• Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares)
  • umcares@um.edu.my
  • 03-79677357
logo
logo

Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre

In an inspiring effort to enhance sustainable agriculture and restore soil vitality, a transformative community project has taken root—introducing farmers to the powerful benefits of biochar and activated carbon. These soil amendments, derived from agricultural waste, are emerging as game-changing solutions to age-old problems like soil infertility, contamination, and declining crop yields.

A Community-Driven Initiative for Change
The heart of this project lies not only in scientific innovation but in community empowerment. Farmers from surrounding areas actively participated in the conventional production of biochar and activated carbon, witnessing firsthand how common agricultural residues—typically seen as waste—can be converted into valuable tools for soil improvement. The hands-on involvement sparked keen interest and deepened their understanding of the process and its impact. The production techniques introduced are cost-effective and accessible, relying on locally available materials and simple equipment. By democratizing access to this technology, the project ensures long-term sustainability and self-reliance within the farming community.

Why Biochar and Activated Carbon Matter
Soil degradation remains a silent crisis across agricultural landscapes. Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, poor land management, and industrial pollutants have left many soils stripped of their fertility and teeming with harmful substances. Biochar and activated carbon are potent allies in reversing this trend.

  1. Biochar, a stable form of carbon created through pyrolysis of organic material, improves soil structure, retains water, and enhances microbial activity.
  2. Activated carbon, with its high adsorption capacity, effectively binds and removes toxins and heavy metals from the soil, restoring its natural balance.

When applied to farmlands, these amendments boost soil fertility, improve crop resilience, and significantly increase yields—offering a sustainable path to food security.

Project Objectives: Building a Future on Knowledge and Soil Health
The project's goals are clear and purpose-driven:

  1. Creating Awareness: Educate the community of farmers about the critical role of biochar, activated carbon, and the potential of agricultural waste as a resource.
  2. Technology Transfer: Equip the community with the skills and knowledge to independently produce and apply these materials using low-cost methods.
  3. Yield Improvement: Address declining crop production by enhancing soil quality and productivity through the application of these amendments.

A Ripple Effect of Sustainability and Innovation
What makes this project stand out is its multi-layered impact—social, economic, and environmental. Farmers are not just recipients of technology but co-creators in a circular economy that values waste as wealth. As word spreads and practices take root, the community begins to shift from dependency to innovation-driven resilience. Moreover, this initiative aligns with global calls for climate-smart agriculture, helping to sequester carbon in the soil while reducing the need for chemical inputs. It’s a small step with a potentially large footprint in addressing climate change and ensuring agricultural sustainability.

Cultivating More Than Crops
This project is more than an agricultural intervention—it is a movement of transformation. It brings science to the soil, trust to the community, and sustainability to the forefront. By harnessing the power of biochar and activated carbon, farmers are not only cultivating healthier crops but also a future of renewed hope, autonomy, and environmental stewardship. The soil beneath our feet holds the key to our survival. With initiatives like this, the path forward is rich—not just in nutrients, but in opportunity.

 

PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Execution: 18 Months
Location: Lenggang, Negeri Sembilan
Target Community: Farmers
Number of Community benifited: 105 communities
Parliment: Seremban (P128)
MyRa Star Rating
Outcome of the Project
  1. The farming community gained valuable knowledge about the vital role of biochar, activated carbon, and agricultural waste in enhancing soil fertility and significantly boosting crop yields.
  2. Through hands-on training, the technology for producing biochar and activated carbon was successfully transferred to the community—empowering farmers to combat soil contamination and improve soil health for long-term agricultural productivity.
  3. The application of eco-friendly biochar and activated carbon, derived from agricultural waste, has proven effective in revitalizing degraded soils and substantially increasing crop yields, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the farming community.
Impact of the Project
  1. The community demonstrated strong interest in learning innovative technologies aimed at increasing crop yields and improving soil fertility.
  2. A hands-on workshop was conducted with members of Pertubuhan Peladang Sri Kelana, Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan, to share knowledge and practical techniques.
  3. A live demonstration was carried out with the Pertubuhan Peladang Sri Kelana community, showcasing the step-by-step production and application of biochar and activated carbon.

Last Update: 10/06/2025