IPB University Students Strengthen 3K1W with Galangal Rubber Agroforestry in Tiyuh Mulya Jaya

A total of seven students from the IPB University Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture (KKNT) team in Tiyuh Mulya Jaya, West Tulang Bawang Regency, Lampung held a galangal planting program on land between rubber forests in the village unit (RK) 02. The program was initiated together with Ari Wibowo as an agricultural extension worker in Tiyuh Mulya Jaya.

Aura Suci Cahyani, a student of IPB University KKNT Innovation explained that this program aims to increase the productivity of farmers’ land in order to strengthen the 3K1W program (Cages, Ponds, Gardens, and Tourism) initiated by the West Tulang Bawang Regency Government with agroforestry.

“This planting aims to find out more about how to plant on rubber land. This is because the soil conditions are quite acidic (pH ≤4) often make the planting results less than optimal. Therefore, a medium is needed to increase the pH of the soil using ground lime,” said Aura.

She said that the selection of galangal as an intercrop in rubber tree land was not only to increase farmers’ income. The chemical compound in galangal, Aura explained, can suppress the growth of fungi on rubber trees so that there is a mutualistic symbiosis between rubber trees and galangal.

“In addition, we together with Mr. Ari Wibowo made trichoderma using simple media, namely rice and cucumber, to prevent the growth of pathogenic fungi on plant roots. Trichoderma works to improve the soil structure around plant roots by decomposing organic substances in the soil,” she said.

“Hopefully, by planting galangal on intercropping land for rubber trees, it can increase income for rubber farmers while making the land in Tiyuh Mulya Jaya more productive,” said Ari Wibowo who is also a biological agency consultant. (*/Rz) (IAAS/HNJ)