A REVIEW OF THE FUTURE OF BIOMASS-BASED FERTILIZER IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Biomass-based fertilizers, derived from plant or animal matter, are a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, derived from renewable sources and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. Biofertilizers, which contain beneficial microorganisms, increase nutrient absorption and promote plant growth. Biomass-based fertilizers offer numerous advantages over synthetic fertilizers, including organic matter and nutrient enrichment, reliance on renewable sources, soil health and conservation of biodiversity, and reducing agricultures reliance on chemical inputs. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, Indonesia can achieve its agricultural development goals. However, Indonesia faces challenges in feedstock availability, collection, processing infrastructure, quality control, farmer education, and economic viability. Challenges include improving organic waste management, establishing processing infrastructure, ensuring consistent quality control and standardization, increasing farmer awareness, and addressing economic viability and market development. The future of biomass-based fertilizers in Indonesia holds great potential, with research and development efforts resulting in innovations in production processes, feedstock management, and nutrient formulation. Government support and policy, integration with circular economy practices, and export potential are also key future prospects. KEYWORDS: Biomass; circular economy; fertilizer; sustainability; waste management