Soil conditions favoring basal stem rot infection in oil palm plantations

Basal Stem Rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense), poses a major threat to oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation in Malaysia, with serious implications for agricultural productivity and economic resilience. This study examines the relationship between soil physical and chemical properties and BSR incidence in two key plantation regions: Seberang Perak and Kluang. A total of 106 palm census points were assessed, where soil samples and BSR infection data were systematically collected. Key physical parameters such Cone Index (CI), moisture content, and elevation were measured alongside chemical properties such as pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and nutrient levels (Mg, Ca, K, P, Cu, Zn, S, and C). Descriptive analysis indicated high site-dependent variability, particularly in phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) in Seberang Perak, Perak and across most parameters in Kluang, Johor with coefficients of variation exceeding 30%. Independent t-tests revealed that magnesium (Mg) was the only nutrient significantly associated with BSR infection in both plantations. In Seberang Perak, additional significance was observed for CEC, P, and CI. Spatial interpolation highlighted distinct zones where low Mg levels aligned with high BSR infection. These findings suggest that soil magnesium content may serve as a robust early indicator for BSR risk, supporting the integration of soil nutrient mapping with precision agriculture approaches. Further research across diverse plantation environments is recommended to validate Mg as a BSR influencer and to inform soil-based strategies for sustainable oil palm cultivation.