[Unpad Media Channel] Some students from Universitas Padjadjaran create fertilizer using Slow Release Fertilizer technology from banana stems and shrimp shells waste. The product, named “Pupukin!”, is coated with macromolecular materials to delay the release of nutrients into the soil, thereby reducing the frequency of fertilization and providing optimal benefits for plants.
This product is developed by Dira Purwasih (Agribusiness), Prili Alisha (Agribusiness), Rizqia Nadira Ronaldo (Agribusiness), M. Yasyfa Kusumadinata (Agroindustrial Technology), and supervising professor Vira Kusuma Dewi, M.Sc., PhD.
“With just one application, Pupukin! supports the plants until harves time,” said Prili in the release achieved by Unpad Media Channel.
This innovation product is an implementation from Student Entrepreneurship Creativity Program (Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa Kewirausahaan or PKM-K) that successfully secured funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.
Prili explained that banana stem waste contains several microbes, namely Aeromonas sp., Bacillus sp., and Aspergillus niger, which can act as decomposers of organic soil materials, nitrogen fixers, and combatants against plant disease pathogens.
Banana stem waste also contains macro and micronutrients needed by plants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Moreover, shrimp shell waste contains a compound called chitin that can be converted into chitosan, serving as a source of organic carbon and having the ability to regulate the release of nutrients to plants.
In addition to being made from organic materials, Pupukin! has other advantages such as enhancing plant resilience against pests and diseases by combining it with neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), which have a distinctive, strong aroma and contain active compounds.
“Pupukin! can also enhance fertilizer effectiveness in controlling nutrient release, providing long-term usage efficiency, and reducing the risk of water and soil pollution,” explained Prili.
Pupukin! is packaged in cube-shaped pieces weighing 250 grams each. The product is used by burying it in the planting media and inserting one cube for leafy vegetables such as water spinach, spinach, bok choy, and lettuce.
Through this product, Pupukin! promotes an environmentally friendly concept by supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 12, which is “Responsible consumption and production”. Prili and her team hope that this product can increase crop yields for communities in West Java and Indonesia.
Packaged in biodegradable craft standing pouches, Pupukin! product packaging can be recycled into plant pots. Pupukin! packaging is equipped with a QR code linked to the official Pupukin! website, which contains information and educational content about slow-release fertilizer products. (release/art/SA)*
