Integrating Soil and Water Conservation Techniques in Oil Palm Plantation Management: A Review of Evidence-Informed Practices

This research is motivated by the importance of soil and water conservation in the management of oil palm plantations facing risks of erosion, runoff, and land degradation, especially in areas with high rainfall and complex topography. The study aims to synthesize various conservation practices to understand their effectiveness and interactions within plantation systems. The method used is a PRISMA-based systematic literature review of 36 scientific studies from the period 2020–2025. The results show that structural, vegetative, and landscape-based practices generally enhance soil stability and water management, although their effectiveness greatly depends on site conditions, design, and maintenance. No single method is dominant, thus an integrated approach is considered more relevant. The implication is that sustainable palm oil management requires conservation strategies that are contextual and multi-tiered, rather than a uniform approach, and supported by evidence-based planning, monitoring, and policies to enhance long-term effectiveness.