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Fukuoka: Philosophies and Realities

Fukuoka: Philosophies and Realities. Erin Runnels. Philosophy. Humanity knows nothing at all “Do-nothing” farming Nature, left alone, is in perfect balance "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." - Masanobu Fukuoka.

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Fukuoka: Philosophies and Realities

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  1. Fukuoka: Philosophies and Realities Erin Runnels

  2. Philosophy • Humanity knows nothing at all • “Do-nothing” farming • Nature, left alone, is in perfect balance • "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings."- Masanobu Fukuoka

  3. Concepts

  4. Cropping System • Direct-seeded, no-tillage, winter grain/rice succession in a clover cover • Low input • High yields

  5. Techniques • Seedballs - Clay pellets - Prevents mice/birds from eating seeds - Seeds germinate when water available

  6. Other Techniques • Straw cover for fields - Fertility, germination, weeds, birds, water management - must be scattered • Orchard management - no pruning, spraying - multiple species, clover/alfalfa

  7. Specific Crop System • October: seed clover and winter grain among rice • Spread rice straw over field • 2 months later, broadcast rice/add manure • May – harvest grain and scatter straw • Let water stand for a week

  8. Other Applications • Greening the deserts -1 part water, 1 part soil humus, 3 parts seed mix, and 5 parts powdered red clay, roll it into half-inch balls - Seeds of green manure trees (Morishima acacia) - Seeds of clover, alfalfa, grains, vegetables - Can also be used for prairie restoration etc.

  9. GreenbeltSouthern Europe

  10. Greenbelt Project • In spring '98 Masanobu Fukuoka initiated the "Greenbelt for southern Europe"initiative . The goal is to create a green belt in Europe - to stop desertification and recreate fertile soils . A first largescale sowing (10.000 ha) took place at Lake Vegoritida in Northern Greece . Successfully re-seeded 1000 hectares in the mountains around Athens

  11. Application: New England • Buckwheat/clover mix • Harvested • Straw spread, rye seeded • Good results • Shorter growing season than Japan

  12. Why has Natural Farming not spread? • Psychological: shift in thinking necessary • Letting go of control • Businesses can’t market simplicity • Local implementation requires experimentation

  13. The End Questions? For more info go to www.seedballs.com

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