Bamboo is a potential energy crop for the future and an attractive option to replace wood due to its fast growth, high productivity, and essential fuel characteristics such as low ash content, alkali index, and high heating value. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of torrefaction on the physical properties of andong (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea) and betung (Dendrocalamus asper) bamboo pellets. Torrefaction of bamboo pellets was conducted in an oxidative atmosphere using an electric furnace at 280°C with a residence time of 40 min. The results showed that oxidative torrefaction caused a decrease in the equilibrium moisture content of bamboo pellets. Water resistance and water adsorption test showed that the torrefied pellets are more resistant to water and relative humidity than the non-torrefied pellet, which is beneficial when the pellet is stored for a long time and in humid conditions. The results also showed that the density of bamboo pellets decreased after torrefaction.

Bamboo is an abundant biomaterial having important potential as a resource for bioenergy development. In this study, the potential of andong (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea (Steudel) Widjaja) bamboo for pellet production was evaluated. Some properties of bamboo pellets as density, moisture content, moisture adsorption, compressive strength, and heating value were analysed. The results indicated that bamboo is highly prospective to be explored for fuel pellets commercially. All characteristics of pellet made of bamboo fulfilled the requisites of the commercial pellets. The heating value of the pellets achieved the minimum standard for commercial pellets along with SNI 8675:2018 (>17,5 MJ/kg). The effects of culm parts on the moisture content, density, moisture adsorption were not significant. There were significant differences in compressive strength and heating value between bamboo pellets produced from different culm parts. This research showed potential of andong bamboo pellet for bioenergy resource. Keywords:   Andong (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea), Biopellet, Mechanical Properties, Physical Properties

Forest management at the site level is a key role for the government in overcoming disturbances and obstacles that threaten the existence or sustainability of forests. These obstacles are mainly in the strengthening of human resources (HR) and the formation of a strong Forest Management Unit (FMU) organization. Specifically, in the span of 3 years, it is important to also address the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-economic conditions of the community. The purpose of this community service activity is to optimize the human resource management system in forest management and strengthen the institutional system of forest management farmers. The extension method used is an interactive discussion led by a team of lecturers from the Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The assessment of the results of the pre-test and post-test is based on the results calculated using the scoring method to assess the success of coaching. Implementation of community service online using the Zoom application. The results of the post test show that the results of community service (CS) have succeeded in providing knowledge and insight into optimizing and strengthening institutional systems including the capacity of KPH human resources which are expected to be able to overcome the negative impact of the social and economic situation of social forest farmers in KPH management due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is important because the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the socio-economic aspects of various farmer activities around the forest. The CS activities have a positive impact on increasing the knowledge of the Pesawaran KPH staff in overcoming the socio-economic impacts of social forestry farmers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Pengelolaan hutan tingkat tapak merupakan peran kunci pemerintah dalam mengatasi gangguan dan kendala yang mengancam keberadaan atau kelestarian hutan. Kendala tersebut terutama dalam penguatan sumber daya manusia (SDM) dan pembentukan organisasi Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan (KPH) yang kuat. Secara spesifik dalam rentang waktu 3 tahun ini penting untuk juga menyikapi dampak negatif pandemi COVID-19 terhadap kondisi sosial ekonomi masyarakat. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah untuk mengoptimalkan sistem pengelolaan SDM dalam pengelolaan hutan dan memperkuat sistem kelembagaan petani pengelola hutan. Metode penyuluhan yang digunakan adalah diskusi interaktif yang dipimpin oleh tim dosen dari Jurusan Kehutanan Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Lampung. Penilaian hasil pre-test dan post-test didasarkan pada hasil yang dihitung dengan menggunakan metode scoring untuk menilai keberhasilan pembinaan. Pelaksanaan pengabdian masyarakat secara daring dengan menggunakan aplikasi zoom. Hasil post test menunjukkan bahwa hasil pengabdian kepada masyarakat (PKM) berhasil memberikan pengetahuan dan wawasan tentang optimalisasi dan penguatan sistem kelembagaan termasuk kapasitas SDM KPH yang diharapkan mampu menanggulangi dampak negatif situasi sosial dan ekonomi petani hutan sosial dalam pengelolaan KPH akibat pandemi COVID-19. Hal ini penting karena pandemi COVID-19 sangat berdampak pada aspek sosial ekonomi di berbagai aktivitas petani sekitar hutan. Kegiatan PKM memberikan dampak positif terhadap peningkatan pengetahuan staf KPH Pesawaran dalam mengatasi dampak sosial ekonomi petani perhutanan sosial akibat pandemi Covid-19.