Palm oil is cholesterol-free, has carotenoids and can be used in toiletries and soaps. Generally, coming up with a small plantation of your own can help you produce a few fruits for home use or you could sell them at a profit. Here are a few tips you can make use of in this endeavor.

If you are planning to start a big plantation, it is best if you employ the services of a farm manager. An experience farm manager will advice you on oil palm deforestation, best practice and generally is a good investment. If your farm will be a small parcel of land, a little knowledge about the basics should help you run it in a fairly effective fashion.

Planning is a big aspect when planting anything. From where to buy from to planting and harvesting, a good plan is necessary if you are to get any meaningful results. Planning is a major pillar in any management process; it shouldn’t be any different in this venture.

Pest and weed control is another aspect that you must take into consideration. Pests and weed damage crop and are a major disease vector. Vinegar can be used to tackle the weeds while pesticides and rat traps should help tackle the pest problem.

Planting of leguminous trees in your plantation is important and should be considered. Generally, such trees help fight soil erosion, counter palm oil deforestation and produce natural nitrogen to the soil. Planting up to ten such trees on your small plantation is wise.

Using cattle manure as fertilizer is also another factor you need to consider. Cattle manure is recommended due to the fact that it has very little or no negative effect to the environment. Apart from this cattle manure can be cheaply or freely acquired.

After about four years, you should have your first harvest. The rule of thumb is to harvest the crop while it is still on the tree. Leaving the fruits to fall down on their own can easily lead to harvesting damaged or rotten fruit.

Generally, planting palm trees can be a very profitable business if good organization and planning is adhered to. Handling pests and weeds; knowing a few deforestation facts; using the right type of fertilizer, employing good harvesting techniques etc are some of the aspects that will ensure that you are successful in this venture. All in all equipping yourself with a lot of information is a necessity before you dive into this venture.