<![CDATA[Abstract. Brako CN, Darkwah DO, Lutuf H, Sarkodie J, Banafo SA, Anning DK, Danso I. 2026. Comparative effects of organic mulch materials on growth and nutrient uptake of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) seedlings. Asian J Agric 10 (2): g100228. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjagric/g100228. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is an important tropical oilseed crop that produces the highest oil yield per unit area. Mulching is an important agronomic practice that can improve soil conditions and enhance seedling performance. However, limited information exists on the effectiveness of locally available mulching materials for oil palm seedling production in Ghana. This study was conducted at the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI), Kusi in the Eastern Region of Ghana to evaluate the effects of different mulching materials on oil palm seedling growth and leaf nutrient content under nursery conditions. Seven treatments: no mulch (control), sawdust, Gliricidia sepium dry leaves, decomposed spikelet, rice husk, maize husk, and palm kernel shells were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed that among the mulch treatments, Gliricidia leaves significantly enhanced oil palm seedling growth and nursery soil conditions, recording the highest plant height (52.50 cm), leaf production (11.0 leaves), root dry weight (20.82 g), butt dry weight (25.85 g), and frond dry weight (93.00 g), while maintaining favorable soil conditions with 24.35% soil moisture and 27.35°C soil temperature at 11 months after planting (MAP). Mulching materials improved soil moisture conservation and reduced soil temperature compared with the unmulched control. At 11 months after planting (MAP), mulched treatments maintained higher soil moisture levels ranging from 20.14-24.35%, compared with 16.75% under no mulch, while reducing soil temperature from 31.75°C in the control to 27.21-28.14°C under mulch treatments. The results indicate that using locally available organic mulches, particularly Gliricidia leaves, can improve nursery conditions and enhance oil palm seedling production.]]>
