SSRU Institute for Research and Development Organizes “Biochar for Healthy Soil” Activity to Share Knowledge on Soil Enrichment with Biochar and Promote Sustainable Resource Use

On June 24, 2026, the Institute for Research and Development, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Morakot Worachairungreung, Director of the Institute for Research and Development, assigned Lecturer Wisut Siripornnopakhun, Vice-Director for Administration, to organize a knowledge-sharing activity on soil mixing, soil enrichment, and soil preparation for growing homegrown vegetables, flowering plants, and ornamental plants. The activity, titled “Biochar for Healthy Soil: Promoting Learning from Local Community Enterprises,” was held at Wat Charoensukharam School (Wattana Nuwat) and Khlong Ta Cha Kong Jeep Uthit School in Samut Songkhram Province under the project “Learning Center for the Use of Innovation in Sustainable Community Resource Management.”

The hands-on training workshop was honored by the participation of Ms. Apinya Kliewnak, Chairperson of the Biochar Learning Center, who served as the resource person and shared knowledge on the topic “Biochar for Healthy Soil: Promoting Learning from Local Community Enterprises.” She also led workshops on soil mixing for growing homegrown vegetables, flowering plants, and ornamental plants, as well as a creative activity on making hanging pot ropes. These activities were designed to enhance creative learning skills and provide participants with practical, hands-on experience.

The learning content focused on the use of “biochar,” a material produced from agricultural waste such as branches, rice husks, or rice straw through burning under low-oxygen conditions. This process results in a highly porous material that helps retain water and nutrients in the soil, reduce nutrient leaching, improve soil structure, increase aeration, and support plant growth. Participants learned the soil preparation process, from preparing materials and mixing biochar with manure or compost to fermenting the mixture so that microorganisms can break down organic matter and help the biochar absorb nutrients before it is mixed with planting soil and used for growing vegetables, flowering plants, and ornamental plants.

This activity reflects the concept of using natural resources wisely by transforming agricultural waste into useful materials, reducing open burning, minimizing air pollution, and promoting environmentally friendly production. It also helps raise awareness among students, youth, and local communities about the importance of conserving natural resources.

The activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the promotion of learning beyond the classroom via lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through the transfer of knowledge from community enterprises to schools and local communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through the reuse of agricultural waste; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 15: Life on Land, through efforts to reduce air pollution, restore soil quality, and foster understanding of the relationship among soil, water, plants, and the environment in a sustainable manner.