The KKN-PPM UGM Tilik Tulakan team for the second period of 2025 has successfully completed its community service program in Tulakan Village and Bungur Village, Tulakan District, Pacitan Regency. The team, consisting of 29 students, was guided by Gilang Wirakusuma, S.P., M.Sc. as the Field Supervisor (DPL). Tulakan District was chosen because of its significant role in strengthening the agricultural sector, considered the leading sector of the region. The program, which took place from June 29 to July 2, 2025, focused on the concerns of local residents regarding declining agricultural yields due to poor soil fertility.
In response to this problem, Almayra Khanza Fahrani (Agricultural Microbiology, class of 2022) along with other students from the agro cluster conducted soil pH measurements in the rice fields of Gesingan Hamlet, Tulakan District. The activity aimed to identify soil acidity levels, which were suspected to be a major factor behind reduced rice productivity. Measurements were carried out using a digital pH meter and manual indicators directly in the farmers’ fields.
“By seeing firsthand the condition of the rice fields in Gesingan Hamlet, we better understood the challenges faced by farmers, particularly soil acidity, which greatly affects harvest yields,” said Almayra, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.
Farmers actively participated in the discussion of the measurement results and received education on the importance of maintaining soil pH balance to support crop growth. After conducting checks at several points, the soils in Gesingan rice fields were found to have an average pH of 4–5, indicating acidity. At the end of the activity, farmers were provided with practical solutions such as applying lime and organic matter to improve soil quality. One of the farmers, Mr. Turikin, shared his concerns: “The soil here often causes rice crop failures, the grains are empty, and the harvest is not optimal. Perhaps because there has never been any special treatment to maintain soil health.”
The team also brought pH meters to conduct on-site checks and donated one to the farmers of Gesingan Hamlet. Through this activity, it is expected that farmers will gain a better understanding of their soil conditions and take corrective measures to support sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, members of the Tilik Tulakan KKN team also engaged in broader agricultural initiatives such as training on biopesticides, composting, silage production, and the introduction of modern agricultural tools and machinery. With these programs, Almayra and her peers hope to deliver long-term benefits and positive contributions to the community.
The KKN-PPM “Tilik Tulakan” program serves as concrete evidence of commitment to advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Almayra Khanza Fahrani
Editor: Agrit Kirana Bunda