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

The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) held a graduation ceremony for 140 undergraduate students in the first graduation period of the 2024/2025 academic year on Wednesday, 20 November 2024. The graduates comprised 40 male and 100 female students who earned their respective degrees in Fisheries and Agriculture. One of the graduates, Fika Tri Andaini (from the Agricultural Microbiology study program), was named the best graduate at the faculty level with a cumulative GPA of 3.90, completing her studies in 4 years, 1 month, and 1 day.

In addition, awards for the fastest graduates were given to Sinta Sekar Larasati, Zirly Uswatun K., and Zukhfira Firdausa, all from the Agronomy study program, who completed their degrees in just 3 years, 10 months, and 4 days. The youngest graduate award was presented to Radityo Arkacesar Dermawan from the Plant Protection study program, who completed his degree at the age of 21 years, 3 months, and 9 days.

In this joyful occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the parents and guardians for their continued support and collaboration with the faculty throughout their children’s academic journey.

“Thank you to the parents and guardians who accompanied and supported their children so they could graduate on time. With your support and cooperation with us, your children have succeeded and that is truly an outstanding achievement. I pray that the future holds even better things for all of you,” said the Dean in his speech at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium.

The successful graduation of 140 outstanding students from the Faculty of Agriculture in this first graduation period of the 2024/2025 academic year stands as concrete evidence of UGM’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Khairani Nabilah, Agrit Kirana Bunda

Editor: Hanita Athasari Zain

Photo: Media Faperta UGM