IPB University Introduces Zeoponic Technology to Tobacco and Horticulture Farmers in Temanggung

As part of the 2025 Dosen Pulang Kampung (Dospulkam) program, a team of lecturers from the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta), together with staff from the Center for Mine Reclamation Studies (REKLATAM), IPB University, visited Tegalrejo Village, Bulu Subdistrict, Temanggung Regency.The activity aimed to introduce zeoponic technology to tobacco and horticulture farmers as an environmentally friendly planting media innovation that enhances fertilizer efficiency.

The IPB team, led by Prof. Dr. Suwardi and Dr. Khursatul Munibah, was warmly welcomed by Tegalrejo Village Head, Mr. Agus Nuryanto, along with local officials at the village hall. In his remarks, the Village Head expressed his appreciation for IPB University’s presence, noting that the program provides practical solutions to address soil fertility problems in the highland farming areas of Temanggung. During the visit, the team not only delivered a scientific presentation but also conducted a hands-on demonstration on how to prepare zeoponic planting media. In the practical session, it was explained that zeolite, the main component of zeoponic media, helps stabilize electrical conductivity (EC) levels, preventing nutrient leaching and ensuring a steady supply of nutrients for plant roots. This balanced condition allows roots to grow healthily and efficiently absorb essential nutrients.

The event was attended by around 35 participants representing farmer groups (Gapoktan) such as Ayo Makaryo, Bumirejo-1, Bumirejo-2, and Guyup Rukun. Farmers participated enthusiastically in both the discussion and practice sessions, actively sharing their daily farming challenges related to fertilizer efficiency, pest and disease management, and crop maintenance. During the practical workshop, participants learned to mix zeolite, compost, cocopeat, and fertilizer, as well as to measure pH and EC to ensure optimal conditions for plant growth.

Zeoponic technology, developed since 2021, is an innovative planting medium designed as an alternative for growing horticultural, forestry, and ornamental plants. The medium shows great potential to support sustainable agriculture, especially in areas with marginal soils or limited water availability, as it can retain water and nutrients longer than conventional media. Through this initiative, IPB University reaffirms its commitment to bringing science closer to society, strengthening partnerships between academia and local farmers, and accelerating the adoption of smart, locally based agricultural technologies across Indonesia.