Analysis of soil microbial diversity and activity value that the charisma of organic farming convinces

Saitama Mr. Mito Kaneko

At the time of interview 2010

Ms. Mito Kaneko, whose name is known nationwide as a charismatic organic farmer.Also, in November 2010, the Shimosato Agricultural Land, Water, and Environment Conservation Improvement Committee in Ogawa-machi, Saitama Prefecture, which Mr. Kaneko is involved with, won the Emperor's Cup.
Mr. Kaneko, along with his wife and 150 trainees, is practicing "recycling natural energy organic farming" in 150a of paddy fields, 2a of fields, and 6ha of forests.While the national average soil microbial diversity and activity value is about 80, the result of Mr. Kaneko's strawberry and soybean fields exceeded 150 million, which is a wonderful value that ranks in the top 0.2% of all fields nationwide. .
We asked Mr. Kaneko about soil microbial diversity/activity value analysis and organic farming.

Q. What was your first impression after examining soil microbial diversity and activity?

I started organic farming under the guidance of Professor Hitoshi Adachi of Tamagawa University, a microbial researcher since before the war.
I felt that there were many things about soil that could not be understood by chemical analysis alone, so when I heard about soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis, I thought, "This is it!"

A plate analyzing soil microbial diversity and activity values in Mr. Kaneko's paddy-wheat-soybean block rotation field

Q. What did you think when you actually learned the analysis results?

Various vegetables are planted and animals are raised.

Since the aerial spraying of pesticides was stopped in 1987, herons began to come to this village, and loaches began to appear.From these things, I felt that the farmland in the village had become more diverse.
Looking at the results of the soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis, we can see that the types and numbers of microorganisms in the soil are steadily increasing.
In addition, the value of the field using the duck farming method was lower than that of other fields, but the reason for this is that the duck eats weeds and other creatures, which may be the reason for the low diversity. It also helps you think.

Q. Please tell us about when you started organic farming and your thoughts on the future.

40 years ago, when I started organic farming after graduating from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Agricultural College, there was little interest in organic farming among the surrounding producers and related organizations.It was difficult to obtain the understanding of consumers.Also, some consumers misunderstood, and various criticisms were made.But I never thought of quitting organic farming.
On the contrary, from this kind of experience, I felt that I had to be 10 times more theoretically armed than consumers.It goes without saying that soil preparation and crop cultivation are important, but the ability to sell with confidence is also important.Until now, I don't think producers have been trained to sell.
I feel that public opinion has changed since the Organic Farming Promotion Law was enacted in 2006.Now, the village is working on organic farming.

Organic strawberry field

Q. What do you think about the future of soil microbial diversity/activity value analysis?

Since it can quantify the biological properties of soil, which until now relied on cans, it is a very useful technology for farmers practicing organic farming to consider their future farming practices.
I believe that this kind of thinking will be appreciated not only in Japan, but also overseas.If so, I think it will become more popular in Japan.