LCA applied to perennial cropping systems: a review focused on the farm stage

International audienc

Bio-composting oil palm waste for improvement of soil fertility

Sources of bio-compost as agro-industrial wastes includes wide range of oil palm wastes viz. waste, biomass, palm kernels, empty fruit bunch, mill effluent, trunk and frond compost. Various composting processes are summarized in brief with distinct reference of oil–palm composting covering aerated static pile, and co-composting with earthworms (vermicomposting). However, in-vessel composting and windrow composting has meritorious advantages in composting. This review article refers to various significant roles played by microorganisms associated. Noteworthy study of bio-compost applications and procedures are correspondingly glosses framework of ecological, economical and agro-ecosystemic benefits

Clean technology for the crude palm oil industry in Thailand

The aims of this study were to assess the potential contribution of clean(er) technology to improve the environmental performance of the crude palm oil industry inThailand, to analyse implementation barriers for cleaner production in crude palm oil industry, and to provide recommendations for overcoming these barriers. As such the overall aim was to generate ideas for moving the crude palm oil industry towards sustainability.In order to fulfill these research aimsdetailed case studies have been carried out on five palm oil enterprises inThailand. The differences in production processes and location have been taken as core selection criteria.The results show thatthe combination of clean technology, industrial ecology and triad network analysis seems to be a good approach in analyzing the environmental impacts from, and environmental improvements of, crude palm oil industry inThailand. Regarding the possibilities of technological improvements of the existing environmental performance of Thai crude palm oil production the application of cleaner production and industrial ecosystem approaches (based on reuse, recycling, and utilization of solids and liquid waste and appropriate energy management) proves to be useful. In this way the goal of almost zero discharge of pollutants (against acceptable costs)for crude palm oil mills situated in a plantation area can be achieved. To move Thai crude palm oil industry towards larger sustainability, the following options can be introduced: application of shell foractivated carbon; use ofempty fruit bunch for mushroom cultivation media; composting; pulp production;MDF (medium-density fiberboard)products; utilizedecanter sludge for animal feed; apply palm oil mill effluent for biogas production; and reuse treated wastewater and bottom sediment from anaerobic ponds for irrigation and as soil conditioner in plantation areas.The triad network analysis provides clear understanding of the various barriers met in the implementation of the proposed model of an almost zero waste industrial ecosystem of crude palm oil industry inThailand.Four types of barriers have been distinguished: informational barriers, cooperation barriers, price barriers and human capacity barriers. Following these barriers strategies were developed to cope with each of these barriers.Finally,by comparing the performance of the Thai crude palm oil production with the Malaysian palm oil technologies, regulatory framework and institutional arrangements it can be concluded thatThailandcan learn fromMalaysiain how the palm oil industry can move towards sustainable development. Especially legislation, facilitation and financial arrangements around clean technology research and development are key factors in explaining the success of Malaysian best practices

Options for Environmental Sustainability of the Crude Palm Oil Industry in Thailand through Enhancement of Industrial Ecosystems

The crude palm oil industry plays an important role in the economic development of Thailand and in enhancing the economic welfare of the population. Despite obvious benefits of this industrial development, it also significantly contributes to environmental degradation, both at the input and the output sides of its activities. On the input side, crude palm oil mills use large quantities of water and energy in the production process. On the output side, manufacturing processes generate large quantities of wastewater, solid waste/by-products and air pollution. Current industrial wastes and recoverable materials are empty fruit bunches, fibers, shells and ash. It is estimated that in 2003, a total of 2.1 million ton of solid wastes/by-products and 2.5 million m3 of wastewater were generated. The concept of the industrial ecosystem points at the potential of industrial waste recycling resembling food chains, food webs and nutrient cycles of nature. Following the notion of industrial ecology crude palm oil mills can develop a number of waste recycling and reuse systems. This paper analyzes the nature of these industrial ecosystems, divided in in-plant ecosystems (clean technology options) and external waste exchange between crude palm oil industries and other economic activities in Thailand