In his writings, Mokichi Okada stated, “In natural cultivation, plants grow freely, so their roots grow abundantly and yield is significantly improved.”
When comparing root development between crops grown through conventional or organic methods and those cultivated with Natural Agriculture, one can clearly observe a significant difference.
Characteristics of Root Growth in Natural Agriculture
Natural Agriculture places great emphasis on soil health and avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This approach activates microbial life in the soil, allowing crops to absorb nutrients naturally and encouraging their roots to grow deeply. The following key characteristics can be observed:
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Root Depth:
Crops grown using Natural Agriculture have been observed to develop roots that extend over one meter deep. This is made possible by favorable soil structure, which allows roots to efficiently access water and nutrients. -
Water Absorption:
The soil in Natural Agriculture is soft and well-aerated, enabling roots to penetrate deeper and absorb moisture more effectively. This deep rooting improves the plant’s resilience against adverse weather conditions such as typhoons and droughts, and also reduces the likelihood of lodging (falling over). -
Benefits of Continuous Cropping:
Unlike conventional practices, Natural Agriculture often shows increased yields even with continuous cropping. This is due to the sustained health of the soil and the microbial communities that create a suitable environment for plant growth, leading to enhanced root development.
Comparison with Conventional Farming
In conventional farming, the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides leads to rapid above-ground growth, but roots tend to remain shallow. Fertilizers provide readily available nutrients at the surface level, reducing the need for roots to grow deep. Moreover, conventional farming often depletes soil health and diminishes microbial activity, which can result in lower nutritional value in the crops.
Natural Agriculture is a highly effective approach for promoting deep root growth and preserving soil health. In contrast, conventional methods often prioritize short-term yields at the cost of long-term soil vitality and plant resilience. For those aiming to pursue sustainable agriculture, the practice of Natural Agriculture is of vital importance.
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