Managing Secondary Palm By-products

Inside the Farm — Agricultural Residues from Palm Trees

Sustainable Conversion into Products of Economic and Environmental Value

Objectives of This Reference

This reference aims to:

•      Disseminate best practices for managing secondary palm by-products on the farm.

•      Help farmers derive economic benefit from secondary by-products.

•      Reduce burning and random disposal of secondary by-products.

•      Raise the efficiency of agricultural resource use.

•      Improve soil fertility and increase its organic matter content.

•      Encourage the production of feed, compost, and biochar.

•      Support the application of circular economy principles on farms.

•      Promote occupational safety when handling these by-products and their equipment.

Target Groups

This reference is designed to benefit:

•      Palm farmers.

•      Farm owners.

•      Agricultural engineers.

•      Agricultural extension officers.

•      Agricultural cooperative associations.

•      Investors in recycling secondary agricultural palm by-products.

•      Students of agricultural colleges and institutes.

Introduction

1. Preface

Palm cultivation is one of the most important agricultural activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and many Arab countries, given its economic, nutritional, and agricultural value. Annual palm servicing operations — such as pruning, cleaning, and the removal of fronds and bunch stalks — produce large quantities of organic residues that are often viewed as a burden to be disposed of, even though they represent a renewable agricultural resource that can be used in multiple ways.

Agricultural experience shows that improper management of these residues, such as burning or random stacking, leads to negative environmental and economic effects — most notably an increased risk of fires, the creation of suitable environments for the proliferation of certain pests, and the loss of organic material that could otherwise be reused on the farm.

By contrast, integrated management of secondary palm by-products makes it possible to convert these materials into value-added products, such as animal feed, compost, biochar, and various handicraft products — contributing to lower agricultural production costs, improved soil fertility, and support for circular-economy and sustainability principles.

2. What Is Meant by Managing Secondary Palm By-products?

This refers to the set of technical and organizational processes carried out by the farmer or farm manager to handle all secondary by-products resulting from palm servicing — beginning with their collection and sorting, continuing through grinding, storage, and treatment, and ending with their conversion into useful products or their reuse on the farm in a safe, economical, and environmentally friendly manner.

Management is not limited to disposal; rather, it aims to achieve the highest possible benefit from these by-products, treating them as an agricultural resource that can contribute to improving farm efficiency and enhancing its sustainability.

This is a fundamental part of modern farm management, as it helps convert a renewable organic resource into products of economic and environmental value. Organized collection, sorting, grinding, and proper storage — followed by reuse or treatment — form an integrated chain that helps improve farm efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability.

3. Principles of Integrated Management of Secondary Palm By-products

This reference is based on five main principles:

•      Organized collection of residues immediately after servicing operations.

•      Sorting by type and use, directing each material to the best possible path for benefit.

•      Appropriate treatment — such as grinding, fermentation, or carbonization — according to the intended use.

•      Proper storage to preserve quality and prevent deterioration.

•      Reuse on the farm in a way that achieves economic value and reduces loss.

4. Why Should Secondary Palm By-products Be Managed?

These secondary by-products represent a renewable organic resource that can be invested rather than treated as waste. Proper management provides many benefits, including:

Economic Benefits

•      Reducing disposal costs.

•      Producing organic fertilizer on the farm.

•      Producing alternative feed for certain uses.

•      Producing biochar to improve soil fertility.

•      Supplying raw materials for handicraft industries.

Environmental Benefits

•      Reducing burning and the resulting emissions.

•      Reducing accumulation on the farm.

•      Lowering the likelihood of fires.

•      Improving soil properties and increasing biodiversity.

Agricultural Benefits

•      Raising the organic matter content of the soil.

•      Improving the soil's water retention.

•      Increasing the activity of beneficial microorganisms.

•      Improving crop productivity over the long term.

5. Best Practices

•      Designate a permanent location on the farm for managing secondary by-products.

•      Separate pest-infested material from healthy material.

•      Carry out grinding operations as soon as possible after pruning.

•      Use personal protective equipment while working.

•      Record the quantities and products generated to monitor performance.

6. Common Mistakes

•      Burning in the field.

•      Leaving residues piled around the trees.

•      Mixing organic residues with other waste.

•      Storing them in damp or poorly ventilated places.

•      Using infested material to produce compost without treating it.

Definition of Secondary Palm By-products and Their Importance

1. Introduction

These by-products vary in their physical and chemical properties depending on the plant part from which they originate, so treating them as a single group can reduce the efficiency of their use. Fronds differ from leaf bases, and leaflets differ from fiber — each varying in its fiber content, moisture, density, and degradability.

For this reason, integrated management relies on identifying the characteristics of each type and sorting it from the start of the collection process, ensuring it is directed to the best possible use on the farm.

2. General Classification of Secondary Palm By-products

These can be divided into seven main groups:

 | Residue | Source | Main Uses | Fronds | Whole leaves | Compost – Feed after treatment – Biochar – Mulching
| Leaflets | Small leaves | Compost – Handicraft industries – Feed after grinding
| Leaf base (Karab) | Base of the frond | Biochar – Biofuel – Industries
| Fiber (Leef) | Around the frond base | Ropes – Agricultural growing media – Industries
| Bunch stalks (Uraajeen) | Fruit bunch stalk | Compost – Biochar – Handicraft products
| Trunks | Palm removal | Agricultural timber – Panels – Biochar
| Damaged fruit | Sorting after harvest | Feed – Compost – Biological fermentation

Collection and Sorting

1. Introduction

Collection and sorting is the first step in the chain of integrated management of secondary palm by-products, and it is the stage that determines the quality of subsequent processes such as grinding, and the production of compost, feed, or biochar. The sooner they are collected, kept clean, and sorted by type, the greater their value and the easier they are to process. Delaying collection, mixing different types, or leaving them exposed to moisture and pests leads to reduced quality and increased costs.

2. When Is Collection Done?

The collection process depends on the type of agricultural operation. The following table shows the optimal timing:

 | Source | Collection Time | Fronds and leaf bases | Immediately after pruning
| Bunch stalks | After harvest is complete
| Damaged fruit | During sorting and after harvest
| Trunks | When trees are removed
| Fiber | During trunk cleaning

Best Practice: It is recommended not to leave secondary by-products in the field for more than two weeks under normal conditions, shortening this period in humid conditions or when insect infestations appear.

3. Preparing the By-products Management Area

Before starting collection, an area within the farm should be designated for managing secondary by-products. It is preferable that the following conditions be met:

•      Level ground.

•      Away from flood pathways.

•      Well ventilated.

•      Easily accessible by equipment.

•      Away from ignition sources.

•      Allows passage of tractors and machinery.

•      The site is divided into sections.

Grinding and Preparation for Use

1. Introduction

Grinding is one of the most important stages in managing secondary palm by-products, as it reduces their volume and facilitates their transport, storage, and treatment.

It also increases the surface area exposed to decomposition, which speeds up compost production and improves the efficiency of use in various applications.

The role of grinding is not limited to reducing volume — it is also an essential step in controlling the quality of the raw material, as it produces uniform pieces suited to the requirements of each use.

2. Why Is Grinding Done?

Grinding contributes to a number of benefits, most notably:

•      Reducing volume by up to 60–80%, depending on the material type and the nature of the grinding machine.

•      Facilitating transport and handling.

•      Improving compost production efficiency by increasing the surface area exposed to decomposition.

•      Improving mixing with other components when preparing feed or organic fertilizer.

•      Reducing the storage space required.

Technical Note: The more suitable the piece size is for the final use, the more efficient subsequent processing becomes — however, excessive grinding can raise energy consumption and increase the amount of dust produced.

3. When Is Grinding Done?

It is recommended to carry out grinding immediately after collection and sorting are complete, ensuring that the by-products are:

•      Clean and free of stones and metals.

•      Not saturated with water.

•      Free of ropes, wires, and plastic.

•      Sorted by type.

4. Recommended Grinding Sizes

 | Use | Approximate Size | Compost | 2–5 cm
| Feed after treatment | 1–3 cm
| Biochar | 3–7 cm
| Organic mulching | 5–10 cm

Best Practice: Adjust the grinding size according to the final purpose to reduce reprocessing and save energy.

5. Quality of Ground Material

The resulting material should have the following characteristics:

•      Consistent piece size.

•      Free of foreign objects.

•      Low dust content.

•      No long pieces that hinder mixing.

•      Moisture level suitable for the intended use.

Storage

1. Introduction

After these by-products have been collected, sorted, and ground, they may not be used immediately in manufacturing or treatment processes, making the storage stage necessary to preserve their quality until the time of use. Storage is one of the stages most prone to quality loss if site, ventilation, and protection from weather conditions are not properly managed. Proper storage aims to preserve physical properties, limit the growth of undesirable microorganisms, reduce the chances of pest infestation, and facilitate material handling when needed.

2. Storage Objectives

Proper storage contributes to:

•      Preserving quality.

•      Reducing loss.

•      Organizing operating processes.

•      Providing a ready stock for use.

•      Facilitating the management of quantities on the farm.

•      Lowering transport and handling costs.

3. Choosing the Storage Site

The storage site should meet the following conditions:

 | Condition | Purpose | Level ground | Ease of movement and handling
| Relatively elevated ground | Avoid rainwater accumulation
| Well ventilated | Reduce moisture
| Away from flame sources | Limit fire risk
| Easily accessible | Facilitate transport
| Equipped with good drainage | Prevent water accumulation

Best Practice: It is preferable to establish a storage yard near the grinding area to reduce transport movement within the farm.

4. Storage Methods

First: Open Storage

Used for dry materials that will be consumed within a short period, taking care to raise them off the ground using suitable bases or platforms.

Second: Storage Under a Shade Cover

Preferred for ground materials or high-value materials, as it limits the impact of rain and direct sunlight.

Third: Storage Inside a Warehouse

Used when materials need to be kept for longer periods, especially if intended for feed or biochar production.

Feed Production

1. Introduction

Secondary palm by-products represent an important source of biomass, and some of their components can be used to feed ruminant animals after appropriate treatments that improve their digestibility and raise their nutritional value. Practical experience indicates that direct use of residues without preparation can limit their benefit due to the high proportion of coarse fiber and low protein content. Feed utilization programs therefore rely on treatment processes aimed at improving the physical and chemical properties of the raw material. These by-products must be used within balanced rations formulated by animal nutrition specialists, taking into account the animal type and its production stage.

2. By-products Suitable for Feed Production

Not all secondary palm by-products are equally suitable for feed use. The following table provides guidance:

 | Residue Type | Suitability for Feed Use | Notes | Ground fronds | High, after treatment | Most commonly used
| Leaflets | Good, after grinding | Mixed with other components
| Low-quality fruit | Good, when sound | A source of energy

3. Physical Treatment

Physical treatment aims to improve mechanical properties without adding chemical substances.

It includes:

First / Grinding:

•      Reducing piece size.

•      Improving uniformity.

•      Facilitating mixing.

Second / Moistening:

Controlled moistening helps facilitate certain subsequent treatments, while avoiding excess moisture that could spoil the material.

4. Chemical Treatment

Certain chemical treatments may be used to improve the utilization of the fiber, provided they are carried out according to approved technical recommendations and under specialist supervision.

These treatments include, when needed:

•      Alkaline treatments.

•      Treatments with non-protein nitrogen sources such as urea.

•      Treatments with digestibility-enhancing substances.

Caution: Approved guideline recommendations must be followed, and no treatment or additive should be used without knowing the correct dosages and technical requirements.

5. Biological Treatment

This includes the use of microorganisms or fermentation processes to improve the properties of the fibrous material.

Its advantages include:

•      Raising digestibility.

•      Improving palatability.

•      Reducing certain complex compounds.

6. Preparing Mixes

Once treatment is complete, the by-products can be used within balanced feed mixes, with inclusion ratios determined according to the animal type and its production needs by an animal nutrition specialist. These by-products must not be used as a sole feed source, but rather as part of a balanced ration that includes sources of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Compost Production

1. What Is Compost?

Compost is an organic fertilizer produced through the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic residues by microorganisms, under suitable conditions of moisture, temperature, and aeration. During this process, plant material is gradually converted into a stable organic substance, rich in nutrients, that can be used to improve soil fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity.

2. Why Produce Compost on the Farm?

Producing compost on the farm is a practical option for making use of agricultural residues, offering many benefits:

Agricultural Benefits

•      Improving soil structure.

•      Increasing organic matter.

•      Raising the soil's water-holding capacity.

•      Improving soil aeration.

•      Activating beneficial microorganisms.

Economic Benefits

•      Reducing the need to purchase organic fertilizer.

•      Making use of available residues.

•      Lowering residue disposal costs.

•      The possibility of selling any surplus.

Environmental Benefits

•      Reducing the burning of residues.

•      Reducing emissions.

•      Reducing agricultural waste.

•      Supporting the circular economy.

3. Raw Materials

The following can be used:

 | Material | Role | Ground fronds | Carbon source
| Leaflets | Carbon source
| Bunch stalks | Carbon source
| Animal manure | Nitrogen source
| Water | Moisture control
| Mature soil or old compost | Source of microorganisms (optional)

4. Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio (C:N)

This ratio is one of the most important factors affecting the success of decomposition. If the carbon ratio is too high, decomposition becomes slow; if the nitrogen ratio is too high, unpleasant odors may result and nitrogen loss increases.

Best Practice: It is best to achieve a suitable balance between carbon-rich materials (such as fronds and leaflets) and nitrogen-rich materials (such as certain organic fertilizers), adjusting the mix according to the properties of the available materials and monitoring results.

5. Building the Pile

Materials are arranged in successive layers, moistened gradually.

Suggested arrangement:

•      A layer of ground residues.

•      A layer of a nitrogen source.

•      Moistening.

•      Repeating the layers until the required size is reached.

6. Moisture

Moisture is a key factor in compost success:

When moisture is low:

•      Decomposition slows down.

When moisture is high:

•      Aeration decreases.

•      Unpleasant odors may appear.

•      The risk of anaerobic decomposition increases.

Best Practice: Monitor moisture regularly, and add water gradually as needed while avoiding saturating the pile.

7. Temperature

The pile's temperature rises naturally as a result of microorganism activity, and this is an indicator that decomposition has begun. Monitoring temperature helps with:

•      Assessing decomposition activity.

•      Determining when to turn the pile.

•      Confirming that the process is progressing normally.

It is recommended to use a thermometer dedicated to compost to regularly monitor changes.

8. Aeration

Beneficial microorganisms need oxygen, so it is necessary to:

•      Turn the pile periodically.

•      Prevent excessive compaction.

•      Maintain air pockets.

9. Turning

Turning helps to:

•      Renew oxygen.

•      Distribute moisture.

•      Equalize temperature.

•      Speed up decomposition.

The timing and frequency of turning are determined based on monitoring temperature, moisture, and the condition of the pile — not according to a fixed schedule for all conditions.

10. Signs of Compost Maturity

Compost is considered mature when:

•      Its color becomes dark brown to black.

•      It has a natural, earthy smell.

•      Most of the original mixture components are difficult to distinguish.

•      The pile's temperature gradually drops to approach ambient temperature.

•      Its texture is loose and uniform.

11. Screening

After maturity, the compost can be screened in order to:

•      Remove large pieces.

•      Return undecomposed material to a new batch.

•      Improve the uniformity of the product.

Biochar Production

1. Introduction

Biochar is a stable carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass in a limited or near oxygen-free environment, in a process known as pyrolysis. When applied to soil, biochar improves its physical, chemical, and biological properties, helps retain water and nutrients, and contributes to fixing carbon for long periods, making it one of the promising solutions in sustainable agriculture. Secondary palm by-products — particularly leaf bases, trunks, and dry fronds — are well suited to biochar production due to their high fibrous material content.

2. Difference Between Biochar and Traditional Charcoal

 | Element | Biochar | Traditional Charcoal | Purpose | Soil improvement and agricultural uses | Fuel and cooking
| Production method | Controlled pyrolysis | Carbonization for fuel purposes
| Use | Mixed with soil or fertilizer | Combustion
| Agricultural value | High | Limited

3. Benefits of Biochar

First / Soil Improvement:

Biochar helps to:

•      Increase the soil's water-holding capacity.

•      Improve soil aeration.

•      Raise the cation exchange capacity in many soil types.

•      Provide a suitable environment for beneficial microorganisms.

Second / Increasing Fertilizer Efficiency:

Biochar can help retain certain nutrients within the root zone, which may improve the efficiency of fertilizer use when applied as part of an integrated management program.

Third / Improving Plant Growth:

Depending on the soil type, crop, and method of application, using biochar may contribute to improving plant growth by enhancing the root environment, though results vary according to local conditions.

Fourth / Environmental Benefits:

•      Reducing burning.

•      Reducing emissions.

•      Storing carbon in the soil.

•      Making use of residues instead of disposing of them.

4. Production Stages

The process goes through the following stages:

•      Collection and sorting.

•      Grinding or cutting.

•      Drying, when needed.

•      Pyrolysis.

•      Cooling.

•      Storage.

•      Agricultural use.

5. Operating the Unit

Operation relies on:

•      Preparing the raw material.

•      Feeding it into the unit.

•      Controlling airflow.

•      Monitoring the decomposition stages.

•      Cooling the charcoal before removing it.

Caution: Operating procedures vary according to the unit's design, so the manufacturer's instructions must be followed, and the unit should not be opened, nor the charcoal handled, until it has cooled completely.

6. Preparing Charcoal Before Use

After production is complete:

•      Large pieces are removed as needed.

•      The charcoal can be ground or broken down further depending on the intended use.

It is preferable to mix it with, or "charge" it with, organic material or compost before adding it to the soil, to help prepare it for agricultural use.

Organic Mulching

1. Introduction

Ground fronds and leaflets can be used in numerous agricultural applications, making use of an otherwise underutilized resource to achieve greater benefits and savings in other resources.

2. Applications

First / Soil Cover Around Trees:

•      Reducing water evaporation.

•      Limiting weed growth.

•      Improving soil temperature.

•      Reducing soil erosion.

•      Increasing organic matter over time.

Best Practice: Spread a layer of organic material while leaving a suitable gap around the palm trunk to reduce direct moisture buildup on the stem.

Second / Soil Improvement:

It can be mixed with compost, biochar, or decomposed organic materials to improve:

•      Soil structure.

•      Aeration.

•      Water retention.

•      Microorganism activity.

Third / Protecting the Soil Surface:

In sandy soils, ground residues help to:

•      Stabilize the soil surface.

•      Reduce erosion.

•      Improve germination conditions for certain crops.

Occupational Safety

1. Overview

Agricultural operations require adherence to safety requirements to avoid injuries resulting from thorns, equipment, or transport operations.

2. Personal Safety Requirements

•      Wear gloves resistant to punctures and cuts.

•      Use protective goggles during grinding and cutting.

•      Wear suitable safety footwear.

•      Use a protective helmet when working beneath tall trees.

•      Avoid working alone during heavy pruning operations.

3. During the Collection Process

•      Remove fronds in an organized manner and do not leave them in walkways.

•      Separate residues by type immediately during collection.

•      Do not stack residues at unstable heights.

•      Maintain safe passageways for agricultural equipment.

4. During Grinding Operations

Before operation:

•      Inspect all moving parts.

•      Ensure protective covers are intact.

•      Make sure there are no metal objects within these by-products.

During operation:

•      Prevent inserting hands into the feed opening.

•      Use designated pushing tools.

•      Prevent unauthorized persons from being near the machine.

•      Stop operation immediately if abnormal sounds appear.

After operation:

•      Disconnect the power source completely.

•      Clean the machine of accumulated residue.

•      Carry out periodic maintenance according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. During Feed Production

Potential hazards:

•      Fungal growth.

•      Bacterial contamination.

•      High moisture during storage.

Preventive measures:

•      Do not use spoiled residues.

•      Adhere to recommended mixing ratios.

•      Carry out sufficient drying before storage.

•      Inspect the feed periodically.

6. During Compost Production

Important precautions:

•      Maintain proper aeration of the pile.

•      Monitor temperature regularly.

•      Prevent stagnant water accumulation.

•      Wear masks when turning the piles.

Warning signs:

•      Strong unpleasant odors.

•      Excessive rise in temperature.

•      Appearance of abnormal larvae or insects.

•      A significant increase in moisture.

7. During Biochar Production

Biochar production relies on pyrolysis and requires special care.

Safety procedures:

•      Carry out the process in an open, well-ventilated location.

•      Keep flammable materials away.

•      Provide a suitable fire extinguisher.

•      Prevent children and untrained workers from approaching.

•      Do not open the carbonization unit during operation.

Marketing

1. Overview

This step comes as a solution for the surplus of secondary palm by-products that are not utilized on the farm, or as a primary means of increasing income, and represents the conclusion of the value chain from the farmer's side. The National Center for Palms and Dates has shown interest in this area, launching several initiatives.

2. Processing Centers

After studying the current situation and identifying gaps in the system, the Center worked to establish processing centers and to empower the private sector and agricultural associations — first, to help farmers with grinding operations, and also to take on the role of linking farmers with recycling factories, completing the supply chain in the optimal way that provides sustainability for all parties. As a first step, the project focuses on 9 processing centers (including agricultural associations) in 5 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the remaining regions to follow as the experience is transferred.

Objectives:

•      Increasing farmers' income.

•      Providing a transport system to ease the burden on both farmers and manufacturers.

•      Providing various options for farmers to choose what suits them best.

•      Changing the approach to agricultural work to fit the new system, helping to apply good agricultural practices.

•      Supplying manufacturers with raw materials that meet the required technical specifications, facilitating and developing current operations and opening the field to new investors.

Tasks:

•      Grinding at the farm site for the farmer's benefit.

•      Collecting or receiving secondary palm by-products.

•      Preparation (sorting).

•      Treatment (grinding and drying).

•      Storage.

•      Transport.

•      Offering these services on the Muzare' platform.

3. The Muzare' Platform

The Muzare' platform is one of the platforms of the National Center for Palms and Dates that supports many of its projects and initiatives — a platform that helps farmers grow their agricultural businesses by providing agricultural products and services in one place.

Objectives:

•      Integrating agricultural support with a system that helps develop and increase farmers' production.

•      Providing products and services to all regions of the Kingdom.

•      Adopting approaches that promote the application of good agricultural practices, contributing to the sector's sustainability and targeted growth and development.

•      Educating the farmer, whether agriculturally or economically, by providing information or even the ability to easily compare between products and services.

Tasks:

•      Attracting producers and sellers of agricultural inputs.

•      Attracting providers of agricultural services, whether specific to the palm tree or to farm management.

•      Managing and operating the platform and monitoring operations.

•      Tracking performance, whether in direct product sales or the provision of agricultural services.

•      Developing services and operations to offer farmers the best possible facilities.