Augmenting Sustainable Agricultural Land with Bio-fertilizers to Boost Food Production in Kalimantan, Indonesia
Zulkarnain
Indonesia strongly emphasizes ensuring food security through initiatives like the Sustainable Food and Food Estate programs. A significant component of these efforts involves the utilization of bio-fertilizers, which employ microbiological techniques to enhance soil fertility and crop nutrition in an environmentally friendly manner. This adoption of biofertilizers aims to reduce reliance on chemical alternatives, especially for vital crops like rice and wheat. This research, conducted across various regions in Kalimantan, meticulously isolated Rhizobium spp. and Phosphobacteria to develop bio-fertilizers that met stringent criteria. These criteria included containing 108 viable cells per gram, a 12-month shelf life, freedom from contaminants, and a pH range of 6.0-7.5. An economical medium was formulated using fish extract, algal water, aloe vera, and tap water, followed by incubation at 27°C with agitation. The study highlights different biofertilizers and their specific applications for targeted crops, demonstrating their potential to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Results of this study include Azolla pinnata, which can reduce Nitrogen fertilizer demand in rice cultivation by 20–30 kg, and Bacillus circulans, which has the potential to decrease Phosphorus fertilizer requirements in cowpea cultivation by 10–30 kg. Moreover, organic fertilizers showed varying yield increases, with rice at 3% and cauliflower at 30%. This research provides valuable insights for farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about adopting biofertilizers. It aligns with sustainable agricultural practices by promoting soil health, increasing crop productivity, and minimizing environmental impacts. The innovative approach of promoting and implementing bio-fertilizers within the Indonesian agricultural context, particularly in Kalimantan, distinguishes this research from conventional agricultural practices.
Keywords: Bio-fertilizer, Food,Agriculture, Sustainability, Kalimantan
