Innovative Waste Management by Agrotechnology Study Program of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang: Managing Organic Waste to Enrich Soil

Thursday, December 12, 2024 14:32 WIB

A team of lecturers from the Agrotechnology Department at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang carried out a school-based community service activity at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Batu. The team, consisting of Ms. Dyah Roeswitawati, Mr. Ali Ikhwan, Ms. Aulia Zaskia, and Mr. Ilmam Zul Fahmi, adopted the theme “Utilization of Organic Waste to Improve the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Soil.

This activity aimed to provide students and teachers with knowledge and skills on how to manage organic waste using simple yet effective technology. One of the methods introduced was the use of bacteria for fermenting kitchen waste. This technology is designed to be easily applied both at school and at home.

Training and Education Process

During the activity, students and teachers received training that covered:
- How to sort and collect organic waste.
- The fermentation process of kitchen waste using specific bacteria.
- The use of compost resulting from fermentation to enhance soil fertility.

Participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the training. They were taught how to process kitchen waste, such as vegetable and fruit scraps, into valuable compost. The team of lecturers also explained the various benefits of compost, such as improving soil structure, increasing nutrient content, and supporting the activity of microorganisms in the soil.

The head of the community service team, Ms. Dyah Roeswitawati, stated, “We hope this program can help students and teachers better manage waste, while also creating positive impacts on the environment. We aim for this activity to inspire other schools.”

Future Goals and Plans

The activity concluded with the distribution of training modules and demonstrations of compost-making practices. SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Batu is expected to become a role model for environmentally friendly organic waste management. In the future, this program is planned to be expanded to other schools in the surrounding area.

Through this small initiative, the team of lecturers from the Agrotechnology Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang hopes to raise awareness about the importance of organic waste management to create a healthier and more sustainable environment.

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