<![CDATA[Limited farmer knowledge of balanced fertilization and acidic paddy soil conditions contributed to the suboptimal rice productivity of the Rumbio Sarumpun Farmers Association in Benai District. This community service program applied participatory and andragogical approaches through participant identification, focus group discussions, pre-tests, technical training, demonstrations, field practice on demonstration plots, mentoring, post-tests, and field observations. The introduced technology consisted of pre-planting liming using dolomite and balanced NPK fertilization according to crop requirements and growth stages. The combined application of liming and balanced NPK fertilization resulted in better rice growth than the farmers’ previous practices, as indicated by improvements in plant height, productive tillers, leaf area, panicle number, filled grains, and 1,000-grain weight. Rice productivity increased by an average of 15–25%. The program also improved farmers’ knowledge and practical skills in soil fertility management and appropriate fertilizer application. However, the sustainable adoption of this technology remained constrained by limited access to agricultural lime and production costs. Continuous mentoring and support from agricultural extension officers, universities, and local governments were therefore required to promote wider and more sustainable implementation.]]>
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