Organic Fertilizer Use Strategy in Corn Farming in Ulu Ere, Bantaeng

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Makassar— Organic Fertilizer Strategy Boosts Corn Productivity in Ulu Ere, Bantaeng. Research conducted by Sahlan, Ratnawati Tahir, Zulkifli, and Syafiuddin Saleh from Muhammadiyah University of Makassar, published in 2025.

The research conducted by Sahlan, Ratnawati Tahir, Zulkifli, and Syafiuddin Saleh, showed that the use of organic fertilizer in corn cultivation in Ulu Ere District, Bantaeng Regency, is considered to have significant potential for increasing productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Chemical Fertilizer Dependence Remains a Major Challenge

Ulu Ere is known as one of Bantaeng’s main corn-producing areas. However, years of intensive chemical fertilizer use have caused soil degradation, including declining organic matter, increased soil acidity, and reduced populations of beneficial soil organisms.

Globally, agricultural intensification often depends on chemical inputs. Yet many studies show that excessive fertilizer use leads to soil pollution and health risks. These concerns motivated researchers from Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar to explore sustainable alternatives based on organic fertilizers.

Involving Farmers, Extension Officers, and Consumers

The study involved eight corn farmers, two agricultural extension officers, and two consumers of organically grown products. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis.

To formulate strategic recommendations, the research team applied a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, comparing internal and external factors influencing organic fertilizer adoption.

The results showed:

Internal factor score (strengths and weaknesses): 2.92
External factor score (opportunities and threats): 2.76

These values placed organic fertilizer development in Position 5 of the External–Internal Matrix, indicating stable growth potential.

Strengths: Affordable, Eco-Friendly, and Locally Available

The study identified several key strengths of organic fertilizer use:

Improves long-term soil fertility
Uses low-cost, locally available materials
Supported by sufficient agricultural labor
Reduces environmental pollution and erosion

According to the researchers, organic matter improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and supports beneficial microorganisms, all of which directly contribute to higher corn yields.

Weaknesses: Limited Knowledge and Resistance to Change

Despite its advantages, organic fertilizer adoption remains limited due to several weaknesses:

Low farmer knowledge and technical skills
Long-standing dependence on chemical fertilizers
Insufficient extension services and outreach
Perception that chemical fertilizers produce faster results

These findings suggest that the main barriers are educational and behavioral rather than technical.

Market and Export Opportunities Are Expanding

From an external perspective, the study found strong opportunities for organic corn farming:

Rising consumer demand for chemical-free food
Growing health-conscious lifestyle trends
Increasing export demand for certified organic products
Government support through training programs

At the same time, threats persist, including aggressive marketing by chemical fertilizer distributors, improper waste management practices, and the use of immature organic compost.

Core Strategy: Education and Capacity Building

Based on the SWOT analysis, the researchers proposed a growth-oriented strategy focused on:

Expanding farmer training and public awareness programs
Reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers
Empowering farmers to produce compost and manure
Strengthening cooperation with farmer groups and cooperatives
Targeting export-oriented organic markets

Sahlan and his colleagues emphasized that organic fertilizer adoption is not merely about switching inputs, but about transforming land management systems toward sustainability.

Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

If implemented consistently, the proposed strategy could generate multiple benefits:

Environmental: Improved soil health and reduced erosion
Economic: Lower long-term production costs
Public health: Safer agricultural products
Competitiveness: Greater access to export markets

For Bantaeng Regency, this transition could strengthen its reputation as a center for environmentally friendly agriculture.

Author Profiles

Dr. Sahlan_Muhammadiyah University of Makassar
Ratnawati Tahir_Muhammadiyah University of Makassar
Zulkifli_Muhammadiyah University of Makassar
Syafiuddin Saleh_Muhammadiyah University of Makassar

Research Source

Sahlan, Ratnawati Tahir, Zulkifli, & Syafiuddin Saleh. 2025. Organic Fertilizer Use Strategy in Corn Farming in Ulu Ere, Bantaeng. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Management, Economics, Finance and Business Sciences, Vol. 4 No. 3 (December 2025): 223–244.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/snimekb.v4i3.16176

URL: https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/snimekb