The use of fertilizers and chemicals in agriculture is often seen as an instant solution to increase crop yields. These substances enhance agricultural productivity and provide additional nutrients, such as potassium, NPK, nitrogen, and phosphorus, that plants need. However, excessive use of fertilizers and chemicals can lead to serious impacts, including soil quality degradation, water pollution, and adverse effects on human health.
Responding to this issue, a team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participating in the Student Creativity Program for Community Service (PKM-PM) collaborated with Karang Taruna Permadi 13 in Jamblangan Village, Sleman Regency.
This collaboration launched the Jamblangan Grow+ (JGrow+) program, which focuses on using livestock waste, such as feces and urine, to produce Pupuk Organik Plus (POP) and biofertilizer.
In addition to livestock waste, household waste, and tobacco residue can also be used to enrich the quality of the fertilizer.
This process results in fertilizer containing nine types of microorganisms that support plant growth.
“Livestock waste contains beneficial elements such as nitrogen in urine and organic carbon in feces. These components serve as natural nutrients for plants,” said Tsabita Afidati, team leader, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025..
Afidati explained that the production process for livestock waste fertilizer involves a fermentation period of about 1-1.5 months to produce Pupuk Organik Plus (POP), whereas biofertilizer production requires only 10-14 days of fermentation.
She further described simple indicators for assessing product feasibility.
After fermentation, the product can be stored in a closed space, with gas released every two weeks to maintain quality.
“Product feasibility can be evaluated by observing the liquid color. In biofertilizer products, color and aroma changes resemble those of sweet soy sauce,” she explained.
This innovation also equips the local community with knowledge of packaging, promotional strategies, and organizational management, enabling them to sustain the program.
Afidati added that, to broaden impact, the team implemented a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach so residents could practice waste-processing techniques directly.
They also produced a tutorial video uploaded to YouTube as a learning resource.
“Through the Training of Trainers (ToT) method and tutorial videos, we hope to disseminate this knowledge more widely to the public,” she said.
The team hopes that this innovation will not only serve as a technical program for waste processing but also empower the local community to independently and sustainably manage POP and biofertilizer.
Supported by collaboration with Karang Taruna Permadi 13, the initiative also encourages young people to take an active role in solving local challenges.
“By optimizing local potential and human resources, we can not only reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers but also empower young generations as pioneers of change,” Afidati concluded.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: JGrow+ Team