greenhouse gas reduction measures are implemented to help reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration. They are:

• Harvesting ripe palm fruits: In the oil palm production process, greenhouse gas emissions are generated. If ripe oil palm is harvested, the amount of palm oil per unit area will increase compared to the unripe harvest. Therefore, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit area will be less than if ripe oil palm were harvested.
• Fertiliser application according to soil and leaf analysis: This is a process that uses fertiliser accurately and efficiently. This reduces the impact of over-utilisation of fertilisers required by palm oil causing the remaining fertiliser to remain in the environment. This applies particularly to nitrogen fertilisers. If the right type is used in the right amount, this could reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
• The use of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB): Mulching increases the amount of organic matter, improves soil structure, and reduces water runoff and soil leaching in oil palm plantations. EFB also can store carbon or greenhouse gas in oil palm plots. In addition, oil palm fronds are spread around the plantation. This method gives the same results as using EFB mulching and circulates resources to benefit the plot.
• Planting ground cover legumes: This method can prevent soil erosion in oil palm plantations, reduces weed competition within the plot, reduces the use of chemicals for weeding, and helps in carbon sequestration of greenhouse gases from legumes within the plot. In the demonstration plot, a legume crop is planted, namely “caeruleum” (Calopogonium caeruleum). It is a plant that is resistant to diseases, insects, as well as to shade and drought conditions. Caeruleum vines and plants are green all year round and reduce the chance of a fire in the plot.
• Inter-cropping in oil palm plantations: This increases carbon sequestration within oil palm plantations, which not only helps to reduce greenhouse gases, but also maximizes the use of land, generates income for smallholders and reduces the price risks of oil palm production.

BMP along with 5 greenhouse gas reduction measures of the demonstration plot and oil palm production prototype plot of the Department of Agriculture, in line with the BCG (BCG Economy) model, is shown in graphic form below.

The implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s demonstration and prototype plots for oil palm production in the upper South region will be an important part of supporting the sustainable production of Oil Palm smallholders through the exchanges. These include farmers, the public, and the private sector. BMP (Best Management Practices) management processes along with 5 greenhouse gas reduction measures have been implemented within oil palm plantations and will lead to sustainable oil palm production in Thailand.