DIFFUSION AND ADOPTION OF BIOCHAR INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE IN GUNUNGSARI VILLAGE, BUMIAJI DISTRICT, BATU CITY INDONESIA
The process of diffusion and adoption of biochar innovation using corn cobs is very suitable for areas that have large types of livestock such as dairy cows as was done in Gunungsari Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City. Therefore, the focus of this research study is to analyze in depth the process of diffusion and adoption of biochar innovation by farmers in adopting biochar in Gunungsari Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City. The type of research used in this study is to use a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The results showed that from the elements of the innovation diffusion process in biochar, it was known that one of the biochar innovations was the right way to overcome various existing problems. There are 2 main problems that can be overcome with this innovation, namely alleviating the existing problem of animal feed waste, and overcoming the scarcity of fertilizers that occur in the Gunungsari Village community. Then in terms of communication channels, it is done by providing knowledge to Gunungsari farmers, thereby creating a sense of trust and attention from the recipients of this innovation. This communication also acts as a deterrent to misunderstandings from the initial assessment to the implementation stage and is interested in adopting the biochar. Furthermore, in the social system in Gunungsari there is a social structure that gives levels of social status to its members. The leaders of Gunungsari village are the first people to be addressed in conducting communication patterns. In the socialization, Sanggat village leaders play a role in convincing that a trial is carried out first on the land of the farmer group leader. So, in the end this biochar innovation can be accepted by the community and used properly even though it has been through a long period of time.
Corncobs, Diffusion, Adoption, Innovation and Biochar