The Impact of Rainfall on Oil Palm Production: A Case Study in Berau Regency, East Borneo, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the impact of rainfall on oil palm growth and productivity in the Berau region of East Borneo, Indonesia. The research utilized qualitative and quantitative field studies, employing correlation and regression analysis. The study focused on the oil palm plantation area as its subject. Data was collected from a plantation in the Berau region of East Borneo. The plantation has homogeneous plant age (same planting year, 2009) and homogeneous progeny (Scofindo variety) and is included in the company's core plantation. The observation parameters included rainfall, rainy days, fresh fruit bunches, and plant productivity. It was found that rainfall and rainy days have an impact on oil palm productivity. The regression results indicate a positive correlation between rainfall and oil palm productivity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.025109171. However, rainy days have a negative effect on oil palm productivity, with a correlation coefficient of -0.036778304, despite being positively correlated with rainfall. The correlation coefficient of 0.768386269 indicates a direct impact on reducing oil palm productivity. Rainfall indirectly affects oil palm productivity by influencing temperature, humidity, intensity, and length of daily irradiation. These factors directly affect the productivity of oil palm plants.