7 Advantages of Biopori for the Environment You Must Know

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Warga Asri, did you know that biopori holes actually offer many advantages? Biopori holes are more than just infiltration holes; they also provide several other environmental benefits. Curious about the advantage of biopori holes? Read the full explanation below!

What Is Biopori?

A biopori is a cylindrical hole made vertically into the ground to increase water infiltration and reduce puddles. This hole is usually filled with organic waste, such as vegetable scraps, leaves, or grass, which will gradually decompose into compost.

That way, rainwater can seep more quickly into the ground, preventing floods and waterlogging in residential areas or farmland.

In addition to serving as a water infiltration, biopori also supports the life of soil organisms, such as earthworms, termites, and plant roots. They create additional pores in the soil, making it more fertile and loose.

Advantages of Biopori

Now that we understand what biopori is, let’s discuss its advantages. Aside from helping with water management, it also benefits the soil and surrounding organisms. Here are some of the environmental advantages of biopori:

1. Reducing Puddles and Floods

As is widely known, the primary purpose of creating biopori is to reduce waterlogging, surface water flow also decreases, and flooding can be minimized. Therefore, these holes are highly needed, especially in cities with high rainfall.

Moreover, better water absorption helps maintain the stability of the surrounding environment. Groundwater reserves come from rainwater that seeps into the soil. As a result, biopori serve as a natural solution for managing excess rainwater.

2. Fertilizing the Soil with Natural Compost

The organic waste placed into biopori will decompose into natural compost. This process enriches the soil’s nutrient content, allowing plants to grow more abundantly. In this way, it acts as a source of natural, environmentally friendly fertilizer.

In addition to enriching the soil, the compost also improves its structure. The soil becomes looser and easier for plant roots to penetrate. This allows plants to grow more optimally without the need for chemical fertilizers.

3. Increasing Groundwater Reserves

As mentioned earlier, water that seeps through biopori will increase the volume of groundwater. You can use these reserves for agricultural needs. With sufficient reserves, water availability during the dry season is better maintained.

Furthermore, stable absorption reduces drought in the dry season. Adequate groundwater keeps plants growing well and supports the life of other organisms. Thus, biopori help maintain the balance of the water cycle naturally.

4. Increasing the Quality of Groundwater

Biopori allows rainwater to seep slowly into the ground and naturally filters it. Soil layers trap dirt particles and harmful substances before they reach the groundwater. This process makes groundwater cleaner and safer to use.

Cleaner groundwater also supports the life of surrounding plants, animals, and humans. Moreover, water absorption through biopori helps maintain the balance of the natural water cycle. Therefore, biopori provide essential benefits for the environment and ecosystems.

5. Reducing Organic Waste

Biopori can also process organic waste efficiently. Vegetable scraps, leaves, and kitchen organic waste placed into biopori holes will eventually decompose into compost. This will reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Furthermore, processing organic waste through biopori is more environmentally friendly than burning. This method indirectly helps reduce air and soil pollution while making organic waste management more sustainable.

6. Avoiding Erosion and Landslides

Biopori can also hold back surface water flow and reduce erosion. Stable soil can lower the risk of landslides, especially in hilly or sloped areas. Also, even absorption prevents the soil surface from being easily eroded.

Additionally, plant roots growing around biopori can further strengthen soil structure. Roots that penetrate the ground make the soil more solid and less prone to collapse. This way, we can minimize the risks of erosion and landslides.

7. Maintaining Soil Ecosystem

Biopori also creates an ideal environment for soil organisms, such as earthworms. These organisms decompose organic waste and improve soil fertility. With a healthy soil ecosystem, the natural environmental cycle is well-maintained.

Moreover, fertile soil supports more optimal plant growth. Healthy plants provide food and habitats for other animals. As a result, biopori plays a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem as a whole.

How to Make Biopori

To enrich your knowledge about the advantages of biopori, you should also learn how to make one. Biopori not only functions optimally for water absorption but also produces valuable compost. Here are the steps to create a biopori hole at home:

Dig a vertical cylindrical hole in the ground with a diameter of about 10 cm.
The ideal depth is around 100 cm, or adjust it to reach below the groundwater level if the area has shallow groundwater.
Space each hole about 50–100 cm apart for more effective absorption.
Reinforce the mouth of the hole with a 2–3 cm wide cement ring, about 2 cm thick, to prevent damage.
Fill the hole with organic waste such as kitchen scraps, dry leaves, or cut plants.
Add new organic waste regularly, since the previous waste will shrink as it decomposes.
Harvest the compost at the end of the dry season while maintaining the hole.

With these simple steps, you can help protect the environment while also creating real benefits for daily life.

If you are a young generation who cares about the environment and wants to take positive action, Indonesia Asri is the perfect place for you. Through inspiring programs like #AksiAsri, you can learn and practice sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles.

So, what are you waiting for? Join as a Warga Asri, take part in building a healthier planet, and register yourself today!