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Magnesium shortage in oil palm: signs and what to do

What it looks like

'Orange frond': older, lower fronds turn yellow-orange, strongest on leaflets exposed to the sun; shaded parts stay green.

What to do

  1. Apply magnesium sulphate, 250 g per palm, in the palm basin.
  2. Send soil and leaf samples for testing to confirm.

Questions

How do I recognise magnesium shortage in oil palm?

'Orange frond': older, lower fronds turn yellow-orange, strongest on leaflets exposed to the sun; shaded parts stay green.

What should I do about magnesium shortage?

Apply magnesium sulphate, 250 g per palm, in the palm basin. Send soil and leaf samples for testing to confirm.

Sources: ICAR-IIOPR Crop Calendar 2026, TNAU Agritech Portal: oil palm nutrients

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