Bogor, JurnalPost.com — The Plantation Production Technology and Management (TMP) study program at IPB University's Vocational School introduced the use of biochar to the Muara Jaya Tani youth farmer group in Mulyaharja Village, Bogor City, through a Centralized and Integrated Community Service activity on Tuesday (22/9/2026).
The event began with a focus group discussion (FGD) covering the introduction of biochar and its production procedures. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss and ask questions regarding the production process and the application of biochar in cultivation.
Secretary of the TMP study program at IPB University's Vocational School, Wanda Russianzi, S.P., M.Si., opened the series of activities. Subsequently, TMP lecturer Merry Gloria Meliala, S.P., M.Si., provided a presentation on biochar and addressed questions from the participants.
Before the main material was presented, participants took a pre-test to assess their initial level of understanding regarding biochar. The activity was also supported by the Mulyaharja Village Agricultural Extension Officer, Agus Faisal.
The material provided covered the definition of biochar, the types of raw materials that can be used, and the production process through pyrolysis under limited oxygen conditions.
Merry explained that the porous character of biochar allows the material to interact with water and nutrients in the soil.
“The application of biochar with its porous characteristics allows it to interact with water and nutrients, acting as a soil amendment that helps improve the soil's ability to store water, retain nutrients, and serve as a habitat for soil microorganisms, making it suitable for use as a planting medium,” explained Merry Gloria Meliala.
After the presentation and discussion concluded, participants completed a post-test to measure the improvement in their understanding of biochar compared to before the activity.
The series of activities concluded with a photo session and lunch with the participants, lecturers, and speakers.
The community service program will next enter the field practice stage, involving the application of biochar on chili cultivation plots owned by farmers in Mulyaharja Village.
This practice is intended to introduce the direct use of biochar in cultivation activities while supporting the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for sustainable farming at the farmer level.
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