Abstract:
This research was conducted to study the effect of different commercial palm maturity stages namely, Plawei Manit (11.5 years), Bubul (12 years) and Angau Muda (12.5 – 13 years) and different soil types (Peat soil, Semi-peat soil and Mineral soil) on particle size distribution in sago starch segmented into top and bottom palm. Particle size analyzer was used to determine D10, D50 and D90 as well as volume-weighted mean (D4,3). The analysis showed significant differences for both types of soils and types of starches. Particle size was found to be larger in sago starch planted on mineral soil than other types of soils. Then, the bottom part showed a bigger particle size than the top section while the Bubul growth stage contained a larger particle size than other growth stages. A synergistic interaction for the particle size distribution of sago starch was produced between different types of starches and soils. The results showed that sago palm cultivated from different types of soils, different growth stages and a different section of palm produced distinctive particle size distribution. This study facilitates the processing of various sago starch types with a more homogenous particle size distribution. Thus, it can be used to provide feasible means in the selection and categorization of sago palms for distinctive application.
