ULM Students Develop Experimental Garden in Sungai Puting, Encouraging Research-Based Agriculture
Banjarbaru – Students from the Community Service Program (KKN) of the Faculty of Agriculture, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), have once again demonstrated their real contribution through a flagship program in Sungai Puting Village, North Candi Laras District. They presented their contribution at the MBKM Expose held in the Auditorium on Monday (September 8, 2025).
Liana, a member of Group 9 from the Soil Science study program, explained that her group’s main work program is developing an experimental garden on land owned by PT Antang Gunung Meratus.
The focus of the activity includes land cover mapping, identifying the distribution of pyrite layers, analyzing soil pH, and monitoring groundwater level fluctuations. As part of the implementation, the students also planted superior regional commodities such as hiyung chilies and Banjar oranges.
“The community response has been very positive. They are excited to try making liquid organic fertilizer (POC),” said Liana.
The community’s enthusiasm was fueled by their experience of previous crop failures. Field observations revealed that the failure was related to the presence of a pyrite layer, which directly impacts the quality of agricultural land.
In response to this situation, the MBKM Community Service Program (KKN) team conducted outreach and training on soil quality inspections to improve the community’s knowledge of land management.
This program not only strengthens the link between science and field practice but also opens up opportunities for farmers to sustainably increase productivity. Through synergy between students, the community, and the company, Sungai Puting Village is expected to become a model for the application of adaptive agricultural science based on research and local wisdom.
