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Narrowing the gap between actual and attainable yields in existing oil palm plantations is perceived as a key to fulfill the growing global demand for vegetable oil. To assess the scope for intensification we need robust estimates of attainable yields, which has been so far rarely done for perennial crops. For this purpose, we evaluated the complexities associated with estimating yield gaps (YGs) in oil palm (i.e. carry-over effect and aging), and adapted the existing framework for YG studies in annual crops. Based on this framework, we analyzed YGs for four sites within oil palm plantations located in Sabah (Malaysia), Central Kalimantan and North Sumatra (Indonesia) using a unique commercial yield data set covering an area of 38,300 ha.

We assessed for each site at plantation scale water-limited potential yield using the PALMSIM simulation model, attainable yield determined by best performing blocks within the …