A team of academics and researchers led by Nur Ainun H.J. Pulungan, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with other expert lecturers and students from Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), conducted a training program titled “Rapid Assessment of Dryland Soil Fertility Using the Dryland Soil Testing Kit (PUTK)” in Loano, Purworejo. The training program spans eight months, from 29 February to 9 December 2024, and aims to enhance farmers’ capacity to assess soil fertility quickly and efficiently.
“Through this training, we aim to help farmers understand how to determine the appropriate types and dosages of fertilizers based on the specific needs of their land, thereby reducing production costs while preventing environmental degradation caused by excessive fertilization,” explained Nur Ainun. The use of PUTK as a practical tool to assess nutrient content allows farmers to conduct on-site soil testing without relying on laboratory facilities.
Throughout the training, farmers were taught not only how to operate the PUTK but also how to interpret the test results, enabling them to make informed and sustainable fertilization decisions. This program involved a number of experts, including Prof. Benito Heru Purwanto, M.P., M.Agr.Sc., Dr. Najmu Tsaqib Akhda, S.P., M.A., Dr. Firdausi Nur Azizah, S.P., M.P., Dr. Cahyo Wulandari, S.P., M.P., Andi Syahid Muttaqin, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., Angga Prasetya, S.P., M.Sc., and Fathi Alfinur Rizqi, S.T.P., M.Sc. Undergraduate and graduate students from Faperta UGM also contributed to this community service program, including Dema Azmir Hatta, Umi Mar’atus Sholihah, Gilang Rizky, Adi Try Laksono, S.P., and Arizona, S.P.
Through strong collaboration and a data-driven approach, this training is expected to improve land productivity in an efficient and sustainable manner, while also supporting environmental conservation efforts. At the same time, it represents Faperta UGM’s contribution to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Authors: Agrit Kirana Bunda, Naomi Cahaya Dewi
Editor: Desi Utami