DAMPAK PUPUK KIMIA dan KESUBURAN TANAH

Summary

In Karawang, West Java, declining soil fertility is a serious issue for farmers, worsened by excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These practices have led to hardened, acidic soil, rising production costs, and pest resistance. The situation stems from the Green Revolution era, with the government focusing on increasing agricultural productivity without considering sustainability. Despite ongoing fertilizer subsidies, there is little attention to local soil needs or organic alternatives. Experts suggest that organic fertilizers and a more tailored, region-specific approach to farming can help restore soil health and improve long-term agricultural sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 The agricultural land in Karawang, West Java, is facing a serious problem due to declining soil fertility.
• 😀 Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has contributed to this issue.
• 😀 Pest resistance to pesticides is increasing, further complicating farming efforts.
• 😀 Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers is raising production costs for farmers.
• 😀 Farmers have started neglecting soil fertility, leading to shallow soil in Karawang.
• 😀 The hardening of soil structure is a direct effect of continuous chemical fertilizer use without organic supplementation.
• 😀 Chemical fertilizers leave residues that, when exposed to water, bind the soil, making it hard and difficult to plant.
• 😀 The soil has become acidic, making it difficult for microorganisms and creatures like worms to survive.
• 😀 This dependency on chemical fertilizers is preventing the soil from being self-sustaining in terms of providing nutrients.
• 😀 According to a professor from the Bogor Agricultural Institute, these issues are a legacy of the Green Revolution era under the New Order regime.
• 😀 The government continues to focus on fertilizer subsidies, without addressing the varying needs of the soil across different regions, which requires more tailored approaches.

Q & A

What is the main issue facing the farmers in Karawang, West Java?

The main issue is the decline in soil fertility, which has become a serious problem for farmers like Tajuddin and thousands of others. This is primarily due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

How does the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides affect the soil?

The overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to a decrease in soil fertility, causing the soil to become hard and shallow. This hardening of the soil prevents the proper growth of plants and reduces its ability to provide nutrients.

What is the impact of excessive pesticide use on pest resistance?

Excessive pesticide use has caused pests to become increasingly resistant to these chemicals, making them less effective over time.

How does the continued use of chemical fertilizers increase production costs for farmers?

The dependence on chemical fertilizers raises the cost of agricultural production because the soil requires constant replenishment through these fertilizers, which can be expensive.

What happens to the soil when chemical fertilizers are used without balancing with organic fertilizers?

When chemical fertilizers are used without organic fertilizers, the soil becomes hardened, acidic, and unable to support microorganisms and organisms like earthworms, which are vital for soil health.

What is the role of organic fertilizers in improving soil health?

Organic fertilizers help to maintain and improve soil structure, prevent soil acidity, and support the health of microorganisms, which are essential for a sustainable agricultural system.

Why is the soil in Karawang mostly shallow, and what is the cause?

The soil in Karawang is mostly shallow due to soil compaction, a direct result of the continuous use of chemical fertilizers without proper soil management practices.

What was the effect of the Green Revolution during the New Order era on agriculture?

The Green Revolution during the New Order era prioritized high agricultural productivity without considering the long-term sustainability of the land, leading to the current challenges of soil degradation.

What is the current approach of the Indonesian government regarding fertilizers?

The government continues to focus on providing fertilizer subsidies, but it does not consider the varying needs of soil in different locations, which could lead to inefficiencies in fertilizer distribution.

How much budget was allocated for fertilizer subsidies in 2020-2021, and what should be done to improve this system?

A large budget of over 20 trillion IDR was allocated for fertilizer subsidies in 2020-2021. To improve this system, the distribution of subsidies should be tailored to specific needs of different regions, with a greater emphasis on the use of organic fertilizers.