Indonesia turns geothermal silica into Nanosilica fertilizer
Prof. Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, UGM (source: UGM)
Alexander Richter
2 Feb 2026
UGM researchers turned geothermal silica by-products into nanosilica fertilizer that has increased crop productivity by 30–50% and won a Hitachi Global Innovation Award.
Researchers at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Indonesia have developed a process to convert silica deposits from geothermal fluids into nanosilica fertilizer and plant enhancers that improve agricultural productivity.
The work, led by Prof. Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus from UGM’s Department of Chemical Engineering, uses material engineering and controlled processing to produce nanosilica with stable, consistent properties. This innovation recently won the Best Innovation award at the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Awards 2025.
UGM said nanosilica strengthens plant cell walls, increases plant sturdiness, and supports nutrient transport. Its small particle size makes it highly bioavailable, and it is effective at low application rates of around 1–2 kg per hectare, compared with higher rates for traditional macronutrient fertilizers.
Check out the presentation of the fantastic work here.
Field results and formulation
Field trials demonstrated crop productivity increases of 30–50 percent in commodities such as rice, maize, avocado, papaya, and grapes. The productivity gains were not solely due to nanosilica but also to its synergy with humic substances and boron, which are formulated together to improve soil health.
Beyond agriculture
UGM researchers also report extensions of the technology into other sectors. Nanosilica combined with hydrogels has shown improved water absorption, enhancing cooling efficiency in data centres and battery systems.
Prof. Petrus noted ongoing research aims to develop materials that absorb water vapour from air and other applications such as biosensors and biomaterials to support green technology.
The geothermal nanosilica research has been developed over years through multidisciplinary collaborations, including international partnerships with NTU Singapore, Swinburne University, Kyushu University, and the University of the Philippines, advancing both laboratory work and broader implementation strategies.
Source: Harian Jogja
