Our efforts have been directed towards a more efficient management of the soil in terms of improving its physical, chemical and biological characteristics to allow for better growth of the oil palm root system. Through research it has been demonstrated that soil aeration is a key determining factor in the ability of the roots to explore the soil. Poor soil aeration may be the consequence of low hydraulic conductivity (caused by the presence of fine textures and weak or highly-disturbed structure and soil compaction) or a high water table, and is closely associated with several phytosanitary problems.

Several aspects of soil biology have been of interest, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, mycorrhizas, and even commercially-available products that claim to promote the growth of beneficial organisms in the soil. There have been attempts to encourage better root growth through the use of compost, which is being produced from the mill byproducts. The potential of this compost as a suppressor of microorganisms that affect negatively plant growth is also evaluated.

Current research is also focused on general plant nutrition. Several field experiments are testing different combinations of the main nutritive elements on plant growth and yield. The old idea of the factorial experiments has been set aside, and in order to reduce efforts, new experiments exploit other designs such as "mixture experiments," and keeping several nutrients fixed while incrementing the rates of another.

Active research is being conducted in the study of root growth and health as affected by soil preparation methods. A root sampling protocol has been developed to evaluate the effects of such practices, and rhizotrons have been installed.

It has been through the understanding of the importance of root health that conditions such as spear rot-like problems have been managed in areas where they have appeared. The old theory of a main pathogen being involved in these disorders has been reconsidered, and management is now centered on improving soil conditions to promote root growth.