YOGYAKARTA, August 11, 2026 – The Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reinforced its strategic commitment to supporting regenerative agriculture and mitigating climate change. Speaking at an institutional showcase session during the 80th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium on Tuesday (Aug 11), the Head of the Soil Science Department, Dr. Makruf Nurudin, S.P., M.P., detailed the integrated contributions of its five core disciplines: Soil Chemistry & Fertility, Soil Physics & Conservation, Soil Management, Pedology, and Agroclimatology.
During the event, the department highlighted its position as a pioneer in biochar research for soil amendment and as a center for organic farming education since 2009. Supporting the Smart Eco Bioproduction initiative, researchers demonstrated various techno-ecological devices, including Agricultural Decarbonization Tools, Mobile Kon-Tiki reactors, Biochar Drums, Closed Chamber Modular systems for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) monitoring, Iron-Biochar Biocatalysts, and Biochar-Biosponges. Popular appropriate technologies were also exhibited, such as stacked buckets (Ember Tumpuk) alongside ESR & EWS software designed for peatland restoration.
Beyond laboratory innovations and testing tools, the Department of Soil Science actively supports national mandates. Key projects include researching the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method to suppress methane emissions in rice cultivation, as well as executing Survey, Investigation, and Design (SID) activities for new paddy field developments in Central Kalimantan and North Halmahera to safeguard national food security.
This lineup of techno-ecological innovations aligns with the department’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Decarbonization efforts and biochar technology advance SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by restoring soil health and lowering GHG emissions. Organic waste management and organic farming systems contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, precision agriculture tools and testing devices support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) while maintaining land productivity to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).