The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is launching an innovative project to empower local cowpea farmers while addressing waste management challenges. This initiative combines sustainable agriculture practices with cutting-edge waste processing technology to create a circular economy model that benefits both the university and surrounding communities.

Project Overview

The project aims to:

1. Increase cowpea yields and farmer incomes through the use of biochar fertilizer

2. Convert waste from UMM properties into valuable resources

3. Create a sustainable, low-cost fertilizer production system

4. Establish a profitable business model for excess biochar sales

Waste Collection and Processing

Waste will be collected from various UMM properties, including:

• Local Farmers

• Local Communities

• Sengkaling Recreation Park

The collected waste will be sorted into organic and inorganic materials. Organic waste, along with agricultural residues from neighboring farms, will be processed using PlasmaTerra technology to produce biochar fertilizer. Inorganic waste will be converted into low-volume ash or construction materials.

Biochar Production and Application

The PlasmaTerra system utilizes electric plasma furnace technology to convert organic waste into high-quality biochar. This process is highly efficient and cost-effective, resulting in a low production cost and high profit margin for excess biochar sales.

Benefits of biochar for cowpea cultivation:

• Improves soil structure and water retention

• Enhances nutrient availability and uptake

• Increases crop yields by 20-30%

• Promotes carbon sequestration and soil health

Addressing Farmer Challenges

Cowpea farmers in the region face several significant challenges:

1. Low soil fertility: Many soils in the area are deficient in essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which is crucial for cowpea growth and nitrogen fixation.

2. Limited access to fertilizers: High costs and poor availability in rural markets make it difficult for farmers to obtain necessary fertilizers.

3. Lack of awareness: Many farmers are unaware of the benefits of using phosphorus-based fertilizers for cowpea cultivation.

4. Environmental concerns: Overuse of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and water pollution.

The biochar fertilizer produced through this project addresses these challenges by:

• Providing a low-cost, locally-produced alternative to expensive chemical fertilizers

• Improving soil fertility and structure, leading to increased yields

• Offering a sustainable, environmentally-friendly fertilizer option

• Educating farmers on proper fertilizer use and benefits

Game-Changing Impact

This project has the potential to revolutionize cowpea farming in the region:

1. Increased yields: Farmers can expect 20-30% higher cowpea yields, significantly boosting their income and food security.

2. Cost savings: The low-cost biochar fertilizer reduces input costs for farmers, improving profitability.

3. Environmental benefits: Biochar application sequesters carbon in the soil, contributing to climate change mitigation.

4. Waste reduction: The project helps UMM and surrounding communities manage waste more effectively.

5. Economic opportunities: Excess biochar sales create a new revenue stream for the university and participating farmers.

6. Knowledge transfer: The project facilitates the exchange of sustainable farming practices between the university and local communities.

By addressing the critical issues of soil fertility, fertilizer access, and waste management, this initiative promises to be a game-changer for cowpea farmers in the region. It demonstrates how innovative technologies and collaborative approaches can create sustainable solutions that benefit both agricultural communities and the environment.