The Sustainable Bamboo Environment Foundation (YBLL) and residents of the Papring neighborhood once again conducted a biochar and liquid smoke production activity. This time, the activity took place in the Kampoeng Batara area, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, on February 13, 2026.
Village Facilitator (YBLL), Meyco Danu Pradana, directly assisted the activity. According to him, the entire biochar and liquid smoke production process utilizes bamboo waste from building materials used during the revitalization of bamboo houses in Kampoeng Batara.
During the production process, the bamboo waste is burned with biochar, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. The smoke from this combustion produces 5.5 liters of liquid smoke. In addition to the liquid smoke, approximately one sack of biochar, or approximately 7-8 kg of biochar, is also produced.
"Not bad. We'll apply the results to local gardens. Coincidentally, many locals here grow papaya, chili peppers, coffee, local vegetables, and also climbing plants like beans. We've set aside some of the results to apply to bamboo seedlings grown by the nursery group," said Danu.
The production of biochar and liquid smoke is one of the activities YBLL continues to promote. In organic farming, the use of biochar and liquid smoke has numerous benefits for plants. Biochar is excellent for the soil in the long term because its non-biodegradable nature helps the soil retain air longer, thus serving as a safe habitat for beneficial bacteria and decomposing fungi to thrive. Meanwhile, the liquid smoke produced from the combustion vapor during biochar production contains strong phenolic and acidic compounds. It can act as an insect repellent, inhibit fungal growth, and suppress plant-disturbing organisms in the soil. Therefore, the application of these two media in organic farming will be very beneficial.
Recognizing the significant benefits of biochar and liquid smoke, Danu views this activity as a first step in promoting the sustainable use of biomass waste. He hopes to continue strengthening community capacity in environmental management and eco-friendly agriculture through biochar and liquid smoke from bamboo waste, particularly in East Java.
