In a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, a group of students from Universitas Brawijaya (UB) has created an innovative, eco-friendly fertilizer called “Ecobloom.” This project, part of the Mahasiswa Membangun Desa (MMD) 2025 program, is aimed at assisting farmers in Desa Banyuputih Kidul, located in Lumajang, Indonesia. The initiative seeks to address several key challenges faced by the local agricultural community, including a lack of environmental awareness, limited access to modern farming technology, and the inefficient use of organic waste.

The development of Ecobloom is a direct response to the negative impacts of prolonged use of chemical fertilizers, which have contributed to soil degradation and increased production costs for farmers. The new bio-based fertilizer offers a more sustainable and economically viable alternative. Ecobloom is formulated using a combination of a biopolymer derived from Gracilaria seaweed and 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. This unique composition allows the fertilizer to slowly release essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and foster a healthy environment for beneficial soil microorganisms.

By introducing this affordable and locally-producible fertilizer, the students hope to empower farmers to improve crop yields while simultaneously restoring soil health. The program not only provides a tangible product but also educates the community on sustainable farming practices. This collaborative effort between university students and local farmers in Desa Banyuputih Kidul serves as a compelling example of how biochar technology can be applied at a grassroots level to drive positive environmental change and foster long-term agricultural resilience. The success of this project could serve as a valuable model for other rural communities facing similar agricultural and environmental challenges.

Source: UB Students Create “Ecobloom,” an Environmentally Friendly Fertilizer for Farmers in Banyuputih Kidul Village