TANAMAN PENUTUP TANAH SEBAGAI STRATEGI AGROEKOLOGI UNTUK PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS DAN KONSERVASI LINGKUNGAN PADA PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT: A REVIEW

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a strategic commodity that contributes significantly to Indonesia’s economy. However, intensive cultivation practices in oil palm plantations have led to negative environmental impacts such as soil degradation, erosion, and biodiversity loss. This study aims to examine the role of cover crops in supporting the sustainability of oil palm plantations through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. The reviewed literature was sourced from scientific databases between 2015 and 2025, focusing on weed management, soil fertility improvement, and environmental conservation. The findings indicate that cover crops from the Leguminosae family, such as Mucuna bracteata, Pueraria javanica, and Centrosema pubescens, play a significant role in suppressing weed growth through light competition, allelopathic compound release, and provision of habitats for natural predators. Moreover, cover crops have been shown to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, increased organic matter, and enhanced microbial activity, which collectively improve soil structure and water retention. The establishment of cover crops also reduces erosion rates, enhances infiltration, and maintains soil moisture. Nevertheless, field implementation still faces technical and socioeconomic challenges such as nutrient competition, high initial costs, and limited farmer knowledge. Overall, the adoption of cover crops aligns with the principles of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15. This study recommends the integration of digital technologies to support sustainable oil palm plantation systems in Indonesia.