MATSUYAMA —

Masanobu Fukuoka, the pioneer of ‘‘natural’’ farming, which eschews plowing, weeding and the use of fertilizers or pesticides, died of old age at his home in Iyo, Ehime Prefecture on Saturday, his family said. He was 95. Fukuoka was the author of ‘‘The One Straw Revolution,’’ a book that has been translated into English, Korean, Thai and several other languages, and the recipient of the Deshikottam Award, India’s most prestigious award, and the Philippines’ Ramon Magsaysay award for public service, both in 1988.

After attending an agricultural college in Gifu Prefecture and working at the customs office in Yokohama and an agricultural laboratory in Kochi Prefecture, Fukuoka returned to his native Ehime Prefecture to practice the natural farming method that does not require artificial fertilizers or pesticides and goes beyond organic farming. He advocated natural farming in various parts of Asia and Africa and also made efforts at greening deserts using such ideas as enclosing seeds in clay pellets.

Kyodo

1 Comments

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  Badsey at 03:09 AM JST - 18th August

  "Fukuoka" farming techniques can be used by anyone and keeps the ground fertile (and more fertile) for eternity. -This is especially important in a time or rising food and fertilizer costs (as is now the case!!).

  Note: Natural fertilizers are used to replenish land that has lost nutrient content (these lost nutrients must be gained back somehow)

  Anyway this is a true loss, but a good time to start a garden and learn these techniques. The techniques are actually easier for the homeowner/small farmer to implement.

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