Agricultural Extension on The Use of pH meters and Indicator Paper to Enhance Lime Application Efficiency in Rice Fields: A Case Study in Lubuk Seberuk Village, South Sumatra

Abstract

Agricultural extension plays a pivotal role in advancing the agricultural sector by enhancing farmers’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward effective farm management. This study was conducted in Lubuk Seberuk Village, Lempuing Jaya Subdistrict, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, South Sumatra. The main issue identified in the area was the improper application of agricultural lime in rice fields, primarily due to the absence of soil pH measurements prior to liming. Such practices often lead to inefficient lime use, which can negatively affect soil fertility and reduce rice productivity. This study highlights the role of agricultural extension in promoting the use of simple soil pH assessment tools namely, pH meters and pH indicator paper, to optimize lime application within the framework of precision agriculture for food security enhancement. The extension activities involved four active Brigade Pangan in Lubuk Seberuk Village. Through participatory learning and demonstration, farmers were introduced to practical methods of soil pH testing and lime requirement estimation. The results showed a substantial improvement in farmers’ competencies, with knowledge levels increasing by 66% and practical skills as reflected in farmers’ attitudes improving by 49%. These findings indicate that targeted extension activities effectively enhanced farmers’ capacity for efficient rice field management, thereby contributing to sustainable rice production and supporting national food self-sufficiency initiatives.