Increasing Farmer Group Capacity through Balanced Fertilization Education in Jaten District

Dewi Rahmawati Intan Permatasari; Adhisty Puri Damayanti; Mahananto; Agung Prasetyo; Teguh Supriyadi

doi:10.36728/jcce.v4i1.6308

Dewi Rahmawati Intan Permatasari Universitas Tunas Pembangunan
Adhisty Puri Damayanti Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta
Mahananto Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta
Agung Prasetyo Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta
Teguh Supriyadi Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36728/jcce.v4i1.6308

Keywords: organik, paddy, sustainable agricultural

Abstract

The continuous use of inorganic fertilizers without proper balance in rice cultivation can degrade soil quality, increase production costs, and reduce the sustainability of agricultural systems. Therefore, education for farmer groups is needed to improve their understanding of balanced fertilization through the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers. This community service activity aimed to improve farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and interest in implementing a balanced fertilization system by using organic fertilizers, such as manure and leaf litter, as partial substitutes for inorganic fertilizers. The activity was carried out using an extension method, with a leaf litter fertilizer producer and an agricultural extension officer serving as resource persons. The evaluation was conducted through pre-test and post-test surveys, observation of farmers, and perception questionnaires involving 25 participants. The results showed an increase in farmers’ understanding of balanced fertilization concepts by 44%, an increase in knowledge of the benefits of organic fertilizers by 40%, and an increase in interest in implementing the system by 36%. In addition, most farmers showed positive attitudes toward reducing inorganic fertilizer use and utilizing organic fertilizers as more environmentally friendly and economical alternatives. This activity contributed to improving participants’ capacity as agents of change in implementing sustainable rice cultivation. Therefore, balanced fertilization education is an important step in supporting more efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable agricultural systems.

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