 |
| A team of lecturers from the Agrotechnology study program at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) conducted a service and workshop on how to take care of the soil to high school students (Photo: Special) |
The Earth and soil are elements that must always be preserved by humanity, including by the younger generation. Therefore, a team of lecturers from the Agrotechnology program at University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) conducted a community service initiative and workshop this December, teaching high school students how to care for soil. One of the workshops was held at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Batu, focusing on the theme: "Utilizing Organic Waste to Improve the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Soil."
Dyah Roeswitawati, Ali Ikhwan, Aulia Zaskia, and Ilmam Zul Fahmi collaborated to provide explanations and hands-on experiences to the high school students. Dyah explained that the initiative aims to equip students and teachers with knowledge and skills on how to manage organic waste using simple yet effective technology.
Read more : UMM Launches EYL CoE: New Innovation in English Learning for Children
"One of the methods introduced is utilizing bacteria to ferment kitchen waste. This technology is designed to be easily implemented both in school environments and at home," she explained.
In addition, a series of other educational topics were provided, ranging from how to sort and collect organic waste to the process of fermenting kitchen waste using specific bacteria. Participants were even taught how to use compost from the fermentation process to enrich the soil. Dyah added that the participants showed great enthusiasm during each stage of the training. They were taught how to utilize kitchen waste, such as vegetable and fruit scraps, to be processed into compost.
"There are many benefits to using compost, such as improving soil structure, increasing nutrient content, and supporting the life of microorganisms in the soil. Knowledge like this is crucial for the younger generation. After all, who else will take care of the Earth, especially its soil, if not the future generations? We must ensure they understand and don't end up harming the planet," she added.
The team hopes that this program will help students and teachers manage waste more effectively while also having a positive impact on the environment. They also hope that this initiative will inspire other schools to undertake similar efforts.
Read more : FLSP Bazaar: UMM's Approach to Enhancing Students' Language Skills
At the end of the activity, the teachers and students were provided with training modules and a demonstration on compost-making practices. This ensures that SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Batu is expected to become a role model for environmentally friendly organic waste management. There are also plans to expand this program to other schools in the surrounding areas.
"With this small step, the team of lecturers from the Agrotechnology Program at UMM aims to raise awareness about the importance of organic waste management to create a healthier and more sustainable environment," she concluded. (*/wil/ind)
