A new index for organic farming, highly praised by the president of Tosa Shizenjuku

Principal, Tosa Nature School, Kochi Prefecture Kazuho Yamashita

At the time of interview 2011

Mr. Kazuho Yamashita, head of Kochi Prefecture's Tosa Shizenjuku, is currently writing a series on organic farming in the Saturday edition of the Nihon Agricultural Newspaper.The soil microbial diversity and activity values in Mr. Yamashita's field exceeded 5 in 4 of the 100 samples, which was an excellent result. "Soil microbial diversity and activity values can be a powerful tool in getting consumers to understand organic farming," emphasizes Yamashita.We asked Mr. Yamashita about the analysis results of soil microbial diversity and activity values, and his thoughts on organic farming.

Q. What did you think when you saw the analysis results of soil microbial diversity and activity values?

I was relieved that the overall value was good.
Soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis is an epoch-making technology that scientifically understands the biological properties of soil, which until now relied on cans.We will consider the results of the analysis we received this time along with the results of the chemical analysis, and plan to utilize them in future soil preparation.We will continue to ask for soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis to improve the biological properties of the soil.

A plate that analyzes the soil microbial diversity and activity values of turnip, Japanese mustard spinach, and spinach fields of organic school "Tosa Shizenjuku"

Q. Please tell us your thoughts on organic farming.

High microbial diversity and activity suppresses diseases such as downy mildew.

In Japan, with the aging of the farmers and increasing fallow land, the number of imported agricultural products is increasing year by year, and domestic agriculture is facing a critical situation.But complaining about it doesn't solve the problem.I have been working on organic farming, believing that organic farming that eliminates all pesticides and chemical fertilizers will compete with imported agricultural products and open up the future of Japanese agriculture.
In order to realize that desire and increase the number of friends, I preside over the organic school "Tosa Shizenjuku".The basis of organic farming is "making soil", so we have been focusing on making soil.

Q. The soil microbial diversity and activity values in the greenhouse were very high. What do you think about this?

In fact, we knew that the soil in the greenhouse had chemical problems, so we started adding organic matter last year and focused on improving the soil.
I think that the result of that effort has led to a high value.
I am delighted that my hard work has been evaluated numerically, and that I can expect a good harvest next year.

Like white leek, if the diversity and activity of microorganisms are high, downy mildew is suppressed and there is no insect damage.The reproductive capacity of farmland, the high rate of excellent products, and the high soil microbial diversity and activity value are in direct proportion.Biodiversity is what guarantees them.In other words, enhancing the natural strength of the field is the basis of organic farming technology.

Q. What are your expectations for soil microbial diversity and activity?

Until now, organic farming has no objective yardstick, and consumers have a hard time explaining how it differs from conventional farming.
We hope that the soil microbial diversity and activity value will become an index for organic farming and a tool for promoting organic farming.
Kochi Prefecture is a leader in environment-conserving agriculture, so after the enactment of the Organic Agriculture Promotion Law, we are also focusing on promoting organic agriculture.
We would like extension instructors and government officials to understand the analysis of soil microbial diversity and activity values, use the values as one of the powerful tools for the spread of organic farming, and work together with us to spread organic farming. I am thinking.