Agriverse

The The Potential Benefits of Weeds in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Highland and Lowland Fields

2025-09-01T13:17:32+00:00

In agriculture, weeds are commonly viewed as nuisances that compete with main crops for resources like air, nutrients, light, and space, potentially reducing plant productivity. However, weeds also play a crucial role in ecosystems, contributing to soil fertility through organic matter decomposition, soil erosion prevention, acting as habitats for beneficial insects, and other benefits. Especially for human welfare, for new food and medicine sources. This is in line with the goals of SDGs 2 and 3. This study is concerned with the advantages of weeds in sugarcane fields. Observation conducted in lowland and highland fields. Vegetation analysis using the quadrat method by a 1x1 meter quadrat. There are 3 replications for each sample. Identification of weeds for significant benefits if properly utilized from the literatures. 10 from 13 species in lowland are useful for medicine. They are Ageratum conyzoides, Portulaca oleracea, Digitaria ciliaris, Phyllanthus niruri Linn., Eleusine indica, Trianthema portulacastrum, and Crassocephalum crepidioides. Meanwhile, from the highland can be found Mimosa pudica L., Cyperus rotundus, Cayratia trifolia, and Montanoa hibiscifolia Benth. All of the 11 weeds in highland have potential for medicine. They are Mimosa pudica L., Amaranthus tricolor L., Ipomoea obscura, Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass., Chromolaena odorata, Eleusine indica, Cyperus rotundus, Cayratia trifolia, Modiola caroliniana, Digitaria sanguinalis, Montanoa hibiscifolia Benth. So, majority of weeds in lowland and highland fields are used as medicines. Other utilized as pesticides, soil conservation, biological agencies, livestock feed, fertilizer, ornamental plants, and food.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Linking Human Resource Management, Human Capital Development, and Innovation Adoption to Sustainable Firm Performance: Insights from the Ornamental Plant Agribusiness Sector

2025-11-05T05:02:25+00:00

The ornamental plant industry in East Java holds substantial potential but faces challenges such as intense market competition, shifting consumer preferences, and the continuous demand for innovation. This study examines the influence of human resource management (HRM) practices on workforce capability enhancement, innovation uptake, and their implications for organizational outcomes in ornamental plant enterprises in Surabaya and Malang. A quantitative approach was applied using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) based on data collected from 150 human resource managers. The results indicate that effective HRM practices significantly strengthen workforce capabilities, which subsequently enhance firms’ capacity to adopt innovation. Innovation uptake plays a critical role in improving organizational outcomes, particularly in productivity, product quality, and long-term business viability. Furthermore, the findings confirm the presence of indirect effects through the mediating roles of workforce capability enhancement and innovation uptake. These results support the integration of the Resource-Based View, Knowledge-Based View, and Dynamic Capabilities perspective in explaining performance improvement mechanisms within ornamental plant agribusinesses. From a broader perspective, strengthening HRM systems, investing in employee competencies, and accelerating innovation uptake contribute not only to firm competitiveness but also to sustainable agribusiness development by supporting resilient agricultural enterprises, improving rural employment quality, and advancing the achievement of SDG 8 and SDG 12.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 8: Decent jobs and economic growth
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Biological Control Study on Rice Ear Bugs (Leptocorisa oratorius F.) at Ketindan Agricultural Training Center, East Java, Indonesia

2026-01-12T05:46:47+00:00

This laboratory study evaluated the efficacy of two botanical pesticides—lime leaf extract (Citrus aurantifolia) and coconut shell liquid smoke—against the rice bug (Leptocorisa oratorius F.), a major pest in rice cultivation. The research employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a 4x2 factorial arrangement, testing four concentrations (0% as control, 10%, 20%, and 30%) of each pesticide type. Each treatment combination was replicated three times, with mortality and behavioral observations recorded every 24 hours over 168 hours. Results demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect, with the highest mortality achieved at the 30% concentration. Coconut shell liquid smoke caused 86.67% mortality, outperforming lime leaf extract at 80%. Both treatments induced significant behavioral avoidance, immobilization, and morphological changes such as body darkening and cuticle damage in the pests. The study concludes that both botanical extracts, particularly 30% coconut shell liquid smoke, are highly promising, environmentally friendly alternatives for integrated management of L. oratorius, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Mesolandform-Driven Variability in Coffee Water Demand and Productivity: A CROPWAT 8.0 Analysis for Sustainable Smallholder Farming in Indonesia

2026-01-27T02:13:47+00:00

The southern slope of Mount Kawi is a strategic center for coffee production in East Java, yet smallholder plantations face declining productivity due to suboptimal water management. This study aims to estimate Coffee Crop Water Requirements (CWR) across different growth stages and mesolandforms, and to analyze their correlation with coffee productivity. This research supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing smallholder livelihoods, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through climate-adaptive water modeling. Using CROPWAT 8.0, the study integrated climatic, rainfall, soil, and crop data across various mesolandforms (1–10,000 ha) in the Kletek Sub-Watershed. The results indicate significant variations in CWR during the initial, development, mid-season, and late-season phases. A U-shaped distribution of water demand was observed, with the highest requirements occurring during the mid-season phase. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that coffee productivity is significantly influenced by the spatial characteristics of mesolandforms, which dictate water availability. The correlation analysis confirms that precise CWR estimation is a critical factor in optimizing coffee yields. These findings provide a scientific basis for site-specific irrigation scheduling to improve the resilience of smallholder coffee farming systems.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action

Strategic Development for a Rural Agroindustry: A SWOT-Based Analysis of Oyster Mushroom Marketing in West Sinjai, Indonesia

2026-01-27T02:08:51+00:00

Rural agroindustries play a significant role in local economic development, yet many small-scale enterprises face marketing constraints limiting business growth. This study analyzes the marketing strategy of the Dua Putra oyster mushroom enterprise in Gunung Perak Village, West Sinjai District, Sinjai Regency, Indonesia, using a SWOT approach and quantitative descriptive method. Primary data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires administered to five respondents, and documentation. Key internal strengths include high product quality, competitive pricing, and production continuity, while main weaknesses are the perishable nature of fresh mushrooms, limited promotion, simple packaging, and basic production facilities. Externally, opportunities arise from health-conscious consumer trends, potential product diversification, government support for micro and small enterprises, and digital marketing platforms. Threats include fluctuating market prices, limited cultivation media availability, climate variability, and competition. IFAS and EFAS scores of 1.958 and 0.628, respectively, position the enterprise in Quadrant I of the SWOT matrix, indicating an aggressive growth strategy. The recommended strategic direction involves leveraging internal strengths to capitalize on market opportunities through product diversification, digital marketing expansion, quality consistency, and improved production facilities. This growth-oriented strategy is expected to enhance market competitiveness, increase revenue, and ensure long-term business sustainability.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production