Empowering Kalianyar Village by utilizing Clay to Produce Hydroton as an Alternative Planting Medium
Kalianyar Village, Tamanan Subdistrict, Bondowoso Regency has long had potential clay soil that has been used by the community to produce roof tiles. However, the high number of similar businesses has led to increasingly fierce market competition, requiring new innovations in the use of clay. The community service program implemented by the PPK Ormawa Team aims to empower the community through innovation in the production of hydroton as an environmentally friendly and economically valuable planting medium. The activities were carried out in four stages, namely socialization, training and production of hydroton, application of hydroton, and evaluation through guidance and supervision. The results of the activities show that the community is able to produce high-quality hydroton that is very effective in supporting plant growth, while also opening up new business opportunities based on local potential. This program not only improves the technical skills of the community, but also introduces modern agricultural innovations to the younger generation through the Children’s Smart Corner. This activity can also contribute to encouraging independence, innovation, and economic sustainability in the Kalianyar Village community
Key words: community empowerment, growing medium, hydroton
