Maintenance Systems of Low-input Sustainable Rice Growing: A Case Study of Tajiri, Miyagi Prefecture

Abstract

This paper examines maintenance systems of low-input sustainable rice growing through low chemical application in rice farming practices and the effects on ecological conservation and farm management in Tajiri. Maintenance systems are analyzed based on three points: 1) circumstances of their introduction and development; 2) decreased environmental stress through soil improvement; and 3) effects on ecological conservation and farm management of less environmental stress. Data were collected from interviewing 17 farmers who participated in a farming group practicing the limited application of pesticides and chemicals, and 7 farmers who participated in a farming group practicing nontilled farming. Data on the number of aquatic animals in paddy fields were gathered by the quadrat method, a sampling method frequently used in ecology. The results are summarized as follows. The basis of maintenance of low-input sustainable rice growing is the construction of a low environmental stress system by soil improvement, and the stability of farm management through efforts for individual farms and farming groups. Recycling of organic by-products such as fertilizers, which utilizes manure, rice straw, and remnants of vegetables occurs though the network of farmers who participate in such groups. As a result of group activities that limit the application of pesticides and chemicals, the environmental stress upon aquatic animals in paddy fields is lessened. The numbers of aquatic animals are greater in paddies that receive less frequent application of pesticides and herbicides. Therefore the reuse system of regional resources contributes to decreasing environmental stress. Furthermore, because a balance in farm management is maintained, farmers have been able to practice agricultural activities continuously. These bases of maintenance of low-input sustainable rice growing are supported by group supports, farmers' decision-making, and rich agricultural resources in Tajiri. These results lead to the conclusion that low-input sustainable rice growing has played an important role in keeping the balance between ecological conservation and farming practices through the interrelationships among human, natural, and socioeconomic factors in Tajiri. These interrelationships have a type of supplemental system, where each factor is related to other factors for the development of low-input sustainable rice growing.