R&D Focus
Our collaboration with the Minerals, Metals & Materials Technology Centre M3TC of the National University of Singapore (NUS), in the area of R&D, has in the past year added considerable cost and operational efficiencies to our business. For instance, utilizing the centre's developed mathematical modelling capabilities, we have optimised our production facilities and increased plant energy efficiencies to lower overall operating costs.
One of the key studies M3TC carried out for KSNR was analysing land suitability for palm oil plantation.
Land Suitability Study
The objective of the land suitability study was to help us decide whether the land chosen by us was suitable for palm cultivation and hence for purchase. This study is critical for making the right acquisition and reliable projections about yield.
Goals of the Land Suitability Study by M3TC:
- To determine characteristic conditions of the land
- To determine a unit of land maps
- To determine the land suitability of area
The first step of the study involved the measurement of characteristic conditions in the area. Scientists from the NUS measured:
- Annual and monthly rainfall
- Average temperature
- Relative average humidity
- Average sun radiation energy in hours/day
- Physiography of area; makeup of the stone and sediment
M3TC then determined the unit of land maps; within a unit of land, scientists mapped the soil texture or soil type, its impact on permeability and mineral content in the area. This helped the scientists determine the average yield that this type of soil might produce.
Once the area and land characteristics were determined, our R&D partners did an analysis to advise us on land suitability. The centre also identified mineral deficiencies in the land and devised an optimal plan to achieve accelerated crop growth for palm, while saving on fertilizer costs.
The average potential yields in Fresh Fruit Bunches per hectare of palm oil fruit before and after treatment of the soil were determined. KSNR is partnering with M3TC for further studies and improvements in the areas of seeds, fertilizers and per hectare yield increase.
|
