8

A community service team from the Faculty of Agriculture UGM (Faperta UGM), led by Dr. Alia Bihrajihant Raya, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., and joined by interdisciplinary faculty members—Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., Dody Kastono, S.P., M.P., Angga Prasetya, S.P., M.Sc.—along with undergraduate and graduate students, developed an innovative training program to improve soil fertility management using the Lentera DESA digital platform.

Lentera DESA is designed as an innovative educational platform offering training and discussion features to facilitate the dissemination of agricultural knowledge. Using a blended learning method that combines online and in-person meetings, this program aims to enhance the capacity of farmers and agricultural extension officers in understanding soil fertility management.

“Education and training on soil fertility management can now be conducted both online and directly in the field. With the advancement of digital platforms, sharing agricultural information has become more accessible,” said Dr. Alia Bihrajihant Raya, commonly known as Raya.

The training includes the use of the Rice Field Soil Test Kit (PUTS) to analyze soil nutrients and making homemade organic fertilizers. The program targets institutions such as the Agricultural Training Center (BAPELTAN) of Central Java, farmer groups, women’s farming groups (KWT), and extension officers. Activities began with socialization, focus group discussions (FGDs), digital literacy training, and on-site assistance.

Results showed that most participants, including traditional farmers, adapted well to the blended learning model. This approach opened up collaboration opportunities between digital technology and traditional practices, positioning Lentera DESA as a strategic solution for promoting sustainable agriculture. It also reflects the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to supporting the SDGs, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Community Service Team

The issue of fertilizer availability and efficiency remains a key challenge for farmers in improving agricultural yields. As an innovative solution, a community service team from the Faculty of Agriculture UGM conducted training on biochar production and application for farmer groups in Koripan, Matesih, Karanganyar, from April to November 2024.

Led by Susanti Mugi Lestari, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D., from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, the team collaborated with lecturers from various departments, including Dr. Desy Putri Handayani, S.Pi., Dr. Sulistiowati, S.Si., M.Si., Dr. Endah Prihatiningtyastuti, S.P., M.Si., Eko Hardianto, S.Pi., M.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Mukti Aprian, S.Kel., M.Si (Han), Dr. Ega Adhi Wicaksono, S.Pi., from the Department of Fisheries; Agung Dian Kharisma, Ph.D., from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology; and Angga Prasetya, S.P., M.Sc., from the Department of Soil Science. Students from various study programs in the Faculty of Agriculture UGM also participated.

The training aimed to enhance fertilization efficiency and soil fertility using biochar—an effective soil amendment for improving land quality and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.

“We want to encourage farmers to use biochar as an innovative alternative in soil management, which is not only environmentally friendly but also helps optimize crop yields,” said Susanti.

The activities included socialization on biochar benefits, technical training on producing biochar from organic waste, and mentoring for its application in the fields. Through a participatory approach, farmers were actively involved in every stage of the activity.

The training results showed high enthusiasm from farmer groups, who acknowledged the potential of biochar in increasing agricultural productivity while maintaining land sustainability. This program reaffirms the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to supporting the SDGs, including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Community Service Team

The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), held another guest lecture titled “Current Research on Duckweed: an Aquatic Plant with Thousands of Benefits” on 22 November 2024. The event was conducted virtually via Zoom Meeting and featured two renowned speakers: Dr. Klaus-J. Appenroth from Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany, and Dr. K. Sowjanya Sree from Banaras Hindu University, India.

Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Department of Microbiology, opened the session by expressing his appreciation to the speakers. He also shared that duckweed has been utilized in UGM’s research on bioremediation of agricultural land, including studies on microbial symbiosis with duckweed roots to support its growth.

“Thank you for taking the time to deliver this guest lecture. We offer a course titled Bioremediation of Agricultural Land because we are aware that farmland is often contaminated by hazardous chemicals that threaten soil health. Over the past few years, we have used duckweed to remediate metals like cobalt, chromium, and mercury. Our department is also exploring the mutualistic collaboration between microbes and duckweed to enhance the plant’s growth and effectiveness in remediation. We greatly look forward to gaining insights and new knowledge from your presentations,” explained Prof. Irfan.

The lecture continued with a presentation by Dr. Klaus-J. Appenroth. He emphasized that duckweed, a member of the Lemnaceae family, is the fastest-flowering plant in the world and can grow without fertile land. Duckweed is highly effective at cleaning polluted water, reducing carbon emissions, and can be harvested quickly. Dr. Klaus also highlighted its significant potential as biofuel and animal feed due to its high nutritional content, including vitamin B12, which is produced through symbiosis with bacteria.

“Living with duckweed is delightful,” said Dr. Klaus, referring to the plant’s potential as an innovative ingredient in food products such as cakes and ice cream.

Meanwhile, Dr. K. Sowjanya Sree discussed the human nutritional potential of duckweed. Various Lemnaceae species are rich in protein, fat, and essential amino acids, making them especially beneficial for preschool-aged children. Duckweed is also abundant in both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and minerals, which can be tailored through its growth medium.

“Duckweed can be transformed into smoothies, salads, and even nutritious omelets,” explained Dr. Sowjanya.

Through this guest lecture, the Department of Microbiology at UGM hopes to strengthen research collaborations and develop duckweed-based innovations to support food security and environmental sustainability. This guest lecture is a tangible step by the Faculty of Agriculture in advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami