From Carbon Source to Carbon Sink: Reframing Oil Palm Plantations through the Lens of Climate-Smart Agriculture — A Review

This journal reviews the position of oil palm plantations in climate issues, from often being viewed as a source of emissions to potentially acting as a carbon sink through the Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) approach. Using a qualitative literature review method on studies since 2020, this study synthesizes evidence on palm oil emission pathways, carbon sequestration potential, and climate-smart cultivation practices. The main findings indicate that the status of palm oil as a carbon source or sink is not absolute but depends on land use history, soil type, water management, and management intensity. Practices such as no-burn, precision fertilization, water management, organic residue recycling, and POME biogas capture can reduce emissions while maintaining productivity. This study emphasizes the importance of policy coherence, smallholder inclusion, and the integration of ISPO/RSPO/EUDR to ensure that palm oil contributes to climate mitigation and sustainability.