Aplikasi Teknologi Zeoponik untuk Perbaikan Pembibitan Tembakau dan Hortikultura di Temanggung

Suwardi Suwardi; Khursatul  Munibah; Dyah Tjahyandari  Suryaningtyas; Hermanu  Widjaja; Putri  Oktariani; Octaviana  Randrikasari

Authors

Suwardi Suwardi IPB University Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6614-5451
Khursatul Munibah IPB University Author
Dyah Tjahyandari Suryaningtyas IPB University Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9397-1871
Hermanu Widjaja IPB University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6915-2932
Putri Oktariani IPB University Author
Octaviana Randrikasari IPB University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9989-4148

Keywords:

community service, horticulture, sustainable agriculture, tobacco, zeoponics

Abstract

Efficient and environmentally friendly growing media technologies are urgently needed to support agricultural productivity, particularly in mountainous areas for tobacco and horticultural crops. Through the Dosen Pulang Kampung (Dospulkam) Program in 2025, a team of lecturers from the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, in collaboration with the Center for Mining Reclamation Studies, conducted a community service activity in Tegalrejo Village, Bulu District, Temanggung Regency. This program aimed to introduce zeoponic technology as an innovative growing medium for tobacco and horticultural farmers. The activity involved approximately 35 farmers from several farmer groups (Gapoktan), namely Ayo Makaryo, Bumirejo-1, Bumirejo-2, and Guyup Rukun. The implementation methods included scientific material delivery and hands-on practice in preparing zeoponic growing media. Zeolite, as the main component of the medium, functions to maintain electrical conductivity stability, enhance water-holding capacity, and reduce nutrient losses through leaching. During the practical session, participants were trained to formulate growing media from a mixture of zeolite, compost, cocopeat, and fertilizer, as well as to measure pH and electrical conductivity to ensure optimal conditions for plant growth. The results showed high enthusiasm among farmers, reflected in active participation in discussions on fertilization efficiency, crop management, and pest and disease control. Zeoponic technology, which has been developed since 2021, demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable alternative growing medium, especially for areas with limited water availability and marginal soils. This program strengthens the role of IPB University in transferring science-based innovations to communities, fostering partnerships with local farmers, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies in Indonesia.