This year’s summer heat has been particularly intense, with temperatures in Innoshima approaching 40°C. Despite these severe conditions, farmers continue their dedicated work in fields and rice paddies to ensure healthy crop growth.
As part of Tromso Co., Ltd.’s biochar dissemination initiative, field applications have continued following last year’s successful trials. In June, peanut shell–derived biochar was applied to the fields of five farmers belonging to the peanut producers’ association in Yachimata City, Chiba Prefecture.
In addition, a new trial began this year in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, where rice husk biochar was applied to paddy fields managed by a local agricultural corporation.
In mid-to-late July, on-site growth assessments were conducted in both Yachimata and Daisen. Comparative evaluations between conventional plots and biochar-amended plots confirmed that crop growth in the biochar plots is progressing smoothly, with no observable disadvantages compared to conventional cultivation practices.
Harvest is scheduled for September, at which time yield measurements will be conducted to compare performance between conventional and biochar-amended plots.
Last year’s results demonstrated:
・Approximately 5% increase in peanut yield
・Approximately 40% reduction in potassium fertilizer application
Building on these outcomes, this year’s trial takes a further step by adjusting the biochar application rate and fully replacing (100%) the normally applied potassium fertilizer with biochar. This approach aims to further validate biochar’s potential to reduce chemical fertilizer dependency while maintaining or improving productivity.
We are very much looking forward to the upcoming harvest.
