The Gamahumat research team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and PT Bukit Asam, held a rice harvest event in Bimomartani, Sleman, on Thursday (Apr. 24).
This was no ordinary harvest, as it served to evaluate the effectiveness of the Gamahumat and nano-silica innovations and to introduce the Gamahumat product to community representatives, government officials, and industry stakeholders.
Dr. Cahyo Wulandari, a lecturer at the Department of Soil Science, UGM Faculty of Agriculture, and a member of the research team, explained that Gamahumat is a soil conditioner composed of humic and fulvic acid compounds derived from low-calorie coal. The application of this humate compound is expected to improve the soil’s capacity to retain fertilizers, thereby enhancing fertilizer efficiency.
“Soil conditions can store fertilizers better,” said Dr. Wulandari in a statement to reporters on Monday (Apr. 28).
She noted that soil efficiency in fertilizer retention can improve by 20–50%. Moreover, the use of Gamahumat also contributes to increased harvest yields. Based on field observations, the application of 100% NPK fertilizer in combination with Gamahumat and nano-silica increased the number of filled rice grains by up to 62%.
“These findings still require further laboratory testing. If validated, the cost of humate products could be reduced, and dependence on imports minimized,” she added.
Professor Ferian Anggara, a professor at the UGM Department of Geological Engineering and head of the Gamahumat research team, explained that the application of humate compounds helps maintain soil health and structure. When soil conditions improve, nutrients from fertilizers are retained longer in the soil, reducing the frequency of fertilizer application.
“This humic compound can bind the nitrogen content in fertilizers,” Professor Anggara said.
This harvest marked the second trial of Gamahumat on rice crops in Bimomartani. The previous harvest took place in October 2024. Earlier results showed that using Gamahumat yielded productivity levels nearly equal to those achieved using only NPK and urea fertilizers.
Professor Anggara added that the team experimented with various variables to determine optimal conditions, including the addition of nano-silica to the Gamahumat formulation.
“Nanosilica strengthens plant stems, enhances nutrient distribution, and increases resistance to pests and extreme weather,” he explained.
Another team member, Professor Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, emphasized that plants require nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. However, after harvesting, soil conditions often deteriorate and become unsuitable for reuse. This issue prompted the team to innovate a solution that not only improves soil fertility but also helps retain essential nutrients for future planting cycles.
Professor Petrus noted that Gamahumat is currently being tested on various soil types, including limestone and volcanic soils, as well as on a range of crops, such as fruits. The team also plans to trial the product on post-mining lands to support soil rehabilitation and reforestation efforts.
Various stakeholders have positively received the Gamahumat innovation. Bagus Totok Purnomo, a representative from PT Bukit Asam, praised the initiative as a practical example of downstreaming low-calorie coal—a national priority promoted by the government.
Meanwhile, Eko Budi Cahyono from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources expressed optimism that Gamahumat will continue to be studied and developed for broader application.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya