2023

Yogyakarta – In the effort to maintain environmental sustainability and reduce the negative impacts of climate change, innovation continues to be a crucial key. One innovation that has garnered attention is the development of charcoal briquettes based on goat manure. By utilizing organic waste and reducing the use of wood as a charcoal source, this solution has significant potential to become a more environmentally friendly alternative for charcoal production.

As part of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the Physical Chemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UGM plays a role in environmental preservation through innovative development. In this regard, the laboratory has conducted community service activities with the title “Goat Manure-Based Charcoal Briquettes at CV. Berkat Ilahi Farm, Yogyakarta.” Organic waste, such as goat manure, holds untapped potential. Through the proper processing, goat manure can be transformed into raw material for producing charcoal briquettes. This approach not only addresses environmental pollution issues related to waste management but also helps reduce the pressure on ecosystems caused by deforestation for firewood.

The team led by Mokhammad Fajar Pradipta, M.Eng, has successfully carried out the activity. Together with members of the Physical Chemistry Laboratory team, they conducted a visit on August 27, 2023. Full support from CV. Berkat Ilahi Farm was a key factor in the success of the goat manure-based charcoal briquette production program. This development of a sustainable solution has significant positive impacts, not only on the environment but also on waste management and the livelihoods of farmers.

In a statement, Mokhammad Fajar Pradipta expressed, “The development of goat manure-based charcoal briquettes is not just an innovation but also a tangible step in supporting the environment and contributing to organic waste reduction. We hope that this solution can serve as an inspirational model for other communities to adopt sustainable practices.”

Advancements in the development of goat manure-based charcoal briquettes have the potential not only to reduce negative environmental impacts but also to provide economic and social benefits. Solutions like this are a real reflection of sustainable efforts that can lead communities towards a greener and more sustainable environment.

With the support and cooperation between educational institutions, the business sector, and the community, innovations like the development of goat manure-based charcoal briquettes offer increasing hope for a brighter future where environmental sustainability is no longer just a dream but a reality that can be achieved through collective efforts.

Yogyakarta, August 28, 2023 – The increasing interest in organic farming has driven organic fertilizers to become a sought-after solution in the modern agricultural world. Apart from being environmentally friendly, organic fertilizers have significant potential in improving soil quality and agricultural yields. Conventional farming methods often rely on chemical fertilizers that can deplete soil fertility over time. This is one of the reasons why organic fertilizers are gaining popularity.

As a demonstration of concern for societal issues, especially in providing organic fertilizers, and to fulfill one of the pillars of Higher Education’s Tri Dharma, which is Community Service, the Community Service Team Based on the Utilization of Research Results and the Application of Appropriate Technology (TTG) from Gadjah Mada University has organized training on the conversion of goat manure into organic fertilizer through fermentation processes at CV. Berkat Ilahi Farm, Yogyakarta.

Mokhammad Fajar Pradipta, M.Eng, who is the responsible person for the TTG community service program, explained to Prof. Ir. Yuny Erwanto, S.Pt., M.P., Ph.D., IPM, during a meeting on August 25, 2023, that the fermentation process of goat manure typically takes about 2 months using EM4 starter. However, with the technology introduced by the TTG Community Service Team, this time has been successfully shortened to just 5 days. Organic fertilizer not only improves soil structure but also helps maintain moisture and provides essential nutrients without causing long-term negative effects.

In this context, goat manure-based fertilizer is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and it contains beneficial microbes, making it a promising choice. The development of organic fertilizer based on goat manure through the fermentation process provides a sustainable solution for modern agriculture. This fertilizer not only addresses the issue of using chemical fertilizers that have negative impacts on the environment and soil quality but also naturally enhances agricultural productivity. With proper implementation, fermentation-based organic fertilizer can be a crucial step towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Support and innovation in the development of goat manure-based organic fertilizer bring hope for a better future in agriculture, where abundant yields can be achieved without sacrificing the environment and long-term soil fertility.