Continuous analysis of soil microbial diversity and activity values for use in farming!

Miyagi Youetsu Sasaki

At the time of interview 2011

Mr. Yoetsu Sasaki from Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, who has conducted soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis four times over the past three years, and is using the results in his farming.Mr. Sasaki is also the chairman of the National Eco-Farmer Network Council.This time, Mr. Sasaki requested the soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis to be conducted on the first year's field after field maintenance.The value exceeded 3 million, and the deviation value was 4 or more, which was the top level in the country. Mr. Sasaki says, “I have intentionally tried to increase the soil microbial diversity and activity value, but I am frankly surprised to see such a high value.”
We interviewed Mr. Sasaki, who continuously performs soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis and uses it for farming, about his encounter with soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis and the possibility of future utilization.

Q. Please tell us what prompted you to start analyzing soil microbial diversity and activity values.

I own 4.5ha of paddy fields and 70a of horticulture (20a of steel-framed houses and 20a of pipe houses), and have been practicing organic farming for over 10 years.Even before soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis, if there are many microorganisms in the soil of paddy fields,
(XNUMX) Water becomes turbid and has a weed control effect
② There are many creatures on the ground
③ Even if immature compost is put in, it will decompose
And I realized the effect of microorganisms in the soil.
I've always wanted a way to validate what I've done. About three years ago, the Japan Soil Association introduced me to soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis, and I thought, "This is the analysis method I was looking for!"
Diagnosis is very interesting.After repeating the diagnosis several times, I learned how to increase the value.

A plate that analyzes Tajiri Eco Vegetable rice soil.As a result of taking care of nature and growing without pesticides and fertilizers, the value was extremely high at 1,728,366.

Mr. Sasaki instructing new farmers

Q. How are the results used?

Water quality survey of waterways by pack test

Trainee guidance scene

This year, we added rice bran, soybean waste, and compost from pig and chicken manure to the paddy fields that had been prepared to prepare the soil.The water in the paddy fields was cloudy and there was little need for weeding.I had imagined that there were quite a few micro-organisms in the soil, and I am pleased that the high values this time prove it.
In horticulture, soil diseases may or may not occur even if the same method is used.In this case as well, fields that do not cause soil diseases have a higher value than those that do.In other words, the results of soil microbial diversity/activity value analysis are useful for verifying individual diseases.In my field, the test results of the soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis are linked to farm management.

Q. Please tell us about the future spread of soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis.

Among the local producers, there are about 10 people who have the same understanding as me about soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis.In the fall, I would like to conduct a chemical analysis of the soil and hold a workshop together with soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis.Some producers who practice conventional farming show higher values than those who practice organic farming.Producers like this have good compost and water usage practices.
There are about 20 eco-farmers nationwide, so I hope that many eco-farmers will utilize the soil microbial diversity and activity value analysis to verify the technology.