2016 Synecoculture Manual
2016 Synecoculture Manual
2016 Synecoculture Manual
Manual
2016
Version
ISSN 2432-‐3950
Citation
Form:
Masatoshi
Funabashi,
editor
«
Synecoculture
Manual
2016
Version
»
(English
Version).
Research
and
Education
material
of
UniTwin
UNESCO
Complex
Systems
Digital
Campus,
e-‐laboratory:
Open
Systems
Exploration
for
Ecosystems
Leveraging,
No.2.
Editor:
Sony
Computer
Science
Laboratories,
Inc.
Masatoshi
Funabashi
Supervisor:
Sakura
Nature
School
Takashi
Otsuka
Chart
Design
&
Layout:
Akira
Tamaki
Associate
Editor:
Teruhisa
Uchiyama
Table
of
contents
Prologue
1.
General
Remarks
1-‐1.
Defining
Synecoculture
-‐
7
1-‐2.
Principles
of
Synecoculture
-‐
8
1-‐3.
Productivity
-‐
13
1-‐4.
Management
Conditions
-‐
14
1-‐5.
Vegetation
Conditions
-‐
15
1-‐6.
Harvesting
Method
-‐
16
1-‐7.
Management
Principle:
"Space-‐Time
Seed"
(Multi-‐faceted
use
of
time
-‐
space
-‐
variety)
-‐
17
1-‐8.
Cost
-‐
18
1-‐9.
Search
Method
-‐
18
2.
Detailed
Exposition
2-‐1.
Initial
Construction
-‐
19
2-‐1-‐1.
idge
Building
-‐
19
2-‐1-‐2.
Planting
Trees
-‐
20
2-‐1-‐3.
Perimeter
Fence
-‐
21
2-‐2.
Management
-‐
22
2-‐2-‐1.
General
Theory
of
Seeding
-‐
22
2-‐2-‐2.
Yearly
Strategic
Planning
of
Vegetation
in
Synecoculture
-‐
23
2-‐2-‐2-‐1.
Production
with
a
Focus
on
Annual
Vegetables
-‐
24
2-‐2-‐2-‐2.
Low
Cost
Production
with
Focus
on
Fruit
and
Perennials
with
Some
Vegetables
-‐
26
2-‐2-‐2-‐3.
Home
Garden
-‐
28
2-‐2-‐3.
Grass
Management
-‐
29
2-‐2-‐3-‐1.
Three
Basic
Methods
of
Grass
Management
-‐
29
2-‐2-‐3-‐2.
Soil
Formation
through
Controlled
Propagation
of
Grass
-‐
30
2-‐2-‐4.
Production
Deadline
-‐
31
2-‐2-‐5.
Grass
Management,
Seeding,
and
Planting
of
Seedlings
in
Summer
Season
-‐
31
2-‐2-‐5-‐1.
Principle
of
Three
Way
Trade-‐Off
-‐Example
of
Summer
Strategy
in
Honshu,
Japan
-‐
32
2-‐2-‐5-‐2.
Example
of
the
Relationship
between
Mowed
Grass
and
Seeds
and
Seedlings
-‐
33
2-‐2-‐5-‐3.
Fall
Vegetation
Plan
-‐
35
2-‐2-‐5-‐4.
Irrigation
-‐
35
2-‐2-‐6.
Alternatives
to
Fertilization
(Method
of
Recovering
Productivity)
-‐
36
2-‐2-‐7.
Harvest
-‐
37
2
2-‐2-‐8.
Sequence
of
Harvesting
-‐
Seedling
Transplant
-‐
Overseeding
-‐
37
2-‐2-‐9.
Self-‐Seeding
-‐
38
2-‐2-‐10.
Ridges
-‐
38
2-‐2-‐11.
Seedling
Strategies
-‐
39
4.
Application
4-‐1.
Combining
with
Rice
Cultivation
-‐
44
4-‐2.
Introduction
of
Domestic
Animals
-‐
44
4-‐3.
Cooperation
with
Hospitals,
Nursing
Care
Facilities
-‐
44
4-‐4.
Using
Indigenous
Plants
-‐
45
4-‐5.
Planter
Cultivation
-‐
45
4-‐5-‐1.
Planter
Cultivation
Method
-‐
45
4-‐6.
Cooperation
with
Citizen
Science
-‐
46
4-‐7.
Large-‐Scale
Mechanization
Model
-‐
47
3
6.
Education,
Certification
System,
Other
6-‐1.
Synecoculture
Farming
Workshop
-‐
52
6-‐2.
Synecoculture
Farming
Certification
System
-‐
52
6-‐3.
Disclaimer
-‐
52
In Conclusion
Bibliography
[Japanese]
Takashi
Otsuka’s
Blog,
«
Essays
from
the
Field
»:
http://ameblo.jp/muu8/
[Japanese/English]
Short
movie
on
synecoculture:
https://youtu.be/80nZTrF6DP4
[Japanese]
CSL
Open
House
2015
«The
10,000th
Year
of
Agriculture
»:
https://www.sonycsl.co.jp/event/3200/
[English]
CSL
NY
Symposium
“Synecoculture
-‐
Human
Augmentation
of
Ecosystems”:
https://www.sonycsl.co.jp/event/524/
[Japanese/English]
CS-‐DC
e-‐laboratory
Project
Page:
http://www.elab-‐ose4el.net/
[English]
Funabashi,
M.(2016).
Synecological
Farming:
Theoretical
Foundation
on
Biodiversity
Responses
of
Plant
Communities.
Plant
Biotechnology,
Vol.
33,
No.4,
p.213-‐234.
4
Prologue
This
manual
is
intended
as
a
guide
for
advocates
of
synecoculture,
who
wish
to
apply
this
concept
into
practice
at
home
or
in
their
community.
It
covers
the
method
of
synecoculture
farming
in
detail,
including
its
guiding
principle/philosophy,
specific
implementation
methods
and
their
management.
It
is
my
wish
that
readers
find
this
manual
as
a
useful
reference
to
deepen
the
understanding
of
synecoculture
in
theory
and
in
practical
application.
This
edition
is
the
most
updated
version
as
of
2016,
and
it
reflects
an
extensive
research
and
experimentation
conducted
in
Japan
and
other
parts
of
the
world
from
2008
to
2016.
Synecoculture
is
a
developing
theory,
and
we
expect
it
to
evolve
as
new
findings
through
on-‐going
scientific
research
provide
us
with
more
data.
Your
personal
experience
with
synecoculture
in
your
own
region
will
prove
an
invaluable
resource
in
the
evolution
of
synecoculture.
To
reach
our
ultimate
goal
of
building
a
sustainable
society
for
our
next
generation,
I’d
like
to
welcome
you
to
join
this
movement,
and
will
be
looking
forward
to
hearing
your
experience.
Sony
Computer
Science
Laboratories,
Inc.
Tokyo,
July
2016
Researcher
Masatoshi
Funabashi
5
6
1.
General
Remarks
1−1. Defining
Synecoculture
Ecological
optimum
refers
to
a
state
where
multiple
species
Synecoculture
farming
is
an
open-‐field
crop
achieve
their
maximum
growth
while
in
competing
symbiosis,
to
the
extent
possible
in
the
given
environmental
conditions.
cultivation
method,
which
restricts
the
use
of
In
contrast,
conventional
farming
practices
rely
on
physiological
tillage/fertiliser/pesticide/herbicide.
It
requires
optimization,
which
generally
changes
the
environmental
nothing
but
seeds
and
seedlings
to
produce
useful
conditions
in
order
to
optimize
a
single
type
of
growth.
plants
in
ecological
optimum
state.
This
is
accomplished
through
careful
control
of
the
ecosystem
by
exploiting
the
natural
characteristics
of
the
plant.
Synecoculture
incorporates
three
essential
components
for
occupational
business
farming:
cultivation,
application,
and
sales.
This
manual
was
written
on
the
assumption
of
practical
implementation
at
home
or
in
a
community
garden
for
local
consumption.
With
that
scope
in
mind,
we
will
focus
primarily
on
the
cultivation
aspect
of
synecoculture
in
this
manual.
The
application
aspect
of
synecoculture
consists
of
two
steps:
1. Taking
available
resources
from
a
synecological
farm
and
its
surrounding
ecosystem.
2.
Developing
a
product
from
these
resources
with
additional
economic
value.
The
produce
of
synecoculture
includes
not
only
the
edible
plants
but
also
any
food,
essential
resources,
natural
environment,
scenic
landscape,
educational
opportunity,
and
animal
and
insect
groups
attracted
to
synecoculture
field.
The
sales
aspect
of
synecoculture
involves
the
method
of
selling
synecoculture
produce
through
direct-‐sales
model.
It
also
touches
on
how
to
assess
and
quantify
yield
from
the
farm.
Synecoculture
aims
to
establish
distribution
of
its
produce
in
an
optimized
ecological
state/wild
state,
so
it
is
necessary
that
the
application
method
and
the
sales
method
be
developed
in
accordance
with
regional
guidelines.
Method
of
Sales
production application
7
1−2. Principles
of
Synecoculture
One
of
the
major
differences
between
Synecoculture
is
a
method
of
farming
that
creates
an
ecosystem
synecoculture
and
other
farming
methods
is
which
naturally
cultivates
edible
produce.
The
most
efficient
way
to
the
restoration
and
development
of
the
land
through
farming.
Unlike
other
farming
build
this
ecosystem
is
to
increase
the
diversity
of
species
that
methods
in
which
the
natural
environment
is
colonize
the
area
and
to
control
the
various
inhabitants.
In
addition
often
harmfully
exploited,
synecoculture
farming
can
have
a
restorative
effect
on
the
to
species
diversity,
genetic
diversity
is
also
encouraged
by
a
wide
ecosystem.
The
most
remarkable
example
of
variety
of
breeds
within
the
same
species,
and
the
diversity
of
the
this
was
the
introduction
of
synecoculture
in
an
arid
tropical
region
that
was
on
the
verge
ecosystem
is
increased
by
a
colonized
vegetation
that
adapts
to
a
of
desertification
(see
chapter
5).
variety
of
environmental
conditions.
The
diversity
of
genes,
species,
Within
any
given
ecosystem,
there
are
the
factors
of
plants
and
animals
taking
the
and
ecosystems
is
referred
to
as
biodiversity.
resources
necessary
for
survival,
production
and
decomposition
of
organic
matter,
and
the
circulation
of
nutrients.
Biodiversity
and
ecosystem
functions
work
as
a
system
that
Ecosystem
services
can
be
divided
up
into
5
supplements
each
other.
The
rich
and
robust
biodiversity
improves
major
services
-‐
"supply
services"
that
create
and
supply
things
like
food
and
water,
ecosystem
functions.
In
turn,
improved
ecosystem
functions
adjust
"regulation
services"
in
which
things
like
the
environmental
conditions
in
an
optimum
range
such
as
climate
are
controlled,
"cultural
services"
which
provide
benefits
for
recreation,
temperature,
humidity,
amount
of
sunlight,
organic
matter
and
mental,
and
cultural
aspects,
"infrastructure
chemical
composition
of
the
soil
so
that
more
life
forms
can
live
in
services"
that
are
responsible
for
nutrient
circulation
and
the
supply
of
oxygen
needed
the
environment,
allowing
a
richer
biodiversity.
This
mechanism
for
photosynthesis,
and
"conservation
provides
a
variety
of
ecosystem
services
necessary
for
human
life
services"
which
preserve
diversity
and
protects
the
environment
from
unforeseen
including
food
production.
accidents.
Synecoculture
aims
to
create
sustainable
food
production
and
autonomous
economic
activity
by
using
multi-‐faceted
knowledge
of
ecology
to
comprehensively
improve
biodiversity,
ecosystem
functions,
and
ecosystem
services.
Biodiversity↑
Self
Organizing
Cycle
8
As
one
implements
the
synecoculture
and
starts
to
build
the
ecosystem,
The
necessary
conditions
for
establishing
the
biodiversity
within
a
farm
improves
over
time.
It
approches
the
target
synecoculture
are
the
ecological
vegetation
state
in
a
manner
similar
to
sigmoid-‐type
growth.
In
the
first
optimization
of
cultivated
field,
while
sufficient
conditions
are
the
quantity
and
half
of
the
sigmoid,
a
healthy
plant
tissue
provided
by
ecological
optimum
quality
of
valuable
produce,
and
economic
state
that
synecoculture
aims
for
may
not
be
reached,
but
it
does
create
independence
through
sales.
By
meeting
these
conditions,
synecoculture
will
be
self-‐supporting
consumption
in
home
garden-‐like
environments.
achieved
as
an
occupation.
In
the
second
half
of
the
sigmoid,
the
saturation
stage,
biodiversity
and
ecosystem
functionality
are
built
to
a
sufficient
level,
and
the
environment
in
the
farm
asymptotically
approaches
ecological
optimum.
At
this
point,
it
meets
necessary
conditions
to
sell
harvests
as
synecoculture
produce.
Synecoculture
is
fully
realized
upon
reaching
the
next
stage
when
an
abundance
of
produce,
with
various
product
development,
sustains
autonomous
economic
activity
as
an
professional
occupation.
In
order
to
maintain
sustainable
productivity
from
the
ecologically
optimized
vegetation
of
synecoculture
without
compromising
ecosystem
functionality,
it
is
necessary
to
harvest
from
the
saturation
stage,
not
from
the
growth
stage
of
the
ecosystem
construction.
In
practical
assessment,
if
diversity
of
species
in
the
synecoculture
plantation
exceeds
that
of
the
surrounding
natural
environment
with
equivalent
vegetation
stage,
we
can
safely
say
it
has
fully
entered
the
saturation
stage.
Since
the
settled
species
within
the
plantation
are
considered
to
be
demonstrating
ecosystem
functionality
as
a
part
of
on-‐farm
ecological
optimum,
harboring
species
diversity
beyond
naturally
saturated
environment
is
sufficient
for
the
judgement.
As
a
specific
management
method,
we
can
promote
symbiosis
not
by
completely
eliminating
naturally
occurring
weeds,
but
by
selectively
utilizing
them
with
useful
plants
we
introduce
to
construct
the
ecosystem.
9
The
very
reason
synecoculture
requires
no-‐cultivation,
no-‐fertilizer,
and
no
pesticide/herbicide
is
because
of
the
ecosystem
functions
we
Diagram:
Homology
of
land-‐based
life
evolution
(top)
construct;
simply
leaving
and
ecological
succession
(bottom)
the
farm
untouched
does
not
achieve
synecoculture.
Therefore,
it
is
necessary
to
actively
introduce
useful
10
To
increase
the
biodiversity
in
each
vegetation
stage
and
ecological
succession,
the
following
three
species
diversity
indicators
are
useful
in
making
evaluations.
α
Diversity:
species
diversity
at
one
vegetation
stage.
eg.
species
diversity
of
annual
plants
β
Diversity:
species
diversity
that
corresponds
to
the
difference
between
two
vegetation
stages.
eg.
species
diversity
among
annual
plant
and
perennial
plant
that
are
independent
from
each
other
γ
Diversity:
species
diversity
at
all
vegetation
stages.
eg.
synecoculture
farm
and
all
the
species
diversity
of
the
surrounding
ecosystem.
Maximum
biodiversity
can
be
established
by
managing
synecoculture
farm
so
that
these
three
indicators
improve
simultaneously.
As
a
result,
synecoculture
is
expected
to
restore
and
augument
the
biodiversity
in
both
natural
and
urban
environment.
For
example,
if
there
are
two
ecosystems
with
the
same
number
of
γ
Diversity
of
500
species,
one
could
have
less
α
Diversity
in
a
stage
than
others,
and
another
could
have
a
partially
lower
β
Diversity
in
vegetation.
Thus,
it
is
essential
to
diversify
vegetation
from
both
micro
and
macro
perspectives.
High Complexity
11
Top
image:
Example
of
the
butterflies
observed
in
synecoculture
farms.
Through
implementation
in
Japan,
over
1000
species
of
insects
and
plant species have been observed in synecoculture farms and surrounding environment.
Bottom image: In synecoculture farms that are pesticide-‐free and highly biodiverse, a wide variety of natural predators coexists within the
12
1-‐3.
Productivity
As
productivity
fluctuates
corresponding
to
environmental
conditions
and
the
type
of
plant
species,
it
is
necessary
to
consider
both
diversity
and
adaptability
to
various
conditions
comprehensively.
In
regular
farming
methods,
where
a
single
crop
is
cultivated
repeatedly
in
the
same
conditions,
the
average
value
of
the
yield
is
indicative
of
productivity.
However
for
synecoculture,
where
farming
is
based
on
evolving
conditions
and
the
crop
groups
are
constantly
changing,
that
average
value
has
no
meaning
within
a
pre-‐determined
framework.
It
will
be
necessary
to
evaluate
the
net
productivity
as
we
adapt
and
diversify
the
vegetation
strategy.
For
the
production
volume
of
each
crop,
the
leafy
vegetables
grown
at
the
surface
of
the
ridge
exhibit
the
highest
yield.
While
for
crops
that
take
up
a
lot
of
area
of
the
land
in
comparison
to
the
cultivation
period,
such
as
Chinese
cabbage,
tend
to
have
relatively
low
yield.
For
fruits
and
grains
such
as
wheat
and
rice,
the
harvest
period
is
predetermined,
so
it
is
not
possible
to
reach
a
production
volume
of
conventional
farming
methods
for
a
single
species.
You
can
still
cultivate
some
amount
of
grain
as
mulch
by
mixing
in
with
other
vegetables.
This
way,
it
is
possible
to
grow
grains
with
a
normal
plant
tissue
that
is
not
bloated
with
fertilizer.
As
for
the
track
record
of
productivity,
in
the
case
of
vegetables
shipped
from
Ise
synecoculture
farm
in
Japan
over
four
year
period
(2010-‐2014),
it
achieved
five
times
the
performance
of
conventional
farming
in
revenue/maintenance
cost
ratio
per
one-‐tenth
hectare.
Although
the
yield
produced
through
conventional
farming
creates
a
bell-‐shaped
"normal
distribution,"
the
yield
produced
through
synecoculture
is
based
on
the
so-‐called
“power
law
distribution”
to
create
vegetation
in
a
natural
state.
The
power
law
distribution
appears
widely
in
natural
phenomena
like,
for
example
the
scale
and
frequency
of
earthquakes.
As
earthquakes
of
lesser
magnitude
occur
more
frequently
than
do
earthquakes
of
greater
magnitude,
in
synecoculture,
small
harvest
of
a
variety
of
plants
can
be
attained
from
many
different
environment,
but
large
harvest
from
single
species
or
environmental
conditions
is
rarely
observed.
Since
it
fluctuates
greatly
in
rare
events,
the
average
values
of
power
law
distribution
should
not
be
used
as
a
predictive
indicator.
As
synecoculture
production
could
greatly
increase
through
rare
large
harvests,
it
will
be
necessary
to
update
the
yield
description
according
to
the
evaluations
of
each
step.
In
order
to
stabilize
the
fluctuating
production
that
is
the
cause
of
power
law
distribution,
the
synecoculture
of
various
crops
in
the
“portfolio”
should
be
managed
like
an
equity
investment.
<Cost
Calculation
Supplement>
The
income/maintenance
cost
ratio
for
synecoculture
was
calculated
including
the
seed
and
seedling
cost
required
for
the
initial
construction.
Additionally,
with
conventional
farming
the
maintenance
costs
(seedling,
fertilizer,
pesticide,
etc.)
are
added,
and
the
initial
investment
costs
of
the
tractor,
etc.
is
huge,
so
the
actual
profitability
of
synecoculture
practiced
at
Ise
farm
is
over
five
times
that
of
conventional
farming.
1-‐4.
Management
Conditions
As
a
basic
principle,
synecoculture
is
a
non-‐cultivation,
non-‐fertilizer,
and
chemical-‐free
farming
method.
Generally,
humans
can
bring
only
seeds
and
seedlings
into
a
synecoculture
farm.
Nitrogen,
phosphorus
acid,
potassium,
organic
matter,
and
other
trace
elements
are
provided
solely
by
the
vegetation
within
the
farm
and
the
animals
that
are
attracted
from
surrounding
environment.
Generally,
aside
from
the
initial
soil
improvement,
soil
enhancers
and
probiotics
(soil
microbes)
as
well
as
artificial
mulch
must
not
be
introduced
during
the
entire
cultivation
process.
Even
leaf
mold
and
pest
repellant
materials
used
in
other
natural
farming
methods
are
in
violation
of
this
principle.
What
can
be
used
is
otherwise
specified
in
a
range
that
does
not
interfere
with
the
soil
formation
in
terms
of
the
definition
in
synecoculture
(see
section
2-‐2-‐6.).
Management
after
the
initial
implementation
is
limited
to
three
tasks:
harvesting
the
crops,
managing
of
the
grass,
and
planting
of
seeds
and
seedlings.
Grass
management
is
carried
out
in
accordance
with
the
characteristics
of
each
species
of
grass,
however
as
a
basic
rule,
annual
grass
stays
and
the
perennial
grass
is
removed.
In
general,
water
should
not
be
supplied
by
humans
except
for
the
following
occasions:
planting
seedlings,
after
seed
germination,
and
the
times
of
severe
drought.
In
these
cases,
using
captured
rainwater,
water
from
a
well
or
a
river
is
more
desirable
than
using
tap
water.
If
you
raise
seedlings
in
a
planter,
it
is
permissible
to
use
water
and
a
minimum
amount
of
fertilizer;
however,
residual
fertilizer
must
be
removed
as
much
possible
before
planting
in
the
synecoculture
farm.
In
this
regard,
seedlings
sold
in
a
hardware
store
can
be
introduced
<The
Difference
between
Annual
Grass
and
Perennial
to
synecoculture
farm,
as
long
as
the
harvesting
of
such
crops
takes
Grass>
The
roots
of
annual
grass
wither
and
decay
in
the
soil,
place
after
a
couple
of
weeks,
because
they
are
grown
with
leaving
pore
spaces
that
are
ideal
for
microbes.
In
contrast,
negligible
amount
of
inorganic
chemical
fertilizer
just
enough
to
roots
of
perennial
grass
keep
growing
without
withering,
and
they
tend
to
tighten
the
soil.
keep
them
alive
through
shipping.
The
rain
and
the
soil
functions
However,
perennials
do
provide
organic
matter
and
will
immediately
buffer
this
minimum
amount
of
residuals.
However,
contributes
to
the
diversity
of
microbes;
thus,
they
can
be
utilized
to
play
a
different
role
than
the
annual
plants.
these
seedlings
are
frail
as
they
are
raised
in
a
short
period
with
chemical
fertilizers.
Image:
In
synecoculture
farms
a
wide
variety
of
flowers
is
also
an
important
produce,
as
they
attract
pollinators.
1−5.
Vegetation
Conditions
The
mixing
of
multiple
vegetables,
which
are
densely
populated,
is
a
primary
rule.
Annual
weeds
are
allowed
to
the
extent
that
vegetables
do
not
lose
out,
and
are
utilized
in
the
soil
In
conventional
farming
methods,
where
single
type
formation.
It
is
ideal
for
the
surface
to
be
covered
with
plants
of
crop
is
planted
in
an
interval,
it
ruins
both
the
vegetation
structure
above
ground
and
the
soil
throughout
the
year.
In
evaluating
the
vegetation
stage,
the
following
structure
underground,
causing
impaired
ecosystem
guidelines
show
the
degree
of
superiority
and
inferiority.
Items
functions.
The
larger
the
surface
area
above
and
under
ground
that
vegetation
builds,
the
more
towards
the
top
are
the
most
desirable
conditions
for
synecoculture
biodiversity
the
soil
can
nurture.
while
items
near
the
bottom
are
less
desirable.
Vegetables
and
fruit
trees
are
densely
mixed
together,
and
vegetable
mulch
is
formed
with
minimal
amount
of
weeds.
▲
There
are
not
many
vegetables
and
fruit
trees,
however
the
field
is
covered
by
varieties
of
annual
and
perennial
grass.
▲
The
annual
and
perennial
grasses
are
colonized
and
forming
communities.
▲
Vegetation
is
destroyed
through
cultivation,
and
the
topsoil
is
exposed.
▲
Excessive
use
of
chemical
fertilizers
and
monoculture
have
depleted
the
land,
and
it
is
heading
towards
desertification.
▲
Organic
matter
is
plowed
deep
into
underground
due
to
cultivation.
15
1-‐6.
Harvesting
Method
In
synecoculture,
harvesting
is
the
primary
method
of
management.
Harvesting
effectively
thins
the
densely
mixed
vegetation
and
gives
space
and
nutrition
for
next
generation
of
vegetables.
Start
thinning
with
matured
crops
and
vegetation
that
have
reached
high
density.
To
minimize
the
labor
cost,
other
management
tasks
should
be
conducted
while
harvesting.
Empirically
speaking,
plains
south
of
Kanto
region
in
Japan
do
not
have
the
agricultural
off-‐seasons
with
synecoculture.
You
can
harvest
year-‐round
by
thinning,
provided
that
proper
vegetation
strategy
is
in
place,
and
environmental
conditions
such
as
sunlight
and
the
means
to
protect
from
wind
are
sufficient.
For
professional
farmers
who
require
frequent
harvesting,
it
may
be
necessary
to
have
a
countermeasure
(e.g.
an
extra
nursery
space)
in
the
transition
period
of
March
and
September
when
yield
decreases.
We
are
currently
running
experiments
in
the
northern
limit
where
there
is
no
agricultural
off-‐season.
Image : Various states of mixture in synecoculture farms. There may be a countless variety of vegetation
16
1-‐7.
Management
Principle:
"Space-‐Time
Seed"
(Multi-‐faceted
use
of
time
-‐
space
-‐
variety)
In
synecoculture,
space
is
used
efficiently
in
three
dimensions
to
ensure
constant
harvest
of
multiple
produce
for
prolonged
period.
Placement
strategy
and
its
management
method
should
incorporate
time,
space,
and
produce
types
as
an
integrated
system.
・Using
Time:
The
defining
characteristic
of
synecoculture
is
the
multi-‐track
usage
of
time
(see
section
2-‐2-‐8).
Transition
of
vegetation
and
seedling
planting
are
planned
and
managed
so
that
you
can
continuously
harvest
one
crop
after
another
on
a
daily
basis.
To
achieve
this,
you
can
Within
one
hectare
of
a
synecoculture
field,
it
is
possible
to
shift
the
seedling
planting
period
and/or
diversify
the
introduce
over
200
types
of
commercially
available
vegetables
and
fruits.
If
taking
breeds
into
account,
a
diversity
of
over
1,000
environmental
condition
to
create
a
difference
in
growth
types
can
be
achieved.
Adding
herbs
and
edible
wild
plants
can
speed.
You
can
also
save
some
produce
in
the
field
until
they
also
double
the
diversity,
although
the
distribution
amount
of
these
seedlings
is
low.
This
means
that
humans
can
help
to
can
be
harvested
in
a
time
when
overall
produce
is
low
in
expand
the
biodiversity
beyond
its
natural
state.
In
response
to
quantity.
the
environmental
destruction
caused
by
population
growth,
introducing
useful
plants
expands
the
ecosystem,
which
is
vital
for
both
food
production
and
conserving
the
environment.
・
Using
Space:
To
efficiently
use
the
given
space,
utilize
not
Though
vegetables
grown
using
conventional
farming
methods
just
the
ridge
but
all
parts
of
the
farm,
and
combine
the
may
have
a
harsh
taste
in
some
part,
produce
grown
through
plants
with
different
shapes
and
physiological
characteristics
synecoculture
have
a
differently
pure
taste
and
can
even
be
eaten
raw.
In
particular
a
wide,
diverse
range
of
flowers
becomes
so
they
complement
each
other
in
three
dimentions.
The
an
important
product
as
a
food
item.
Asparagus,
broccoli,
following
are
the
examples
of
such
an
application:
Creeper
mountanous
udo
plant,
etc.
grown
under
synecoculture
have
become
popular
produce
items
that
many
people
preferably
plants
can
be
grown
on
the
fences,
passageways,
areas
consume
raw
without
boiling.
around
the
farm,
and
on
the
tree
trunks.
Plant
the
crops
that
favor
shade
under
the
crops
that
favor
sunlight.
Plant
crops
with
narrow
vertical
leaves,
like
green
onion,
in
between
the
ones
with
wide
horizontal
leaves
such
as
butterbur
and
burdock.
Plant
vegetables
with
different
root
length
and
spread
patterns
in
a
same
space.
Low
branch
of
fruit
tress
can
be
trimmed
to
create
a
larger
shade
space,
and
then
plant
leafty
vegetables
there.
・
Using
Variety:
Not
just
vegetables,
fruit
trees,
and
herbs,
but
many
useful
plants
such
as
edible
wild
plants
will
be
mixed
together.
Even
for
the
species
with
no
growth
record,
if
there
is
precedent
of
cultivation
within
the
same
climate
zone,
it
may
be
introduced
into
the
system.
Additionally,
separate
parts
of
plants
such
as
leaves,
stems,
shoots,
buds,
flowers,
fruits,
seeds,
roots,
etc.,
will
be
used
as
different
products.
In
terms
of
application
of
the
produce,
you
can
develop
variety
of
merchandise
in
a
number
of
ways:
vegetables
can
be
sold
raw
or
as
seedlings,
dried
to
make
tea
or
spices,
preserved
to
make
pickles.
You
can
even
make
and
sell
commodity
items
such
as
natural
dye.
cabbage is planted in the center, and Japanese radish are sown
17
1-‐8. Cost
Aside
from
the
initial
construction
materials,
tree
planting,
seedling,
and
other
maintenance
fees,
basically
there
is
no
need
to
purchase
anything
else.
Heavy
equipment
such
as
tractors
becomes
unnecessary,
and
other
farming
tools
are
not
needed.
The
only
tools
needed
are
scissors
for
harvesting,
a
shovel
for
seedling
planting,
and
tools
for
cutting
the
grass
(having
one
small-‐sized
lawnmower
would
be
convenient).
The
cost
to
purchase
seedling,
a
part
of
maintenance
fee,
will
gradually
go
down
and
will
be
replaced
with
homegrown
seed
from
the
farm.
In
an
ideal
situation,
you
want
to
keep
cost
of
investment
at
1/10th
of
the
total
revenue.
For
professional
farmers
with
large
field,
the
labor
cost
according
to
the
scale
is
added
to
cover
grass
maintenance
and
harvesting
throughout
the
year.
precedents
of
crops
that
did
not
take
roots
at
all
for
the
first
few
years,
but
flourished
and
became
farm’s
primary
revenue
source
as
succession
changed
the
environmental
conditions
over
the
years.
By
expanding
the
search
field
and
not
relying
merely
on
past
successes,
the
ability
to
respond
flexibly
to
changes
in
the
environment
and
ecosystems
will
increase.
Additionally,
for
vegetation
that
has
yet
to
become
useful,
there
have
been
many
cases
where
it
found
new
commercial
value
by
applying
multiple
utilization
methods,
such
as
using
different
parts,
the
cooking
method,
the
plantation
and
harvesting
period,
and
other
usages.
Even
for
parts
that
are
not
commonly
used,
and
for
usage
methods
that
go
against
common
sense,
it
is
widely
possible
to
invent
new
practical
and
valuable
usages,
which
increase
the
resources
that
can
be
leveraged
in
the
future
as
part
of
the
ecosystem
service,
and
may
also
become
an
important
product
in
other
regions.
Utilization
methods
can
also
be
expanded
by
finding
new
uses
for
vegetables
that
are
already
in
the
market.
18
2.
Detailed
Exposition
2-‐1.
Initial
Construction
2-‐1-‐1.
Ridge
Building
First,
create
a
ridge
of
about
1
-‐
1.5m
width.
Do
not
plow
the
soil;
just
pile
it
into
the
ridge
shape.
If
you
want
to
raise
long
root
vegetables,
deep-‐plowed
soil
can
make
vegetables
with
good
shape
but
it
is
not
a
necessary
condition.
The
ridge
width
will
need
to
be
set
at
the
largest
size
that
allows
for
harvesting
from
both
sides,
so
adjust
according
to
the
manager's
arm’s
reach.
If
using
tools
such
as
a
high
twig
spear
for
the
harvest,
allow
for
a
width
that
makes
for
easy
management.
The
purpose
of
making
the
ridge
is
as
follows:
creating
different
sunlight
conditions
for
each
crop;
three
dimensional
usage
of
the
lands
to
accommodate
vegetables
with
different
height;
increasing
arable
surface
area;
improving
drainage;
promoting
the
formation
of
“briquette
structure”
in
the
soil
(see
section
2-‐2-‐3);
separating
the
production
area
and
passage
area;
making
the
overall
management
more
convenient,
etc.
If
you
make
a
ridge
that
runs
from
east
to
west,
you
can
create
two
sections:
south
slope
for
vegetables
that
favor
the
sun,
and
north
slope
for
vegetables
that
favor
shade.
Having
ridges
is
not
a
necessary
condition,
but
it
does
improve
convenience.
You
can
be
flexible
and
change
the
shape
of
the
ridge
to
match
environmental
conditions.
For
example,
in
a
home
garden,
you
may
not
need
to
make
a
ridge
and
leave
it
flat.
On
the
other
hand,
in
a
dry
location,
you
may
want
to
dig
a
trench
instead
to
create
shades
and
moisture
for
the
plants.
You
do
want
to
take
into
account
of
the
operational
cost
for
grass
management
and
harvest
when
designing
a
ridge.
The
passage
between
the
ridges
should
be
wide
enough
for
people
to
pass
through
when
harvesting.
Choose
a
width
that
allows
for
ease
of
work.
Use
narrow
passages
if
you
want
to
increase
the
production
area.
With
narrow
passageways
it's
possible
to
reach
the
produce
on
both
sides
of
the
ridge
while
sitting.
If
necessary,
the
passageways
can
also
be
cultivated.
Root
crops
are
resistant
to
trampling
and
can
grow
in
even
hardened,
tightened
soil
of
the
passageway.
19
2-‐1-‐2.
Planting
Trees
<Why
do
vegetables
grow
well
in
the
shade?>
Contrary
to
general
common
sense,
non-‐fertilized
Along
the
center
of
the
ridge,
plant
deciduous
fruit
trees
and
small
vegetables
grow
better
in
the
semi-‐shade
than
in
shrubs
at
intervals
of
1.5m.
The
purpose
of
planting
fruit
trees
is
facing
the
sun.
The
reason
why
is
that
the
original
breed
of
vegetables
evolved
in
the
mixed
dense
outlined
in
the
4
points
below,
in
order
of
priority.
state
with
other
vegetation,
which
optimized
the
capacitiy
to
photosynthesize
in
the
conditions
where
trees
provided
half-‐shade.
(1) Creates
semi-‐shade
for
vegetables
(2) Summons
insects
and
birds
that
will
promote
pollination
and
provide
micronutrients
from
feces
and
their
dead
bodies
(3) Forms
mulch
of
leaf
mold
from
fallen
leaves
(4) Harvesting
of
fruit
For
the
farm
that
focuses
on
vegetables,
prune
the
fruit
trees
to
a
height
within
2-‐3m.
Larger
trees
should
be
placed
along
the
edge
of
the
farm
so
it
does
not
interfere
with
management
tasks
on
the
field.
However,
fast-‐growing
tall
trees
are
extremely
beneficial
to
the
building
of
the
ecosystem.
One
method
is
to
plant
them
in
the
beginning,
and
after
they've
set
the
environment
cut
them
down.
The
primary
purpose
of
fruit
trees
is
not
to
harvest
but
rather
to
create
an
environment
suitable
to
the
development
of
vegetable
communities.
Harvesting
of
fruit
is
considered
to
be
a
by-‐product.
For
the
farm
that
focuses
on
fruits,
plant
a
variety
of
fruit
trees
in
a
mixed
configuration
and
have
them
grow
fully.
You
can
grow
vegetables
as
undergrowth
of
the
orchard.
To
increase
productivity,
it
will
be
necessary
to
come
up
with
methods
for
efficient
harvesting,
such
as
setting
up
a
net
to
collect
the
falling
ripened
fruit,
and
methods
for
extended
sales,
such
as
processing
fruit
into
a
paste
and
sell
in
a
vacuum
sealed
packages.
In
synecoculture,
it
is
recommended
to
introduce
the
seedlings
of
wild
fruit
trees
and
useful
vine
plants
that
are
native
to
the
region.
It
is
also
important
to
explore
what
type
of
fruit
trees
can
be
introduced
by
actually
planting
them
even
if
there
are
no
cultivation
precedents.
Grafted
seedlings
may
result
in
sprouts
from
the
rootstock,
which
would
require
pruning
management.
left
alone.
2-‐1-‐3.
Perimeter
Fence
Vine
plants
can
be
cultivated
at
the
fence
that
surrounds
the
field.
This
will
serve
as
windbreaks
for
the
regions
with
seasonal
strong
wind.
You
can
also
utilize
the
space
along
the
fence
and
walls
as
a
nursery.
Since
such
space
has
relatively
high
humidity
in
the
field,
it
provides
ideal
conditions
to
grow
seedlings
in
order
to
constantly
supply
the
plants
that
are
adapted
to
the
given
environment,
which
raises
the
productivity
of
the
entire
farm.
Figure: An example of the panoramic view of a synecoculture farm and its schematic diagram. (November 2010, Ise Synecoculture Farm)
21
2-‐2.
Management
2-‐2-‐1.General
Theory
of
Seeding
For
professional
farmers,
the
amount
of
seeding
is
determined
by
calculating
backwards
from
the
planned
amount
of
harvest.
For
home
gardens,
the
ease
of
grass
management
should
be
prioritized
and
the
amount
of
seeding
is
determined
accordingly.
In
general,
leaf
vegetables
and
root
vegetables
that
can
form
living
mulch,
one
small
bag
of
2
seeds
from
a
hardware
store
should
cover
a
1m
space,
but
this
may
change
depending
on
the
types
of
produce
and
2
the
number
of
seeds
in
a
bag.
In
practice,
you
would
not
seed
one
bag
over
1m ,
but
rather
sow
4
bags
of
4
different
2 Seeds
of
fruit
vegetables
in
summer
season
and
large
Brassicaceae
types
of
seed
over
4m
space
to
create
diversity.
vegetables
are
of
a
small
amount
within
one
bag,
and
cannot
form
Mix
a
wide
variety
of
seeds
and
sow
them
in
a
high
vegetable
mulch
on
their
own.
density.
The
vegetables
should
cover
the
ground,
Using
the
change
in
vegetation:
for
example,
after
one
crop
species
(beans)
have
been
harvested
and
withered,
it
can
become
the
mulch
effectively
acting
as
living
mulch,
before
grass
forms
for
a
different
species
that
will
emerge
from
the
ground
(potatoes).
a
community.
Regarding
affinity
among
the
plants
Asteraceae
vegetables:
lettuce,
salad
lettuce,
Korean
lettuce,
garland
(companion plants): though there is a variety of chrysanthemum, burdock, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, etc.
empirical
knowledge
in
other
farming
methods,
this
information
is
based
on
the
mixing
of
2-‐3
different
types
at
most.
There
isn't
much
information
available
for
non-‐cultivation,
non-‐fertilizer,
and
chemical-‐free
methods.
Dense
mixing
of
various
types
of
plants
is
a
standard
for
synecoculture,
and
it
is
necessary
to
try
different
combinations
without
relying
on
precedents.
You
should
consider
not
just
spatial
distribution
when
planting,
but
also
the
succession
of
vegetation
over
time.
Including
an
appropriate
amount
of
insect
repellant
plants
such
as
scallion
and
chives
can
help
stabilize
the
insect
population.
Until
the
suitable
environment
for
target
crops
is
established,
start
by
planting
vegetables
that
are
resilient
against
insects
and
harsh
environment,
such
as
herbs
and
Asteraceae
(daisy
family).
This
will
ensure
the
yield
from
the
earlier
stage
of
implementation.
Adding
perennial
vegetables
such
as
chives,
Italian
parsley,
and
asparagus
from
the
beginning
can
reduce
grass
management
for
the
mid-‐to-‐long
term,
and
contribute
to
the
yield.
Depending
on
the
rate
of
germination
and
harvest,
perform
over-‐seeding,
seedling
planting,
and
seedling
transplanting
within
the
farm.
2
Figure
:
An
example
of
the
production
surface
of
a
synecoculture
farm.
13
kinds
of
grown
vegetables
are
found
in
a
4m
area.
(November
Image : Mixing of wild mugwort and purple cabbage. The mugwort can be exchanged with a different vegetable, or can be used
23
2-‐2-‐2-‐1.
Production
with
a
Focus
on
Annual
Vegetables
The
example
of
the
spring
and
summer
plans
in
2012
for
the
Ise
synecoculture
farm:
Decide
which
crop
you
want
to
have
as
the
primary
produce
for
each
month.
Group
A
consists
of
such
primary
produce
that
you
can
expect
a
predictable
harvest.
This
group
needs
to
be
managed
and
assigned
to
a
specific
location.
Group
B
consists
of
the
items
that
have
potential
to
be
primary
produce,
but
you
can
not
expect
high
yield
yet
since
you
have
not
experimented
enough
in
your
field.
This
group
needs
to
be
managed
and
assigned
to
a
specific
location
as
well.
Group
C
consists
of
vegetables
that
do
not
need
constant
management,
and
can
be
dispersed
widely
and
randomly
as
undergrowth.
Group
D
consists
of
any
other
items
that
you
are
experimenting
with,
including
vegetables
with
special
characteristics.
Group
A
examples
(parentheses
shows
the
empirical
knowledge
at
the
Ise
synecoculture
farm
over
past
few
years):
Tomatoes
(summer
vegetable
with
reliable
yield)
cucumbers,
potatoes,
snap
peas
(reliable
yield
of
beans),
okra,
shiso
(tall,
leafy
item
with
reliable
yield),
chives
(perennial
with
a
stable
yield),
scallion
(It
is
fall/winter
vegetables
but
can
be
harvested
in
spring/summer
as
well),
green
onions,
burdock,
parsley,
Italian
parsley
(reliable
yield
in
the
winter),
shima
shallot
(year-‐round
harvesting
is
possible),
mountain
udo
(thinning
of
a
shoot
increases
yield
from
spring
to
the
beginning
of
summer),
moloheiya
(can
be
harvested
until
fall
without
losing
to
the
summer
grass),
water
spinach
Group
B
examples:
Eggplant
(summer
vegetable
with
an
uncertain
yield),
bitter
gourd,
taro,
sweet
potato,
bell
pepper,
green
pepper,
red
pepper,
zucchini,
pumpkin,
melon,
watermelon,
soybean
(shipped
as
edamame
bean),
azuki
beans,
cowpeas,
groundnuts
(covers
the
ground
but
loses
to
strong
grass)
Group
C
examples:
Carrots,
turnips,
radishes,
lettuce
and
similar
leafy
vegetables,
Japanese
mustard
spinach,
mizuna,
mibuna,
bok
choy
Group
D
examples:
Coriander
(strong
smells;
with
its
peculiarity
it
won't
sell
out
even
if
large
quantities
are
made),
saffron,
asparagus,
arugula,
herbs
Once
you
have
decided
the
primary
produce
from
Groups
A
and
C,
determine
the
planting
area
of
A
and
the
sowing
amount
of
C
according
to
the
planned
yield
(how
many
boxes
of
vegetable
delivery
you
want
to
ship
per
month).
After
planting
of
Groups
A
and
C
is
done,
you
can
experiment
with
Group
B
in
an
extra
space.
This
experiment
could
be
successful
and
produce
additional
yield
but
even
if
it
fails
you
will
still
have
enough
of
your
primary
produce.
Since
March
and
September
are
transitional
periods
from
winter
vegetables
to
summer
vegetables
and
vice
versa,
there
is
a
risk
that
you
run
into
vegetables
shortage.
To
ensure
the
yield
during
this
period,
following
3
measures
can
be
applied.
24
①Aside
from
the
production
area
mentioned
above,
Synecoculture,
which
utilizes
flowers
and
seeds,
easily
crosses
create
an
extra
space
where
two
months
worth
of
Brassicaceae
vegetables,
creates
hybrid
species.
Brassicaceae-‐hybrid
vegetables
do
not
have
a
name
and
are
vegetables
can
be
grown
without
much
difficult
to
sell
on
the
general
market,
but
with
their
good
flavor
management
and
plant
seedlings
there.
In
Ise
and
tendency
to
have
a
high
yield,
they're
valuable
as
a
synecoculture
farm,
an
empty
space
nearby
was
processed
food
ingredient.
They
are
also
suited
as
materials
mowed
and
utilized
for
this
purpose.
As
long
as
you
used
in
restaurant
cuisine.
Image : As Brassicaceae hybrids develop a good flavor and have high productivity, they are a product that can be actively introduced in
synecoculture.
2-‐2-‐2-‐2.
Low
Cost
Production
with
Focus
on
Fruit
and
Perennials
with
Some
Vegetables
In
a
subtropics
temperate
zone
where
the
grass
is
strong,
and
if
Synecocluture
farm
can
be
designed
in
numerous
ways
to
you
want
to
take
advantage
of
abandoned
fields,
reducing
meet
each
farmer’s
objective.
In
contrast
to
conventional
farming
methods
that
use
predetermined
procedures
and
management
costs
becomes
priority
over
the
productivity
per
requires
constant
management
effort,
synecoculture
area.
The
strategy
to
achieve
this
is
to
have
fruit
trees,
which
methods
are
highly
customizable
that
can
sustain
both
high
productivity
farms
with
daily
harvest
and
medium
can
survive
if
left
alone
as
opposed
to
the
annual
plants
that
productivity
farms
with
occasional
harvest
and
mowing
requires
frequent
harvesting
and
shipping,
be
the
primary
crops
(lower
maintenance
cost).
Depending
on
the
objectives
and
budget,
decide
the
cost
and
level
of
productivity
you
for
the
farm
and
mix
them
with
the
vegetables
by
taking
want
to
achieve,
and
design
the
vegetation
accordingly.
advantage
of
the
soil
environment
made
by
naturally
occurring,
This
flexibility
allows
synecoculture
to
be
implemented
even
in
an
area
that
is
considered
unsuitable
to
practice
perennial
plants.
The
soil
structure
provided
by
annual
plants
conventional
farming.
are
considered
by-‐product
and
are
utilized
secondarily
as
they
form.
Example
below
shows
the
spring
and
summer
plans
for
2014-‐2015
for
the
Ise
and
Oiso
synecoculture
farms:
Group
E
consists
of
fruit
tress
that
are
strong
against
grass
invasion
and
adapts
well
to
wasteland.
Group
F
consists
of
vegetables
that
can
germinate
on
their
own
from
seed
form
even
among
colonies
of
weed.
Group
G
consists
of
vegetables
that
grows
better
when
planted
in
seedling
form
instead
of
seed.
Group
H
consists
of
vegetables
that
needs
a
little
assistant
as
their
seed
does
not
germinate
unless
the
grass
is
mowed
and
topsoil
is
partially
removed
to
eliminate
the
inhibitory
effect
of
past
vegetation.
First,
decide
on
the
location
for
fruit
trees
in
Group
E
and
plant
them
in
large
quantity.
Second,
plant
vegetables
mainly
from
Group
F
among
the
trees.
These
two
Groups
will
be
the
primary
crops,
and
Group
G
and
H
can
be
introduced
if
you
want
to
increase
production
volume
or
if
you
want
to
have
better
control
of
weed
expansion.
Group
E
examples:
Persimmon:
cultivar
and
native
date-‐plums
Loquat:
cultivar
and
native
meliosma
rigida
Cirtus
fruits:
sweet
Chinese
citron,
oranges,
kabosu,
lemon,
etc.
Plum,
cherry
tree
types:
plum,
Nanko
Ume
(southern
plum),
nanking
cherry,
Japanese
plum,
cherry
blossom,
apple
(two
types
or
more
make
for
better
fruit
bearing
rate),
angsana,
etc.
Figs:
western
and
Japanese
figs,
wild
figs
Elaeagnus:
silverberry,
native
autumn
olive,
etc.
Berry
tree:
blueberry,
Amelanchier
canadensis,
wild
Vaccinium
bracteatum,
etc.
Tree
nuts:
chestnuts,
wild
Japanese
chestnuts,
walnuts,
hazelnuts,
etc.
Other:
feijoa,
eucalyptus,
etc.
Group
F
examples:
Apiaceae
of
carrot,
parsley,
Italian
parsley
Asteraceae
of
lettuce
(strong
species
of
bitterness),
chicory
(strong
allelopathic
grass,
does
not
lose
to
perennial
plants),
Jerusalem
artichoke
(occupies
the
community),
burdock
(grows
even
in
hard
ground)
Legumes:
soybeans,
kidney
beans,
peanuts,
velvet
beans
(also
strong
against
tall
grass)
Potatoes:
potatoes,
taro
(prefers
wetlands),
Jerusalem
artichoke
26
Root
crops:
garlic
(does
not
lose
to
grass
even
if
buried),
shallot,
chives,
burdock,
carrot
Other
mulch-‐types
that
crawl
along
the
ground:
strawberry
types,
herb
types
(mint
in
particular)
Predominately
shade
types:
mitsuba,
leek,
Zanthoxylum
piperitum,
nandina
Group
G
examples:
Seeds
with
a
high
author
rate
even
within
grass:
perilla,
pepper,
lettuce
(cultivar),
leek,
tomatoes,
cucumbers,
cabbage,
broccoli,
artichokes
Things
that
becomes
shrubs
upon
growth:
tea
plant,
raspberry,
kidney
beans,
velvet
beans
Predominately
shade
types:
butterbur,
leek,
ferns
Group
H
examples:
For
potatoes
and
root
vegetables,
rather
than
leaving
them
be,
moderately
harvesting
and
disrupting
them
can
increase
Lettuce
(cultivar),
Japanese
mustard
spinach,
etc.
the
yield.
They
will
be
dug
up
during
harvesting,
so
the
perennial
plant
roots
can
be
cut
and
controlled.
For
potatoes,
if
you
thin
out
the
above-‐ground
portion
of
sprouts
to
leave
a
Vegetables
in
Group
F
are
the
easiest
to
manage
as
these
single
stem
from
a
root,
the
swelling
of
the
potato
can
be
vegetables
are
capable
of
germinating
on
their
own
and
observed.
propagate
themselves.
As
there
is
no
need
to
disturb
the
topsoil,
this
is
the
most
useful
for
ecosystem
construction.
By
keeping
vegetables
in
Group
F
dominant,
the
management
costs
will
be
lowered
while
maintaining
a
certain
degree
of
harvests.
Even
left
untouched
for
long
time,
these
vegetables
will
resurge
after
mowing
the
grass.
For
Group
G,
there
are
advantage
and
disadvantage.
The
advantage
is
that
you
can
manage
and
control
them
easily
since
they
are
planted
in
seedling
form.
The
disadvantage
is
that
if
large
quantities
are
planted
continuously,
the
topsoil
will
deteriorate
accordingly,
and
there
are
cases
that
the
residual
chemical
fertilizer
on
the
commercial
seedling
soil
will
accumulate
over
time.
Whereas,
items
such
as
Japanese
basil
and
artichoke
are
capable
of
reproducing
themselves
at
the
same
location
once
they
are
planted,
making
them
high
value
items.
Many
of
F
and
G
are
biennial
or
have
characteristic
similar
to
biennials.
Many
items
in
Group
H
are
annual
vegetables
that
are
selectively
bred
to
be
commercially
viable.
They
are
modified
to
suit
the
conditions
of
conventional
farming
and
the
production
outputs
do
increase
thanks
to
the
crop
improvement;
however,
so
do
the
management
costs
and
destruction
rate
of
the
topsoil.
27
2-‐2-‐2-‐3.
Home
Garden
Synecoculture
can
be
practiced
for
small-‐area
such
as
home
gardens
with
the
object
of
self-‐sufficiency.
There
is
a
2
precedent
of
a
small
space
of
4m
with
right
choise
of
species
and
variety
that
produced
year-‐round
vegetables
for
a
number
of
servings.
We
will
show
the
grouping
patterns
as
a
hint
for
home
gardening
implementation.
Group
I:
Vegetables
that
you
can
expect
to
harvest
from
an
early
stage
by
thinning.
They
are
grown
by
sowing
the
multiple
types
of
seeds
and
letting
them
mix
in
high
density.
Focus
is
yearly
leafy
vegetables
such
as
lettuce,
Japanese
mustard
spinach,
radish,
rucola,
etc.
Group
J:
Vegetables
that
can
build
a
suitable
environment
where
continuous
production
is
possible.
These
crops
needs
to
be
planted
in
bulk
to
some
extent.
Brassicaceae
vegetables
such
as
cabbage,
broccoli,
Chinese
cabbage,
cauliflower,
etc.
Fabaceae
vegetables
such
as
kidney
beans,
soybeans
(green
soybeans),
peanuts,
etc.
Apiaceae
vegetables
(perennial)
such
as
parsley,
Italian
parsley,
etc.
Group
K:
Root
vegetables.
They
can
be
planted
in
the
gaps
among
other
vegetables,
or
in
places
where
other
produce
does
not
grow
easily.
They
increase
efficiency
and
yield
from
your
garden.
Carrots,
radish,
burdock,
shima
shallot,
green
onion,
potatoes,
taro,
etc.
Group
L:
Vegetables
that
need
careful
management
to
The
characteristics
of
root
vegetables
can
be
utilized
in
combined
strategies
with
other
vegetable
groups,
such
as
prevent
it
from
overly
dominating
other
plants.
It
is
useful
to
arranging
them
in
a
line
to
block
the
invasion
of
other
grasses,
have
in
a
small
amount.
Herbs,
garlic,
Japanese
ginger,
planting
other
seedlings
in
anticipation
of
the
soil
that
will
be
dug
up
during
the
harvest,
and
sowing
the
seeds
of
lettuce
and
mountain
udo,
ashitaba,
asparagus,
butterbur,
strawberry,
Japanese
mustard
spinach,
which
are
easy
to
germinate
after
Zanthoxylum
piperitum,
flowering
plants,
etc.
the
disturbance.
28
2-‐2-‐3.
Grass
Management
Knowing
the
characteristics
of
each
vegetable
and
grass
allows
you
to
perform
efficient
grass
management
in
response
to
their
characteristics
("control
grass
by
using
grass").
As
long
as
the
vegetables
aren't
losing
out,
do
not
remove
the
annual
grass.
Remove
only
the
perennial
grass
that
forms
a
community,
and
the
annual
grass
that
becomes
too
big.
If
using
a
lawnmower,
cut
the
grass
that
grows
taller
than
the
height
of
the
vegetables
to
reduce
growth
rate
of
the
grass
and
create
an
environment
that
favors
the
vegetables.
If
germination
has
already
occurred
and
it
would
be
difficult
to
mow
through
the
scattered
vegetables,
then
remove
the
grass
manually
during
harvest
or
while
planting
seedlings.
It's
best
to
pull
out
perennial
grass
from
the
roots;
however,
if
they
are
large
then
cutting
the
part
above
ground
repeatedly
can
shrink
the
<Briquette
Structure>
underground
root,
which
contributes
to
the
formation
of
soil
It
describes
the
physical
aspect
of
the
soil
structure.
After
the
roots
of
annual
grass
spread
underground
structure.
Perennial
grass
may
be
allowed
to
grow
on
the
non-‐ridge
and
wither
within
the
soil,
they
leave
interconnected
passage
areas.
Annual
grass
withers
in
the
winter,
forming
briquette
pore
space
similar
to
a
briquette
structure.
This
tightly
knit
structure
strengthen
the
resilience
of
the
structure
with
pore
space
in
the
soil.
Perennial
grass
tightens
and
soil
and
provides
excellent
ventilation
and
water
hardens
the
soil
without
withering,
but
it
can
also
enrich
the
soil
permeability,
making
it
strong
against
physical
disturbance
from
wind
and
rain.
environment
and
terrestrial
ecosystem.
productivity.
2-‐2-‐3-‐2.
Soil
Formation
through
Controlled
Propagation
of
Grass
There
is
also
a
method
of
allowing
weeds
to
grow
thickly
in
summer
so
that
the
soil
will
be
ready
again
for
harvest
from
fall
onward.
Although
it
reduces
the
yield
during
summer,
this
strategy
is
effective
because
the
weeds
prepare
the
soil
for
higher
productivity
in
the
following
seasons
and
labor
costs
can
be
reduced
during
the
heat
of
summer.
During
this
time,
you
can
either
leave
the
field
alone
completely
or
harvest
the
remaining
vegetables
and
cultivate
tall
plants,
like
tomatoes
in
a
bush.
When
the
summer
ends,
use
a
lawn
mower
to
cut
down
all
the
vegetable
and
the
grass
and
sow
seeds
right
on
top.
The
mowed
grass
becomes
mulch
and
serves
as
camouflage
for
the
seeds
against
animals
and
insects.
The
growth
rate
of
weed
slows
from
fall,
making
it
easier
for
vegetables
to
dominate.
You
can
use
this
method
of
“mow
everything
and
restart”
until
the
vegetables
become
the
dominant
force,
not
just
in
summer
but
anytime
when
weeds
are
overpowering.
Image : Any produce outside the farm area, such as nuts and wild fruits, can be proactively utilized in synecoculture. It is essentially
important to know comprehensively and take full advantage of the regional ecosystem when managing a synecoculture farm.
30
2-‐2-‐4.
Production
Deadline
When
deadline
is
not
met,
it
results
in
cost
increase
and
reduction
in
yield
due
to
excess
weed
invasion
into
The
essence
of
synecoculture
lies
in
the
informational
vegetation
area.
Conversely,
deadline
should
be
set
to
management
of
the
dynamic
ecosystem
in
order
to
maximize
its
hedge
these
risks.
productivity
while
reducing
the
cost.
Therefore,
it
is
very
Leek,
arugula,
shima
shallot,
mini-‐tomato,
etc.
can
be
important
to
manage
production
schedules
and
set
appropriate
undomesticated
easily
and
adapt
to
a
wild
environment
of
synecoculture
in
a
similar
manner
to
weeds.
Seeds
deadlines
for
each
season.
If
the
deadline
is
not
met,
you
need
from
raw
fruit
such
as
watermelon
and
pumpkin
are
to
either
scale
down
the
current
strategy
or
change
it
entirely.
stronger
than
commercially
distributed
seedlings.
Cucumbers
grow
well
when
sown
near
a
tree
at
the
end
Otherwise
you
will
end
up
reacting
after
the
vegetation
has
of
May
to
the
beginning
of
June.
They
thrive
by
tangling
changed.
The
deadline
for
each
task
varies
depending
on
the
themselves
up
around
the
tree,
in
a
way
similar
to
their
parent
species
in
natural
environment.
Tomatoes
in
climate
conditions
of
the
year.
The
following
dates
are
based
on
conventional
farming
often
propagate
self-‐sown
the
experiment
in
Honshu,
Japan,
mainly
in
the
Kanto
and
Kinki
seedling
that
can
be
pulled
out
and
transplanted
to
synecoculture
field,
which
creates
long-‐lasting
bushes
of
regions
(at
north
latitude
34-‐36
degrees).
creepers
from
summer
to
winter.
・March:
Deadline
for
spring
seeding.
From
April,
switch
from
seed
to
seedlings
because
the
weed
growth
gains
momentum
around
this
time,
and
even
the
germinated
seeds
will
lose
to
the
emerging
grass.
・Beginning
of
May
("Golden
Week"
holiday
period
in
Japan):
Many
seedlings
for
summer
fruits
and
vegetables
start
to
appear
in
hardware
stores.
However
the
seedlings
for
summer
vegetables
grows
better
when
planted
later
in
the
month
with
no-‐fertilizer
condition,
so
this
is
simply
a
distribution
deadline.
・1st
Week
of
August:
Mow
the
summer
grass,
sow
the
seeds
of
the
root
crops,
and
start
preparing
seedlings
for
fall
and
winter
vegetable.
・1st
Week
of
September:
Mow
the
grass
at
the
transition
to
fall,
sow
the
seeds
of
fall
and
winter
leafy
vegetables,
start
preparing
seedlings
of
winter
vegetables.
・September
10th:
Time
limit
for
sowing
fall
leafy
vegetables.
・September
15th:
Decision
deadline
for
the
growth
quality
of
fall
vegetable
seedlings.
If
the
growth
is
bad,
prepare
to
obtain
new
seedlings
from
a
specialty
shop
or
hardware
store.
・September
30th:
The
last
day
for
planting
seedlings
of
fall
vegetables.
・October:
Observe
the
progress
of
fall
vegetables,
and
begin
sowing
for
the
winter
vegetables.
・Middle
of
October:
Time
to
finish
planting
the
winter
vegetable
seedlings.
These
plants
are
expected
to
grow
until
November.
・Next
January:
Construction
work
for
the
field,
set
up
an
anti-‐wind
fences,
cut
the
bamboo
forest,
prune
and
transplant
the
fruit
trees,
and
plant
the
perennial
grass
seedlings.
These
activities
should
be
performed
in
the
middle
of
January
so
that
seed
sowing
and
harvest
management
from
February
onwards
can
be
handled
smoothly.
2-‐2-‐5.
Grass
Management,
Seeding,
and
Planting
of
Seedlings
in
Summer
Season
In
the
Honshu
region
(in
this
case,
specifically
in
Kanto
and
Kinki
regions),
August
and
September
are
the
crucial
period
for
synecoculture
practice.
In
synecoculture,
where
the
ecosystem
is
proactively
controlled
through
information
rather
than
material
resources,
the
timing
to
take
the
initiative
is
the
most
important.
If
the
opportunity
is
missed,
not
only
will
it
be
a
waste
of
effort,
but
it
will
also
have
an
effect
on
the
yearly
scope
of
the
yield
until
the
next
spring.
If
a
certain
strategy
didn't
work,
you
should
switch
to
the
next
strategy,
and
plan
at
least
4
to
5
steps
in
advance,
so
that
the
work
itself
is
light
and
can
be
completed
in
the
shortest
amount
of
time
possible.
31
2-‐2-‐5-‐1.
Principle
of
Three
Way
Trade-‐Off
-‐Example
of
Summer
Strategy
in
Honshu,
Japan
During
August
and
September,
mowing
grass,
sowing
seeds
and
planting
In
order
to
have
vegetables
be
dominant
as
the
seedlings
are
conducted,
but
it
will
be
necessary
to
consider
the
balance
grass
changes
from
summer
to
fall,
the
period
from
the
end
of
August
to
the
first
week
of
and
trade-‐off
of
following
three
aspects:
1.
soil
formation
of
briquette
September
is
the
most
crucial.
If
you
mow
the
structure
through
summer
grass,
2.
benefits
of
early
sowing
of
summer
grass
during
this
period,
the
small
seedlings
should
not
lose
to
the
fall
grass.
fall/winter
vegetables,
and
3.
decomposition
of
mowed
grass.
These
three
points
outlined
below
are
concurrent
and
are
in
conflict
with
each
other;
therefore,
it
is
important
to
make
appropriate
judgments
of
priority
and
timing,
and
address
each
point
in
balance.
32
2-‐2-‐5-‐2.
Example
of
the
Relationship
between
Mowed
Grass
and
Seeds
and
Seedlings
Plan
a
production
schedule
at
the
same
time
as
you
mow
summer
grass,
so
that
a
variety
of
vegetables
are
growing
densely
enough
for
continuous
thinning
harvest,
through
fall
to
the
following
spring
season.
Here
are
the
examples:
・The
end
of
July
to
August:
Sow
root
vegetables
such
as
carrots.
・Mid-‐August:
Sow
seeds
of
mustard
family
(Brassicaceae)
such
as
cabbage,
Chinese
cabbage,
and
broccoli.
・First
week
of
September:
Sow
all
types
of
leafy
vegetables.
Daikon
radish
should
be
sown
by
September
15th.
・In
general,
you
want
to
finish
seeding
as
soon
as
possible;
therefore,
August
is
the
optimum
time
for
seeding
th
fall/winter
vegetables
up
until
September
10 .
For
large
vegetables
that
will
contribute
to
the
next
round
of
yearly
yield,
finish
sowing
by
the
beginning
of
September.
・The
end
of
August
to
the
beginning
of
September:
Sow
leafy
vegetables
especially
the
ones
that
grow
fast
but
are
susceptible
to
mowing.
Sowing
these
seeds
at
the
end
of
summer
grass
mowing
is
critical
for
their
success.
Such
vegetables
include
Japanese
mustard
spinach,
radish,
and
any
undergrowth
vegetables
that
become
living
mulch.
・The
beginning
of
August
to
the
beginning
of
September:
Sow
root
<Difference
in
strategy
between
root
vegetable
and
leaf
vegetable>
vegetables
every
time
you
mow
grass.
Sowing
these
vegetables
In
general,
you
want
to
sow
them
in
August,
but
frequently
at
intervals
allows
for
continuous
thinning
harvest.
there's
a
chance
that
the
summer
grass
will
come
out
again
and
bury
crops.
Therefore,
use
the
・Items
such
as
green
onion
and
chives
can
be
harvested
only
from
slow-‐growing
root
vegetables
(carrots,
radish,
second
year.
Seedling
of
cabbage
and
broccoli
may
grow
slow
in
the
Japanese
shima
shallot,
etc.)
after
mowing
the
grass
in
August.
This
way
there's
no
need
to
push
aside
the
first
year,
but
you
can
expect
to
harvest
them
in
the
following
year.
mowed
grass
as
they
are
decomposed
quickly,
The
objective
is
not
to
grow
everything
bigger
but
to
differentiate
besides
even
if
these
root
vegetables
are
mowed
or
buried,
they
will
regain
strength
fairly
quickly.
the
growth
rate
among
the
crops.
Depending
on
the
characteristics
of
the
seed,
you
can
either
choose
manual
broadcasting
or
sowing
in
a
furrow
and
cover
with
the
soil.
Broadcasting
is
the
simplest
method
with
low
workload,
but
it
can
be
also
harder
for
the
seeds
to
germinate.
If
time
permits,
scratch
the
surface
of
the
soil
for
better
results.
Leaving
10cm
of
surrounding
grass
prevents
birds
from
eating
the
seeds
and
sprouts.
You
can
expect
a
better
rate
of
germination
by
sowing
in
a
furrow,
but
this
requires
more
labor.
Combine
the
cons
and
pros
of
broadcasting
and
sowing
in
a
furrow,
and
plan
a
strategy
to
make
best
use
of
the
space.
In
a
narrow
space,
a
furrow
provides
better
germination
rate.
In
a
broader
space,
introducing
seedlings
can
offset
the
downside
of
broadcasting
such
as
the
lower
germination
rate.
When
broadcasting
the
seeds,
leave
the
grass
10cm
from
of
the
ground
when
mowing,
which
will
act
as
a
deterrent,
making
it
difficult
for
birds
to
eat
the
seeds.
If
the
mowed-‐grass
mulch
covers
seeds
too
much,
they
will
not
germinate
or
turn
into
frail
sprouts,
so
it
is
necessary
to
remove
any
excess
into
the
passageway.
They
become
passageway
mulch
or
can
also
be
used
as
the
mulch
when
planting
seedlings.
Having
mowed-‐grass
mulch
around
the
seedlings
protects
small
seedlings
and
prevents
grass
from
growing.
If
the
sown
seeds
are
losing
to
weeds,
trim
them
at
the
vegetable
height.
For
example,
mow
all
the
grass
to
a
height
of
20cm
from
the
bottom.
When
sowing
seeds
in
October,
strip
away
the
withered
grass
mulch
then
sow.
In
contrast,
if
you
want
to
let
the
soil
rest
until
next
spring
or
if
you
do
not
want
to
manage
the
entire
area,
cover
partial
area
with
the
withered
grass
mulch.
The
mixture
of
vegetables
in
high
density,
the
underlying
principle
of
synecoculture,
is
performed
starting
from
seed
sowing.
Seedlings
are
used
as
a
supplement
until
the
seed
germinates,
since
it
is
harder
to
achieve
high
density
only
with
the
seedlings.
Seedlings
are
particularly
useful
for
large
vegetables
such
as
mustard
family
(Brassicaceae),
because
it
is
difficult
to
determine
when
to
sow
their
seed
in
August:
Summer
grass
imposes
fierce
competition
against
the
seed
sown
in
August.
Therefore,
large
vegetables
can
be
better
managed
by
planting
the
seedlings
toward
the
end
of
summer
to
avoid
weed
competition
and
reduce
the
labor
in
the
heat.
Seedlings
for
larger
vegetables
are
also
useful
in
a
drought
when
moisture
is
not
sufficient
If
you
do
not
want
to
run
out
of
harvest
in
August,
for
example
for
the
restaurant
for
the
seed
to
sprout.
You
can
either
prepare
seedlings
on
your
own
business,
you
should
plant
seedlings
as
early
as
while
sowing
or
order
them
from
the
seedling
shop
in
advance
to
meet
possible
to
bridge
the
gaps.
Designating
August
as
a
break
period
allows
the
the
deadline.
In
certain
cases
where
too
many
vegetables
are
competing
summer
grass
to
grow,
but
at
minimum
you
for
a
given
space,
you
can
transplant
parts
of
them
to
less
crowded
areas
need
to
devise
a
strategy
for
fall
and
winter
during
this
time.
in
September.
In
regards
to
grass
mowing
and
seeding,
it
is
essential
to
assess
the
circumstance
accurately.
This
process
cannot
be
standardized
since
each
case,
depending
on
what
you
want
to
focus,
calls
for
different
priorities.
Some
degree
of
empirical
knowledge
is
required
to
make
these
decisions.
34
2-‐2-‐5-‐3.
Fall
Vegetation
Plan
To
plant
the
seedling
in
fall
season,
you
can
simply
push
aside
the
mulch
on
the
surface
area,
but
more
importantly,
you
need
to
create
a
vegetation
plan
for
the
following
spring
season.
Here’s
an
example
of
the
transitional
strategy:
fava
beans
and
kidney
beans
are
planted
in
November
to
mix
with
other
leafy
vegetables
(radish,
bok
choy,
mibuna,
etc)
since
they
do
not
grow
tall
during
winter
and
do
not
compete
with
leafy
vegetables.
As
you
harvest
the
leafy
vegetables
in
winter,
they
start
to
withdraw
their
presence
and
in
turn
beans
starts
to
dominate
when
spring
arrives.
After
the
spring,
beans
wither
and
become
mulch,
giving
ways
to
potatoes
and
other
leafy
vegetables
for
the
following
season.
2-‐2-‐5-‐4.
Irrigation
As
a
basic
principle,
you
do
not
need
to
water
the
seeds.
Simply
let
them
germinate
on
their
own.
Use
of
cheesecloth
is
permitted
only
during
the
germination
period.
An
exception
to
this
principle
is
when
dry
weather
persists
following
the
sprouting
of
the
seeds
or
planting
seedlings.
In
this
instance,
you
do
need
to
water
otherwise
you
will
run
the
risk
of
ruining
all
of
the
crops.
Having
a
sprinkler
system
as
a
temporary
measure
after
the
sowing
of
August
and
September
can
greatly
reduce
this
risk.
However,
be
mindful
of
excessive
watering.
When
vegetables
are
excessively
saturated
with
water,
they
will
deviate
physiologically
from
ecological
optimum
state
and
lose
their
original
taste,
a
key
characteristic
of
synecoculture
produce.
Even
without
irrigation,
seeds
are
able
to
sense
their
own
environment
and
determine
the
time
that
is
suited
for
It
is
true
that
all
plants
need
water
to
grow.
If
it
does
not
rain
germination.
On
the
contrary,
when
using
artificial
much
in
the
fall,
the
vegetables
will
remain
small
throughout
irrigation
to
force
germination,
the
growth
process
becomes
frail
and
it
will
be
necessary
to
assist
their
lives
the
winter
and
they
will
stay
small
through
following
spring.
afterwards.
Throughout
a
long
history
of
evolution,
plants
For
this
reason,
an
appropriate
amount
of
watering
is
have
been
able
to
overcome
multiple
climate
changes
through
spontaneous
judgment
and
growth,
so
it
is
acceptable.
If
using
a
sprinkler,
use
it
on
an
as-‐needed
basis
important
to
encourage
environment
adaptability
of
during
August
and
September
and
discontinue
use
thereafter.
vegetables.
35
2-‐2-‐6.
Alternatives
to
Fertilization
(Method
of
Recovering
Productivity)
The
concept
of
human-‐provided
fertilizer
does
not
exist
in
synecoculture.
All
vegetations
provide
themselves
the
essential
nutrients
through
photosynthesis,
which
is
a
direct
interaction,
and
through
indirect
interaction
with
animal
fauna.
In
an
ecosystem
in
nature,
plants
produce
organic
matter
by
photosynthesis,
and
the
animals
disperse
phosphorus,
potassium,
and
other
micronutrients.
Any
human-‐introduced
materials
into
the
ecosystem
are
considered
foreign
materials,
and
can
be
compared
to
an
accidental
introduction
in
nature
such
as
landslides.
Phosphorus,
potassium,
and
other
micronutrients
may
become
insufficient
due
to
continued
harvesting,
however
vegetation
such
as
shrubbery
and
fruit
trees
will
be
introduced
to
encourage
these
supplies
through
diffusion
from
birds,
insects,
and
other
animal
groups.
As
long
as
no
chemicals
or
external
fodder
are
used,
livestock
may
also
be
introduced.
If
it
becomes
necessary
to
restore
the
productivity
of
the
soil
by
external
means,
only
the
following
three
methods
can
be
applied
during
the
initial
soil
amelioration
stage.
However,
these
methods
do
not
comply
with
the
basic
principle
of
synecoculture
that
states
“humans
can
introduce
only
seeds
and
seedlings.”
(1)
Sprinkle
seawater
about
once
a
year.
Dilute
with
1:100
ratio
of
seawater
and
water.
(2)
Grind
seaweed
or
fish
leftovers
and
spread
them
over
the
surface
(this
is
a
direct
way
to
restore
soil
nutrients
that
has
run
off
into
the
ocean
via
underground
water,
caused
by
the
conventional
farming).
(3)
Put
grass
and
fallen
leaves
(humus)
on
the
soil
surface.
Take
them
from
a
neighboring
location
that
is
not
affected
by
pesticide.
These
methods
are
acceptable
for
initial
soil
management
Wild
plants
gather
all
nutrients
needed
for
their
growth
by
themselves.
This
results
in
unique
geographic
distribution
of
especially
when
converting
a
housing
site
to
an
agricultural
plants
and
environmental
conditions,
which
is
referred
to
as
land,
where
the
ground
is
leveled
and
the
vegetation
and
an
ecological
niche.
The
natural
ecosystem
does
not
turn
into
desert
as
long
as
there
is
sufficient
rainfall
and
equitable
organic
matter
in
the
topsoil
are
scarce.
However,
to
be
species
diversity:
It
self-‐organizes
and
maintains
the
diversity
certified
as
synecoculture,
it
is
necessary
that
the
growth
of
of
ecological
niche,
as
well
as
supports
the
sane
metabolism
of
individual
plant
within.
On
the
other
hand,
the
plants
is
completely
free
from
external
organic
matters.
human-‐cultivated
vegetables
that
are
made
with
fertilizer
and
To
establish
plants’
self-‐perpetuation
to
the
standard
of
watering
have
significantly
altered
metabolite,
which
can
be
compared
to
the
metabolic
syndrome
of
humans.
synecoculture,
it
is
essential
to
maintain
productivity
without
depending
on
the
external
supply.
The
3
alternate
methods
to
fertilizer
have
its
root
in
the
material
circulation
between
the
ocean
and
the
land,
which
was
established
in
the
course
of
evolution.
These
alternatives
Some
vegetables
(especially
summer
fruits
and
vegetables)
make
use
of
this
existing
natural
circulation
and
making
it
more
efficient
by
shortening
the
route.
Therefore,
it
makes
such
as
eggplant
and
corn
are
selectively
bred
to
grow
well
the
most
economical
sense
to
encourage
birds,
insects,
and
with
the
fertilizer.
Therefore,
their
yield
may
decrease
microbes
to
do
the
work
for
us
rather
paying
the
cost
of
these
alternatives.
significantly
in
a
non-‐fertilized
field.
In
these
cases,
it
is
possible
for
the
practitioner
to
utilize
non-‐plow
organic
farming
method
and
put
on
a
fertilizer
on
the
soil,
however,
the
vegetables
produced
in
this
way
is
not
cosidered
as
synecoculture
produce.
36
2-‐2-‐7.
Harvest
In
the
high
density
of
mixed
vegetation,
harvesting
is
done
by
thinning-‐out
from
the
crops
that
grew
large
out
of
competition.
Once
the
environmental
conditions
are
established,
daily
harvesting
is
possible
year-‐round.
When
cutting
off
the
crops,
it
is
better
to
leave
the
roots
in
the
ground
because
they
will
protect
the
soil
and
encourage
the
vegetation
to
regenerate.
Only
certain
cases,
for
example,
if
you
are
shipping
the
produce
to
a
long
distance,
you
can
harvest
the
whole
plant
with
the
root
intact
so
the
vegetables
stay
fresh
for
longer
period.
Diagram: Harvesting -‐ Transplanting -‐ Overseeding in a spatial and temporal combination
37
2-‐2-‐9.
Self-‐Seeding
Some
proportion
of
the
vegetables
should
not
be
harvested
so
they
can
fulfill
their
life,
and
leave
until
they
bloom
flowers
and
form
seeds.
Practically
speaking,
it
is
nearly
impossible
to
harvest
all
the
vegetables
in
a
highly
dense
and
mixed
culture,
therefore
there
will
always
be
seeds
left
to
some
extent
for
later
use.
In
order
to
increase
the
quality
of
open-‐pollinated
seeds
in
synecoculture,
you
need
to
select
the
seeds
that
showed
superior
genetic
and
adaptive
traits:
For
example,
take
the
seeds
from
the
crop
that
grew
larger
in
a
given
environment
rather
than
the
ones
that
did
not
adopt
well
to
the
same
conditions.
This
way
you
can
ensure
and
ameliorate
the
yield
of
the
strain
for
the
long
period
of
time.
We
have
observed
that
the
seedlings
grown
in
a
synecological
farm
are
far
more
vigorous
and
resilient
in
a
harsh
environment
than
commercially
distributed
seedlings
that
are
grown
with
chemical
fertilizer.
It
suggests
that
those
seedlings
from
synecoculture
changed
their
metabolism
and
expanded
their
habitable
environment
where
they
can
survive.
In
some
cases,
we
We
predict
that
the
seeds
obtained
from
synecological
farm
will
be
effective
and
useful
when
developing
a
new
also
observed
the
extension
of
harvesting
period
as
a
part
of
farm
in
a
harsh
and
volatile
environment.
adaptation.
2-‐2-‐10.
Ridges
Unless
it
is
physically
destroyed
by
natural
disaster,
there
is
no
need
to
add
soil
to
the
ridge
because
they
will
gain
resilience
against
erosion
with
the
help
from
the
plants.
Annuals
contribute
to
this
by
creating
briquette
structure
(compacted
soil
structure
with
abundant
air
holes)
in
the
ground.
The
root
of
the
perennials
and
trees
also
assist
by
holding
the
soil
intact.
In
fact,
this
mechanism
is
exactly
the
same
as
how
the
mountain
holds
its
shape
over
the
years.
In
case
the
ridges
in
your
farm
keep
collapsing,
you
may
need
to
reevaluate
the
way
the
grass
is
managed.
38
2-‐2-‐11.
Seedling
Strategies
Although
you
can
purchase
seedlings
from
a
local
shop
or
a
hardware
store,
you
can
grow
them
at
home
when
they
are
not
available
in
an
off-‐season.
Homegrown
seedlings
are
especially
useful
because
it
is
possible
to
realize
a
longer
span
of
harvest
beyond
the
commercial
distribution
period.
For
example,
tomato
seedlings
are
available
at
the
store
from
April
to
May,
but
upon
planting,
most
of
the
harvesting
of
these
tomatoes
will
take
place
from
July
to
August.
On
the
other
hand,
if
you
grow
your
own
tomato
seedlings
in
a
nursery
it
is
possible
to
plant
them
until
August.
By
planting
the
seedlings
incrementally
up
to
August,
you
can
prolong
the
tomato
harvest
until
around
November.
If
we
also
utilize
the
unripe
tomatoes,
the
harvest
period
can
be
extended
until
December
in
some
cases.
In
order
to
improve
the
efficiency
of
synecoculture
production
volume,
it
is
useful
to
set
a
small
green
house
or
a
room,
where
you
can
control
physiological
conditions
to
Even
for
the
cultivation
and
transplanting
of
seedlings,
you
must
keep
the
non-‐fertilizer
principle
and
should
not
introduce
any
grow
seedlings,
as
a
backup
supply
system.
This
way,
external
organic
matter
in
synecoculture
field.
It
is
best
to
grow
anytime
you
need
to
fill
the
space
in
the
production
area
seedlings
without
fertilizer.
As
for
hydroponic
cultivation
with
indoor
environment,
it
can
be
used
in
the
nursery
stage
since
after
harvesting,
you
always
have
a
backup
of
seedlings.
To
the
transplant
does
not
require
soil,
and
therefore
it
does
not
increase
the
yield
while
eliminating
the
gap
of
crop
bring
external
organic
matter
into
the
field.
However,
without
sufficient
time
of
growth
on
site
it
will
not
become
a
healthy
transition,
the
farm
and
nursery
should
always
be
packed
part
of
the
vegetation
in
terms
of
plant
metabolites.
Hydroponic
with
produce
and
seedlings.
Fluctuations
in
the
natural
cultivation
is
suited
for
automated
production
of
the
seedlings
of
certain
perennial
vegetables,
such
as
Italian
parsley,
that
can
environment
can
result
in
poor
produce
development,
take
sufficiently
long
time
to
achieve
ecologically
optimal
however
it
is
possible
to
stabilize
and
keep
efficiency
of
growth
on
site
until
harvest.
For
annual
grass
vegetables,
the
period
from
plantation
to
harvest
is
short,
so
there
is
the
risk
of
production
by
arranging
the
supply
system
of
seedlings
that
their
metabolites
being
influenced
too
much
by
liquid
fertilizer.
can
absorb
the
volatility.
40
materials
in
the
soil,
such
as
leftover
compost,
are
the
ecological
cause
behind
the
loss
of
faunal
balance
expressed
as
a
pest.
Empirically,
pest
risk
is
reduced
in
soil
that
has
been
purified
through
the
promotion
of
natural
circulation.
If
there
were
a
mass
outbreak
of
a
single
insect
species
during
the
implementation
process
of
synecoculture,
it
would
be
possible
that
the
soil
is
at
the
stage
where
it
needs
to
be
purified.
Rather
than
exterminating,
we
should
facilitate
the
removal
of
the
surplus
materials
by
the
insects.
If
there
is
damage
due
to
external
factors
such
as
invasion
of
non-‐native
species,
we
recommend
diversifying
the
vegetation
in
order
to
further
diversify
the
food
chain
to
regain
faunal
equilibrium.
3−3. Soil
Improvement
Examples
of
soil
texture
improvement:
Overlay/mix
into
the
field
river
sand
and
clay
that
does
not
contain
organic
Soil
improvement
in
synecoculture
is
carried
out
in
the
course
material.
of
natural
circulation
and
vegetation
transition
by
using
the
<Example
of
Wasteland
Soil
Improvement>
plants
and
vegetables,
without
using
any
soil
improvement
For
vegetation
recovery
in
wastelands
where
vegetables
materials.
do
not
grow,
sow
mainly
Asteraceae
vegetables
such
as
lettuce
and
chicory,
and
mix
in
root
vegetables
in
an
However,
for
physical
components
that
are
independent
from
appropriate
level.
Asteraceae
vegetables
can
be
raised
the
biological
and
chemical
disposition,
they
can
be
freely
even
in
pebble-‐filled
wastelands.
Wildflowers
that
can
be
used
in
tea,
such
as
horsetail
and
chameleon
plant,
are
changed
during
the
initial
construction
phase:
For
example,
soil
also
effective
in
soil
improvement,
and
suppresses
grass
texture
decides
the
capacity
of
organic
matter
retained
by
the
weeds.
Strong
woodland
fruits
such
as
persimmon,
loquat,
citrus
fruits,
blueberries;
strong
trees
such
as
common
figs,
topsoil
in
a
given
climate
condition,
which
can
be
freely
mulberry;
shrubs
and
perennial
plants
such
as
mountain
adjusted
in
the
initial
setup.
asparagus,
ashitaba
can
also
suppress
weeds.
Another
method
is
to
plant
tall
trees
early,
and
then
thin
them
out
as
other
vegetation
grows
accordingly.
If
dealing
with
hardened
soil
where
the
recovery
of
the
natural
If
you
are
concerned
about
leftover
fertilizer
from
conventional
or
organic
farming
used
in
the
previous
circulation
and
vegetation
transition
processes
is
too
slow,
such
iteration,
one
method
involves
using
wild
oats
and
rye
to
as
conversion
from
residential
land,
it
is
possible
to
freely
enact
suck
in
and
expel,
to
purify
the
soil.
initial
soil
improvement
measures.
However
it
will
require
a
transition
period
to
synecoculture
until
clear
soil
can
be
realized.
For
example,
soil
improvement
in
the
initial
construction
is
possible
through
moving
plant
organic
matter
derived
from
nature,
such
as
cut
grass
from
the
surroundings,
and
promoting
decomposition
using
microbial
materials.
However
cultivation
through
continuous
and
fixed
usage
of
microbial
and
organic
materials
from
external
sources,
is
a
violation
of
synecoculture
principles.
Regarding
chemical
properties,
it
is
possible
to
introduce
adjusting
method
as
long
as
it
does
not
hinder
natural
circulation,
and
it
will
not
be
necessary
to
continually
introduce
external
materials:
For
example,
placing
oyster
shells
on
the
surface
during
initial
soil
improvement
will
serve
for
pH
adjustment.
If
the
vegetation
is
scarce,
one
method
is
to
claw
the
surface
first
and
then
deliberately
grow
thick
weeds,
or
plant
fast-‐growing
trees
to
construct
the
ecosystem
regardless
of
its
usage,
however
the
most
ideal
method
is
to
realize
these
functionality
with
useful
plants.
41
3-‐4.
Plant
Tissue
Normalcy
In
synecoculture,
as
a
preliminary
criterion
before
the
crop
taste
and
nutrients,
the
plant
tissue
normalcy
is
evaluated
with
respect
to
the
ecological
optimum
state
as
a
standard.
The
fresh
allure
of
sane
plant
tissue
is
sometimes
idiomatically
referred
to
as
vitality
of
plant.
The
most
practical
and
simple
method
for
determining
plant
tissue
normalcy
is
the
"clear
taste"
when
eaten
raw,
which
describes
a
particular
quality
of
flavor
common
in
synecoculture
produce
based
on
empirical
expressions.
However
when
determining
the
clear
taste,
it
will
be
necessary
to
have
comparative
experience
between
synecoculture
and
conventional
farming
produce.
It
is
possible
to
eat
"clear
taste"
vegetables
at
the
harvest
experience
lunch
at
the
Ise
Synecoculture
Farm
in
Japan,
sponsored
by
the
Sakura
Nature
School.
There
have
been
reports
of
heath
improvements
from
those
Though
"clear
taste"
is
a
subjective
expression,
since
it
is
a
characteristic
that
is
commonly
and
repeatedly
who
consume
produce
that
cleared
the
strict
standards
for
experienced
when
eating
raw
vegetables
from
an
synecoculture,
even
when
consuming
regular
vegetable
types.
ecological
optimum
state,
evaluation
is
possible
such
as
using
food
sensory
analysis
together
with
the
assessment
As
a
supportive
evidence
of
health
beneficial
effect,
compared
of
the
cultivation
conditions.
to
conventional
produce,
synecoculture
produce
is
revealed
to
From
consumers’
health
improvement
cases,
the
positive
relationship
between
the
normalization
of
plant
tissue
and
contain
rich
secondary
metabolites,
which
is
the
largest
source
the
normalization
of
human
metabolism
has
been
of
medicinal
ingredients.
speculated.
42
3-‐5-‐2.
Examples
of
Fluctuations
Amount
of
sunlight:
As
there
exists
rock
and
tree
shade
even
in
a
natural
state,
the
changes
in
sunlight
from
the
surrounding
buildings
and
trees
is
within
the
range
of
fluctuation.
However,
no
sunshine
will
result
in
no
growth,
and
too
much
sunlight
creates
an
environment
that's
advantageous
for
indigenous
weeds.
During
germination,
the
use
of
cheesecloth,
etc.,
to
control
the
sunlight
partially
or
short-‐term
is
acceptable.
Amount
of
water:
Since
there
exists
seasonal
and
yearly
changes
in
precipitation,
artificial
irrigation
in
response
to
reduced
precipitation
is
within
the
range
of
fluctuation.
However
an
excess
of
water
leads
to
vegetable
blistering
and
deviates
from
plant
tissue
normalcy.
Amount
of
seeds
and
seedlings
and
planting
period:
As
the
amount
of
seeds
in
the
natural
state
changes
in
accordance
to
the
surrounding
vegetation
and
seed
bank,
humans
introducing
seeds
and
seedlings
for
the
purpose
of
controlling
the
vegetation
strategy
is
within
the
range
of
fluctuation.
The
problem
of
invasive
non-‐native
species
has
been
For
the
germination
and
establishment
of
plants,
as
there
are
spreading
along
with
modern
agriculture.
The
non-‐native
species
introduced
by
humans
largely
influences
the
fluctuations
in
the
environmental
conditions
and
individual
ecosystem,
including
the
material
circulation
level,
and
is
differences
in
nature,
time-‐selective
planting
of
seeds
and
involved
with
the
structure.
However,
the
various
mixes
of
useful
plants
that
are
enacted
through
synecoculture
seedlings
by
humans
as
part
of
vegetation
strategy
is
considered
restrain
the
dominance
of
non-‐native
species,
create
to
be
in
the
range
of
fluctuation.
various
material
circulations
similar
to
indigenous
ecosystems,
and
we
expect
that
will
mitigate
the
adverse
From
the
point
of
view
of
ecological
optimum
in
synecoculture,
effects
of
alien
species.
seeds
and
seedlings
introduced
by
humans
correspond
to
the
initial
condition
setting
to
establish
mixed
vegetation
toward
ecological
optimum.
Naturally
occurring
vegetable
organic
matter
on
top
of
soil:
If
the
soil
structure
is
formed,
piling
up
naturally
occurring
vegetable
organic
matter
such
as
mowed
grass
from
the
surroundings
on
top
of
the
soil,
or
conversely
removing
mowed
grass,
these
are
considered
to
be
within
the
range
of
fluctuation.
It
does
not
interfere
with
the
maintainance
of
the
soil
structure
nor
causes
the
contamination
of
groundwater.
Other
hyper-‐diluted
amounts
of
active
agents:
Naturally
occurring
active
agents
and
natural
pesticides
that
are
hyper-‐diluted
in
homeopathic
dose
is
practically
out
of
concern
of
material
cycle,
however
it
will
be
necessary
to
make
an
objective
assessment
on
that
effect.
It
is
best
to
not
utilize
any
useless
materials.
43
4.
Application
4-‐1.
Combining
with
Rice
Cultivation
By
conducting
synecoculture
in
non-‐plowed,
non-‐fertilized,
pesticide-‐free
rice
paddies
during
the
dry
season,
development
of
the
soil
can
be
achieved
together
with
high
diversity
and
high
yield
of
total
produce.
44
4-‐3.
Cooperation
with
Hospitals,
Nursing
Care
Facilities
Creating
a
synecoculture
farm
next
to
hospitals
and
nursing
facilities
can
support
the
health
recovery
of
hospitalized
patients
and
residents
through
fundamental
eating
habits.
4-‐4.
Using
Indigenous
Plants
In
conventional
agriculture,
indigenous
plants
(such
as
bamboo
in
Japan)
are
often
considered
as
weeds
and
should
be
eliminated.
Though
in
synecoculture,
we
consider
that
they
are
establishing
an
example
of
suitable
ecosystem
for
that
region.
Your
vegetation
plan
should
be
built
taking
advantage
of
those
characteristics.
For
example,
bamboo
and
bamboo
grass
can
be
found
in
many
abandoned
Japanese
mountain
forests.
If
left
alone
it
drives
away
other
vegetation
with
strong
root.
However
a
moderate
existence
rather
increases
the
biodiversity,
and
the
boundary
of
a
bamboo
grove
can
provide
various
conditions
that
promote
the
growth
of
other
vegetation.
As
produce,
there
are
other
possible
uses
as
well,
such
as
tea,
material
resource,
fishing
equipment,
etc.
45
4-‐6.
Cooperation
with
Citizen
Science
Currently,
as
the
training
for
educational
institutions,
as
a
conservation
research
program,
and
as
a
part
of
corporate
social
responsibility
(CSR),
a
lot
of
activity
is
taking
place
worldwide
to
document
the
biodiversity.
Synecoculture
farm
can
create
and
serve
as
a
regional
hot
spot
for
biodiversity,
and
the
documentation
of
the
farm
can
also
be
used
as
high-‐profile
data
of
regional
biodiversity.
Synecoculture
field
provides
a
great
teaching
aid
for
science
and
environmental
classes
starting
from
elementary
and
junior
high
schools.
Within
a
synecoculture
farm,
there
are
examples
of
rare
insect
species
being
found,
Currently,
we
are
building
information
sharing
network
service
for
including
threatened
species
in
IUCN
red
list.
synecoculture
practitioners
that
will
include
an
interactive
biodiversity
Synecoculture
farming
is
listed
on
Sony's
CSR
activity
candidates.
database.
Image : Examples of rare insects that have been observed in synecoculture farms. Through synecoculture, a high-‐value ecosystem can be built
large-‐scale and mechanization of synecoculture. By using cart or wagon
47
5.
Synecoculture
in
Different
Climate
5-‐1.
General
Remarks
The
principle
of
synecoculture
can
be
applied
to
all
climate
zones
as
long
as
temperature,
precipitation,
and
sunlight
are
sufficiently
present
for
growing
plant.
The
specific
strategy
of
implementation
and
the
types
of
crop
will
vary
depending
on
the
climate
and
the
vegetation
of
the
particular
region.
In
the
following,
we
employ
Köppen
climate
classification,
which
was
determined
by
a
relationship
between
temperature,
precipitation
and
vegetation
type,
as
a
guide
to
illustrate
the
characteristics
of
the
climate
where
synecoculture
is
being
practiced.
48
5-‐3.
Subtropics
Subtropics
are
included
in
the
temperate
zone
of
the
Köppen
This
is
the
temperate
climate
zone
that
is
closer
to
the
tropics.
climate
classification,
and
a
number
of
varying
definitions
In
Japan
it
is
commonly
referred
to
as
the
region
from
exist.
This
manual
adopts
common
usage
of
the
term
subtropics
as
the
southern
Kyushu
region
to
Nansei
islands,
southern
Kyushu
through
the
Nansei
Islands,
including
based
on
the
opinions
from
the
inhabitants.
Though
it
is
Okinawa.
As
most
of
this
region
consists
of
small
islands,
the
classified
as
subtropics,
the
Nansei
islands
have
exceptional
precipitation
in
contrast
to
many
of
the
world’s
subtropics
soil
runoff
from
conventional
fields
such
as
sugar
cane
has
that
are
predominantly
arid
regions.
the
most
direct
effect
on
the
marine
ecosystem.
To
defend
against
the
strong
winds
from
typhoons
that
pass
As
a
management
strategy,
it
is
essential
to
grow
fruit
trees
through
the
subtropics
Nansei
Islands
every
year,
building
an
and
protect
vegetables
from
intense
sunrays.
In
the
Nansei
anti-‐wind
fruit
forest
is
an
effective
strategy.
These
forest
will
be
composed
a
dense
mixture
of
fast-‐growing
fruit
trees,
Islands,
where
many
typhoons
pass
through,
densely
mixed
such
as
papayas
and
bananas,
since
they
bend
easily
and
fruit
tree
forests
are
crucial
for
protecting
against
strong
absorb
wind
impact.
Raising
fruit
trees
in
a
high
density
reduces
yield,
however
as
they
support
each
other
and
winds.
The
plant
tissue
in
a
non-‐fertilized
field
becomes
more
increase
their
anti-‐wind
effects,
they
can
be
placed
as
a
robust,
and
the
roots
spread
out
more,
which
increases
wind
nursery
facing
the
wind
from
the
shoreline.
Conversely,
the
underside
of
the
wind,
enclosed
by
anti-‐wind
fruit
tree
grove,
resistance.
productivity
can
be
prioritized
with
high-‐value
fruit
trees
like
As
weeds
are
particularly
strong
in
the
subtropics,
frequent
mango
and
island
bananas,
and
creeper
plants
like
guava,
kiwi
berry
(Actinidia
rufa),
kiwi,
etc.
grass
management
will
be
necessary
to
produce
vegetables.
Until
vegetables
dominate
the
surface,
you
need
to
take
a
countermeasure
against
weeds
corresponding
to
their
types
and
growth
rate.
There
is
also
the
method
of
letting
the
grass
grow
out
intentionally
to
concentrate
on
soil
formation
at
first.
If
you
take
advantage
of
a
warm
and
rainy
climate
and
focus
on
producing
subtropical
fruit,
this
way
you
can
lower
costs
and
expand
the
production
volume.
It
is
also
suited
for
producing
seedlings,
since
the
growth
rate
of
fruit
trees
is
high
compared
to
Honshu.
In
Nansei
Islands,
abandoned
farmlands
are
increasing
due
to
depopulation
and
aging
of
the
farmer.
We
are
building
a
model
for
synecoculture
farm
to
utilize
these
fields
with
focus
on
fruits
trees
that
are
suited
for
subtropical
climate.
Image : Examples of fruits that are cultivated in synecoculture farms in subtropical regions.
49
5-‐4.
Arid
Zone
Forests
are
nurtured
by
rain,
and
as
the
groundwater
is
Climate
zone
with
high
average
temperature,
low
precipitation,
cultivated,
water
vapor
transpiration
from
the
forest
becomes
rain
again,
making
for
circulation.
The
rain
and
dry
like
the
desert,
and
little
vegetation.
groundwater
system
are
tied
together
through
the
In
contrast
to
the
tropical,
temperate,
and
continental
zones
absorption
and
transpiration
from
surface
plants.
As
rainfall,
surface
vegetation,
and
groundwater
mutually
that
are
a
forest-‐forming
climate
where
trees
can
inhabit,
the
exist
and
form
a
water
circulation,
deforestation
crucially
arid
zone
is
a
non-‐forest
climate,
and
forests
will
not
develop
breaks
this
cycle.
If
there
is
not
much
precipitation
or
groundwater
to
be
supplied
externally,
natural
recovery
even
if
left
alone.
This
is
a
region
that
is
subject
to
will
be
impossible.
This
is
called
the
regime
shift
of
the
desertification.
ecosystem.
As
if
building
blocks
that
were
once
piled
up
are
lost,
it
is
not
easy
to
reload
to
the
original
state.
It
is
an
There
are
two
types
of
causes
for
desertification
-‐
natural
irreversible
destruction
phenomenon
that
lies
within
the
factors
like
the
lack
of
rainfall,
and
human
activities
like
the
ecosystem
dynamics
as
a
mechanism
of
desertification.
agricultural
practice
such
as
overgrazing
and
over-‐logging
In
order
to
adapt
to
abnormal
weather
such
as
floods
and
leading
to
environmental
destruction.
Actually,
many
of
the
arid
droughts,
we
need
to
diversify
the
ecosystem
with
respect
to
the
height
of
vegetation
and
depth
of
the
root
system.
regions
of
the
world
are
facing
desertification
due
to
Covering
the
topsoil
with
perennial
grass
retains
moisture.
human-‐induced
factors.
Once
vegetation
is
lost
in
an
arid
region,
Place
root
crops
and
potatoes
that
will
survive
even
if
the
surface
dries
out.
Above
ground,
the
multi-‐layer
of
herbs
precipitation
will
also
be
reduced,
and
the
lost
vegetation
will
and
trees
can
be
placed
in
alternating
order,
which
not
recover,
expanding
the
vicious
cycle.
increase
the
efficiency
of
photosynthesis
with
perpendicular
configuration
of
the
whole
vegetation
In
developed
countries
such
as
North
America
and
Australia,
community.
Mixing
in
crops
of
differing
height
can
also
groundwater
is
drying
up
and
desertification
is
progressing
due
reduce
damage
of
flooding.
By
stretching
around
the
roots
in
a
multi-‐layered
way
and
in
differing
depth,
underground
to
large-‐scale
monoculture
farming.
However
even
in
regions
water
can
be
better
retained
and
the
rain
capacity
can
be
where
small-‐scale
farming
is
the
majority,
such
as
Africa,
India,
expanded,
creating
an
ecosystem
that
is
strong
against
and
China,
the
use
of
modern
farming
methods
is
exacerbating
droughts
and
absorbs
floods.
the
desertification
process,
expanding
the
regions
under
the
risk.
In
arid
zones
where
many
developing
countries
are
located,
the
frail
ecosystem
and
socio-‐political
instability
are
posing
serious
issues:
Poverty
and
malnutrition
prevail,
and
the
loss
of
biodiversity
is
expanding
at
an
alarming
rate.
Synecoculture
farming
has
been
implemented
in
Burkina
Faso
at
the
Sahel
region
in
sub-‐Saharan
Africa
situated
at
the
boundary
of
the
arid
zone
and
the
tropics.
From
an
initial
success
story,
it
is
expected
to
make
a
great
contribution
to
the
recovery
of
both
social
and
ecological
systems.
The
benefits
of
synecoculture
farming
in
the
arid
zone,
based
on
the
implementation
in
Burkina
Faso,
are
as
follows.
1) Turnover
speed
similar
to
the
tropics:
As
the
atmospheric
temperature
is
high
in
the
arid
zone,
if
the
vegetation
is
dense
enough
to
hold
the
water
in
the
topsoil,
vigorous
growth
similar
to
the
tropics
can
be
observed.
2) Lack
of
competing
vegetation
(weed
seeds)
makes
managing
and
mixing
newly-‐introduced
species
easy:
In
the
arid
region,
the
indigenous
seed
bank
is
not
as
robust
as
the
other
regions.
Conversely,
it
is
easy
to
manage
vegetation
that
is
predominantly
covered
with
useful
plants
like
vegetables.
3) Less
risk
of
social
conflict
between
synecoculture
and
conventional
farming.
Conventional
farming
is
difficult
to
introduce
in
this
region,
and
even
if
they
do
they
can
realize
only
a
low
level
of
physiological
optimization:
It
is
not
practical
to
implement
conventional
farming
in
this
region
since
it
poses
a
serious
risk
of
environmental
destruction.
Lack
of
established
conventional
agriculture
can
be
seen
as
an
opportunity
for
new
farmers
because
the
market
entry
regulation
is
also
non-‐existent.
Standardization
for
agricultural
product
is
rare,
which
means
there
is
a
ground
for
people
to
embrace
huge
variety
of
synecoculture
produce,
and
they
can
be
sold
50
directly
on
the
local
market.
A
lack
of
resources
does
not
allow
people
to
use
expensive
fertilizer
and
machinery,
but
in
a
way,
this
reduces
the
risk
of
introducing
fertilizer
and
tillage
machinery,
which
are
both
against
the
principle
of
synecoculture.
4)
Job
creation
in
a
smallholder
farm:
Many
members
of
society
from
this
region
are
small-‐scale
family
farmers.
Since
labor
skill
required
to
work
in
the
synecoculture
farm
are
mostly
manual
labor,
they
can
be
employed
immediately
without
much
training.
For
small-‐scale
farmers
based
on
individual
household
economies
as
the
main
constituent,
achieving
low
cost,
high
revenue
leads
to
a
large
and
direct
economic
impact.
To
introduce
synecological
farming
methods
in
arid
regions
as
part
of
desert
greening,
the
followings
are
the
recommended
strategies:
・ Find
the
vegetation
among
robust
creeper
vines
(e.g.
kudzu
legume,
Pueraria
montana)
that
could
be
used
as
a
feed
for
livestock
like
cows.
Use
them
as
a
pioneer
plant
when
implementing
synecoculture.
・ Plant
these
creeper
vines
near
the
water
source,
and
guide
them
to
grow
towards
the
desert.
Once
the
tip
of
the
extended
end
grows
thick
leaves
and
takes
root,
have
the
livestock
feed
on
the
leaves.
Feces
of
the
livestock
will
serve
as
natural
manure
and
increase
the
productivity
of
the
soil.
・ If
necessary
water
at
the
base
of
the
vine
plant.
If
there
isn't
much
water,
creating
V-‐shape
vegetation
from
the
water
source
is
effective
at
greening
over
a
wide
area.
・ Create
walls
of
creeper
plants
in
intervals
of
a
few
tens
of
meters.
In
between
these
walls,
plant
a
mixture
of
perennial
plants,
trees,
and
grass
that
are
strong
against
dry
weather
and
reinforce
water
retention
of
the
soil.
At
this
beginning
stage,
focus
on
building
the
environment
and
growing
seedlings
at
minimum
cost.
After
the
ecosystem
is
established,
gradually
increase
the
elements
of
productivity.
Image : Examples of synecoculture farms in arid regions of the tropics.
AFIDRA)
51
5-‐5.
Tropics
Supported
by
high
temperatures
and
precipitation,
tropics
features
the
most
diverse
inhabitation
of
plants,
animals,
and
Tropics
are
a
region
surrounding
the
equator.
Temperature
microbes
on
the
planet.
However,
as
the
decomposition
rate
of
is
consistently
high
and
its
fluctuation
remains
small
in
organic
matter
is
fast,
the
topsoil
formation
is
thin
and
vulnerable
to
disturbances.
At
a
glance
it
may
seem
like
the
annual
range.
For
the
most
part,
it
rains
heavily
but
some
most
rich
environment,
but
it's
also
an
environment
that
regions
do
have
a
dry
season.
Lush
vegetation
of
tropical
requires
meticulous
care
and
maintenance.
plants
forms
a
various
degree
of
jungle
depending
on
the
precipitation.
It
is
also
a
treasure
trove
of
medicinal
plant
resources.
Tropical
rainforests
of
Southeast
Asia
and
the
Amazon
in
South
America
typically
provide
the
critical
ecosystem
that
supports
biodiversity
of
the
earth.
However,
this
function
is
being
diminished
severely
due
to
rapid
economic
development
and
deforestation.
Soil
structure
in
tropics
form
quickly,
but
also
is
susceptible
to
external
forces.
This
trait
makes
its
soil
highly
vulnerable
to
logging
and
plowing,
leading
to
rapid
structural
failure.
Furthermore,
the
coastal
ecosystems
of
the
tropics
and
the
subtropics
are
a
home
to
coral
reefs
that
nurtures
25%
of
all
marine
species
on
earth.
The
expansion
of
conventional
farming
in
this
region
will
contaminate
the
ground
water
and
consequently
affect
the
global
marine
ecosystem.
Synecoculture
in
tropics
hold
important
implication,
as
it
allows
the
continuous
formation
and
maintenance
of
soil
structure
while
taking
into
account
the
circulation
of
land
and
sea.
52
In
Conclusion
The
objective
of
the
conventional
agriculture
has
been
to
produce
artificially
enlarged
“farmed
vegetables”
through
the
use
of
science
and
technology.
This
is
ironic
in
the
sense
that
the
more
effort
that
is
dedicated
to
this
pursuit,
the
further
the
plants
travel
away
from
a
natural,
healthy
state.
When
I
look
at
the
current
agriculture
and
their
plant
species,
I
can’t
help
seeing
a
resemblance
to
our
own
species
and
struggles
with
countless
health
issues
such
as
lifestyle
disease
and
metabolic
syndrome.
Additionally,
as
biodiversity
on
this
planet
is
reducing
at
an
alarming
rate,
human
population
is
growing
at
an
exponential
rate,
which
could
be
compared
to
a
large
outbreak
of
pests
in
the
ecosystem
of
monocultural
farm.
In
synecoculture,
our
objective
is
to
return
to
the
natural
state
of
plants
and
animals
as
our
primary
food
source,
which
we
have
relied
on
for
our
survival
over
millions
of
years.
Furthermore,
considering
our
exceptional
ability
to
affect
and
modify
natural
environment
in
global
scale,
it
is
not
an
overstatement
to
say
that
we,
the
human
species,
hold
the
leading
role
to
a
truly
sustainable
society
in
harmony
with
nature
where
all
living
species
can
coexist.
Such
an
endeavor
depends,
wholly
on
the
success
and
sustatinability
of
our
primary
industries,
starting
with
agricultural
practices.
I
believe
that
goal
is
attainable
if
we
advocate
for
the
cultivation
and
utilization
of
plants
in
their
natural
state
rather
than
continually
furthering
research
on
element-‐wise
pesticides
and
fertilizers.
To
this
end,
relying
purely
on
research
and
academia
will
not
be
sufficient.
Practical
implementation
and
experience
from
the
general
public
should
be
brought
together,
and
our
reponsibility
to
the
environment
must
also
be
addressed
as
an
integrated
citizen
science.
Synecoculture
aims
to
take
on
part
of
that
responsibility
in
realizing
a
truly
sustainable
social
ecological
system.