A student research team from the Biology Department at the Islamic University of Malang (Unisma) in Indonesia recently achieved international recognition for their work in agricultural soil science. Participating in the 2025 International Indonesia Young Scientist Expo (I2ASPO), the team earned a Gold Medal and a special award from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Their research focused on the development of a specialized 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 medium enhanced with nano-nutrients to improve crop productivity in marginal soil conditions.

The primary challenge addressed by the Unisma researchers is the inherent difficulty of farming in Indonesia’s extensive coastal regions, which are characterized by sandy soil. This soil type possesses poor water retention and low nutrient density, making it largely unsuitable for traditional agriculture without significant intervention. Furthermore, the prevailing reliance on intensive chemical fertilization to compensate for these deficiencies often leads to long-term soil degradation and environmental contamination, necessitating a more sustainable approach to soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More.

To address these limitations, the team engineered a biochar-based fertilizer delivery system utilizing organic agricultural waste. This solution integrates nano-sized NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) nutrients into the biochar matrix. The application of nanotechnology allows for a more controlled and efficient release of nutrients compared to conventional chemical fertilizers. By converting organic waste into biochar and fortifying it with nano-nutrients, the researchers created a medium designed to improve both the physical structure and the chemical profile of sandy coastal soils.

Experimental results involving the cultivation of Capsicum annuum (chili peppers) demonstrated that the nano-nutrient biochar significantly improved plant growth parameters in sandy environments. The research confirmed that the application of this medium enhances nutrient availability and moisture retention in the root zone. Beyond the empirical results, the project’s success at I2ASPO 2025 highlights the increasing academic focus on sustainable soil management technologies within the Indonesian research sector.