Marginal Land Management

Marginal Land Management course, one of the courses in the Agrotechnology Masters
Program, which discusses and explains to students the importance of understanding
marginal land and proper management techniques. This course has a load of 3 credits
which is equipped with practical activities that can be done in the laboratory and in the
field.
This course is presented for Masters students with the condition that they have passed
the Basic Soil Science and Soil Fertility courses in S1. If students do not come from a linear
S1, then the student is required to take the matriculation course in Soil Science and Soil
Fertility.
Learning about marginal land management is very important because marginal land
often becomes a solution to meet food needs, especially when fertile land is increasingly
limited due to land conversion, urbanization, and land degradation. Here are some reasons
why marginal land management is very important:
1. Increasing Food Production, Marginal land has the potential to be utilized to increase
food production, especially for developing countries with growing populations. With
the right technology and management, these lands can produce food crops or feed
crops.
2. Reducing Pressure on Fertile Land, Fertile land is often under pressure from
intensive agriculture that causes soil degradation. By utilizing marginal land wisely,
we can reduce dependence on fertile land and prevent its degradation.
3. Increasing Farmers' Income, Marginal land management can help farmers who have
limited access to fertile land to remain productive. This can increase farmers' income
and improve the economic welfare of rural communities.
4. Environmental Quality Improvement, Marginal land is often damaged or infertile. By
implementing good management practices, such as the use of organic fertilizers,
biochar, or cover crops, we can improve soil quality and increase its fertility
gradually. This can also reduce erosion and improve the hydrological cycle.
5. Food and Environmental Security, By utilizing marginal land, we can strengthen food
and environmental security, especially in the face of climate change. Sustainable
management of marginal land can increase the capacity of land to store carbon and
maintain biodiversity.
6. Innovation in Agricultural Technology, Challenges on marginal land often trigger the
development of new technologies, such as crop varieties that are resistant to
extreme conditions, efficient irrigation, and organic fertilizers or biofertilizers that
can improve soil quality.