Optimization of Crop Farming in Dependence on the Local Preconditions

The oil crops addressed in this book can adapt to varying local conditions. However, there are major differences between cropping in large, mechanised farms and in small, labour-intensive farms (family farms). Depending on this and on the geographic area, different options may be taken into account in crop planning and in specific phases of cropping. The following survey shows the critical issues in the cropping of oil palm, coconut palm, castorbean, Jatropha, sunflower and soybean, and provides solution strategies, as well as the options for the two farming system mentioned above and for two world areas: South America, namely Brazil, and Africa. Reference to local sources is specifically indicated at the beginning of each crop. The aspects surveyed in the previously-described oil crops are: nursery, planting in the field, annual cropping operations (pruning, weeding, fertilization and plant protection) and harvest.