A group of students from the University of Jember have introduced a new solution for sustainable farming, creating a dry BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) product. This initiative, part of their 2025 Village Student Program (PROMAHADESA), is aimed at empowering farmers to improve soil health and increase agricultural productivity through simple, accessible technology. The students are working directly with the Karya Cipta II Farmer Group in Jenggawah Village, Jember, providing a hands-on approach that moves beyond theoretical concepts into practical, on-the-ground application.
The project’s core is centered on the students’ innovation and their commitment to long-term sustainability. They have not only socialized the benefits and uses of their dry Biochar and PGPR product but have also equipped the farmers with the means to produce it themselves. This includes providing a simple, easy-to-operate pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More tool and a practical guide book. This equipment and knowledge transfer allows farmers to convert local agricultural waste, such as rice husks, cocoa husks, and tobacco waste, into valuable biochar.
The initiative has been met with great enthusiasm from the local farmers, who see the innovation as an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement solution. The positive reception and eagerness to adopt the technology highlight the significant impact that simple, well-designed solutions can have on a community. By enabling farmers to independently produce their own soil amendments, the University of Jember students are helping to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system that benefits both the local economy and the environment. This project stands as a testament to the power of student-led innovation in creating tangible, positive change.
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