The Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), held a National Public Lecture themed “Feed the Soil: The Groundwork for Next-Generation Agriculture” on Monday (October 5, 2026). The public lecture provided a space for knowledge sharing, featuring Wida Akasah, S.Agr., M.Sc., a Lecturer of the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology, FP USU, as the speaker, with Anggria Lestami, S.P., M.Agr., as the moderator. Attended by students, the activity formed part of learning enrichment that opened a space for discussion on soil management and its relevance to the development of agriculture today and in the future.
Carrying the theme “Feed the Soil”, the activity highlighted the position of soil as one of the fundamental components of sustainable agricultural systems. Soil not only functions as a medium for plant growth but is also part of an ecosystem that plays a role in supporting productivity, resource availability, and the sustainability of cultivation processes. Therefore, understanding soil health is increasingly relevant to building agricultural systems that are capable of producing food while maintaining resource quality for future generations.
In her presentation, the speaker invited students to view agricultural issues through an approach that places soil conditions as an important part of production success. This perspective strengthened the understanding that increasing productivity cannot be separated from the ability to maintain soil functions sustainably. The discussion also provided students with an opportunity to connect concepts learned in lectures with real challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Participants' enthusiasm was evident throughout the presentation and discussion sessions. Students actively engaged in academic interaction by paying attention to the material and asking questions related to soil management and the future direction of agricultural development. Forums such as this provide a learning experience that enriches the learning process while opening a space for the exchange of ideas between lecturers and students.
The organization of the public lecture also strengthened the commitment of FP USU to providing learning that is responsive to sustainable development issues. This activity supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through strengthening knowledge related to sustainable food production, as well as SDG 4 (Quality Education) through enriching students' academic experiences. At the same time, the focus on responsible resource management and the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems makes this activity relevant to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Through this National Public Lecture, the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology, FP USU, continues to expand learning opportunities that connect academic knowledge with the needs of future agriculture. Understanding soil health is expected not to stop at mastering concepts but to develop into a perspective for designing agricultural practices that are productive while maintaining resource sustainability. From healthy soil, agriculture can not only produce food today but also lay the foundation for a resilient food system for the future.