African oil palm is often grown in areas with significant rainfall but also with increasingly significant dry periods. Irrigation increases fruit weight and therefore yield, and the consistency of yield throughout the year has a significant benefit on the cost of harvesting and processing.

Watering the right kind of oil palm flower

Yield for oil palm is dependent on female inflorescence, but water stress favors male inflorescence. An indirect benefit of irrigation is that it increases female inflorescence and makes it more consistent through the year.

Under-tree sprinklers

Under-tree sprinkler irrigation is ideal for African oil palm. Good coverage and uniformity are important, as is a robust and reliable sprinkler, especially since plantations are large and sprinklers may sit idle for extended periods during rainy seasons.

Popular Nelson sprinkler models for oil palm include the R2000LP and R2000. High-trajectory models give maximum radius of throw. Typically, the canopy is high and does not interfere with the water streams after establishment. If there is significant variation in elevation, the Flow Control Nozzle can be used with the R2000 to ensure each sprinkler delivers the same amount of water.

Irrigating oil palm is a complicated task that depends on everything from your region to your choice of valve. Explore some of the Nelson products commonly used for oil palm below, or get in touch with the territory manager in your area so we can help find the right solution for you.