Biochar Significantly Improves Yields of Cauliflower and Bitter Gourd in Central Java

GROBOGAN, INDONESIA — Field trials by WasteX have demonstrated how biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendment made from agricultural waste, can substantially improve crop yields and farmer income in Indonesia.

Two local farmers, Masmin and Fatonah, reported exceptional results on their cauliflower and bitter gourd farms after applying biochar for the first time.

Cauliflower Trial: 29% Yield Increase, 47% Higher Income

After decades of conventional farming, Masmin conducted his first biochar trial on cauliflower. He applied four tons of biochar per hectare, enriched with goat manure, while cutting chemical fertilizer use by 20 percent.

The difference was evident within weeks. Cauliflower plants treated with biochar developed larger roots, thicker stems, and bigger flowers, leading to faster maturity compared to untreated plots.

During the first harvest, the biochar-treated beds produced eight times more mature cauliflowers than the control group.

Overall, the plot recorded a 29 percent increase in total yield and a 47 percent rise in income. The early harvest also allowed Masmin to enter the market sooner, minimizing risks from crop loss and price fluctuations.

Bitter Gourd Trial: Nearly 70% Higher Yield

In a separate trial, Fatonah, another farmer in Grobogan, applied biochar to her bitter gourd fields while reducing fertilizer use by half. Her previous crops often faced issues such as short, curved, and irregularly shaped fruits.

Fatonah, a bittergourd farmer in Grobogan sharing her experience in using biochar on her crops

With the addition of biochar, Fatonah observed remarkable improvements: the gourds grew longer, straighter, smoother, and fresher.

Over nine harvests on identical plots, the biochar-treated land yielded 1,092 kilograms, compared to 640 kilograms from the untreated plot. This represents a 70 percent increase in yield.

“I did not expect that with half the dose of chemical fertilizer and added biochar, the results would be so much better,” she said.

Building a Sustainable Future for Indonesian Farmers

Both farmers’ experiences point to a shared conclusion: biochar offers tangible benefits in crop productivity, even when paired with lower fertilizer inputs. By turning agricultural waste into biochar, we can improve productivity while contributing to carbon sequestration and soil restoration.