Empowering Farms with Sustainable Biochar Solutions

All Indonesia projects are managed by EWS-KT’s sister organization, Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS).

Context and Project Objective

The agricultural sector is increasingly facing issues such as land degradation, dependency on chemical fertilizers, and the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the common practice of burning agricultural waste contributes significantly to emissions. Globally, over 3.5 billion tons of agricultural waste from farming activities could be converted into more valuable and useful materials such as biochar—a carbon-rich, highly porous substance produced from agricultural residues through pyrolysis (heating in a low-oxygen environment). Biochar offers multiple benefits: it reduces fertilizer leaching, helps neutralize soil pH, improves soil health, enhances nutrient absorption efficiency, and boosts soil water retention.

This collaborative initiative between WasteX, YBTS, and Agathis Dammara Karbon (Adakarbon) aims to introduce biochar as an innovative solution for soil improvement. The project is designed to enhance soil fertility, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, lower carbon emissions, and boost crop yields and farmer incomes, particularly in the Java Island region.

Approach and Activities

• Farmer Knowledge: Conduct training sessions to introduce biochar technology; organize knowledge-sharing workshops on the benefits and application of biochar.
• Demonstration Plots: Establish biochar-integrated demonstration plots in working areas; conduct comparative trials to measure the impact of biochar on crop growth, soil quality, and yield; and monitor and document field performance to generate evidence-based insights.
• Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: YBTS will provide training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for horticultural crops; WasteX will facilitate on-site biochar production; and Adakarbon will lead sessions on biochar technology, showcasing its agricultural and environmental advantages.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Collect data on soil health improvement, crop yield, and input cost reduction; measure the impact of biochar on fertilizer efficiency; and engage with stakeholders, including local government and agricultural extension workers, to support future biochar adoption.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved soil quality through the application of biochar
• Reduced use of chemical fertilizers and carbon emissions
• Increased crop yield by up to 35% based on demonstration practices
• Increased average farmer income by up to 50%
• Dissemination of biochar technology to local farming communities through education and field practice programs

YBTS Partners

Funding partner: P4G, an initiative hosted by World Resources Institute and funded by Denmark, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea 

Implementing partners: WasteX and Agathis Dammara Karbon

Project Period

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2026

Location

Java (Batang, Grobongan, Pasuruan)