This activity represents a concrete effort to support sustainable agriculture and adaptation to climate change. The event was attended by the Lubuk Cuik Village Farmers Group Association (Gapoktan), the village head and local government officials, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, agricultural extension workers, and the farming community. The Head of the Community Service Team, Prof. Dr. Ir. Charloq, MP, explained in Medan that the chili fields in Lubuk Cuik Village are mostly former acidic rice fields with high acidity levels (pH <5), resulting in low productivity.
"Through the application of biochar derived from empty oil palm fruit bunches (EFB), soil fertility can be improved, soil pH increases, water retention improves, and nutrient availability increases. As a result, chili growth is more optimal," he said. During this activity, farmers received direct education on the benefits of biochar, application techniques in the field, and assistance in implementing it in demonstration plots. The team also conducted soil analysis before and after application to scientifically verify changes in soil quality.
The Lubuk Cuik Village Government expressed its appreciation for this program. "We hope that biochar technology can continue to be used by farmers to increase chili yields and reduce fertilizer costs," said the farmer.
In addition to providing ecological benefits, the use of biochar also has the potential to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, support a circular economy, and serve as a climate change mitigation strategy.
Going forward, the USU community service team aims to independently adopt this technology and expand it to other agricultural commodities in Batubara.
https://www.waspada.id/medan/usu-dan-petani-desa-lubuk-cuik-terapkan-biochar-tingkatkan-produktivitas-cabai/