Assessment of Weed Control Practices in Immature Oil Palm Plantations

Abstract

Weed control is an important maintenance activity in immature oil palm (TBM) plantations because weeds can inhibit plant growth through competition for nutrients, water, light, and growing space. This study aimed to identify weed species, evaluate manual and chemical weed control practices, and compare weed control costs in Division III of Gunung Bayu Estate, PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV Regional II, in 2024 and 2025. The study was conducted from May to August 2026 using a descriptive method. Data were collected through field observations, interviews, documentation, and secondary company data. The results showed that 10 weed species were identified in the 98-ha immature oil palm area, consisting of broadleaf weeds, grasses, sedges, woody weeds, and ferns. Weed control was implemented using an integrated approach involving manual and chemical methods according to the characteristics of the weeds in the field. The total cost of weed control increased from IDR 146,537,340 in 2024 to IDR 187,265,430 in 2025. The increase in total cost was mainly attributed to higher labor costs, despite a decrease in herbicide costs. Therefore, the implementation of integrated weed control practices supported the maintenance of immature oil palm plantations; however, cost efficiency remained constrained by the high labor requirements.