UNS—The Biodiversity Research Group of the Chemical Engineering Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Surakarta, recently conducted a community service program. This event, titled “Outreach and Training on the Utilization of Palm Starch Residue as a Growing Medium for Oyster Mushrooms,” took place in Daleman Village, Tulung, Klaten, Central Java.

The community service team comprised seven lecturers: Dr. Ir. Fadilah, S.T., M.T.; Ir. Mujtahid Kaavessina, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.; Dr. Ir. Sperisa Distantina, S.T., M.T.; Dr. Ir. Dwi Ardiana S, S.T., M.T.; Dr. Ir. Endang Kwartiningsih, S.T., M.T.; Dr. Ir. Y. C. Danarto, S.T., M.T.; and Aida Nur Ramadhani, S.T., M.T. They collaborated with the Chemical Engineering Student Association (HMTK) to carry out this initiative.

“Daleman Village, Tulung Subdistrict, is a partner village of HMTK. It is a hub for palm starch production, which generates a solid waste known as ‘onggok’,” Dr. Fadilah, who led the community service team, explained.

Dr. Fadilah detailed the process of producing palm starch, which begins by cutting down palm trees into sections about 1-2 meters in length. These sections are grated, and the grated material is soaked in water while stirred. The starch is separated from the fibrous waste, which is then referred to as ‘onggok’, a solid byproduct. White oyster mushrooms, which belong to the Basidiomycota group and the Homobasidiomycetes class, are one type of wood mushroom. They are commonly found in forests and mountainous areas, growing on decayed or cut tree trunks. For oyster mushroom cultivation, sawdust is commonly used as a growth medium because it provides the lignocellulose components found in the mushroom’s natural habitat.

“Onggok is rich in lignocellulose, making it a suitable medium for oyster mushroom cultivation,” Dr. Fadilah added.

In oyster mushroom cultivation, the growing medium is shaped into cylindrical logs (baglogs) placed in plastic bags.

During the community service event on Saturday (31/8/2024), training was conducted on how to turn palm starch residue into baglogs. Onggok was mixed with bran and lime in a ratio of 55:40:5. After mixing, the material was packed into plastic bags and compacted. The sterilization process followed, which involved steaming the baglogs for 2 to 8 hours, depending on the number of baglogs. Once steamed, the baglogs were left to cool, and then the F2 oyster mushroom seeds were added. The bags were sealed with paper and stored to allow the growth of mushroom mycelium.

The event was held at the Daleman Village Hall, Tulung Subdistrict, Klaten Regency, and was attended by most residents involved in the palm starch industry. According to the village head, Daleman Village had received previous outreach on the utilization of palm starch residue, but this was the first time it had been used for oyster mushroom cultivation.

Participants in the outreach and training sessions were enthusiastic, asking many questions about the materials presented. The production of oyster mushroom baglogs is seen as a viable development opportunity for Daleman Village, Tulung Subdistrict, Klaten Regency.

HUMAS UNS

Editor: Dwi Hastuti