PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN PETANI JAGUNG PAKPAK BHARAT DALAM MENGOLAH LIMBAH PANGKAL JAGUNG MENJADI PUPUK ORGANIK RAMAH LINGKUNGAN Sri Adelila Sari (1*), Puji Prastowo (2), Muslim (3), Feri Yuni Kabeakan (4), Hanisah Hasibuan (5), Lia Mardiana Nasution (6)
(1,2,3,6) Jurusan Kimia, Fakultas Matematika dan IPA, Universitas Negeri Medan
(4) Jurusan Teknik, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Negeri Medan
(5) Jurusan Kimia, Program Pascasarjana, Universitas Negeri Medan
* sriadelilasari[at]unimed.ac.id
Abstract
Pakpak Bharat Regency in North Sumatra Province has significant potential in the agriculture sector, particularly in corn cultivation. However, the management of corn waste in this region has been suboptimal, with corn cobs often left to accumulate or burned, leading to environmental pollution. Limited technology and the high cost of equipment have hindered the community from processing this waste into organic fertilizer, resulting in dependence on externally purchased organic fertilizers. This study was aimed to enhance corn farmers knowledge about processing corn cob waste into organic fertilizer. The methods used were included education, provision of appropriate technology (TTG) in the form of shredders, and training and mentoring in organic fertilizer production. Data were analyzed using scoring methods and Spearman Rank. The results were indicated a significant increase in corn farmers^ knowledge in Pakpak Bharat regarding the processing of corn cob waste into organic fertilizer, with scores were rised from 1.57 (low) to 2.80 (high). Factors contributing to this improvement were included of age (rs=0.410*), education (rs=0.500*), and technology suitability (rs=0.620*). Through this activity, farmers learned to convert corn cob waste into organic fertilizer, which reduced environmental impact and improved their income and quality of life.
