Agriculture and Science 2021/11/1

Effects of cell seedling application of Micro Long Total in broccoli cultivation.

Chiba Prefectural Agriculture and Forestry Research Center
Toso Vegetable Research Laboratory, Paddy Rice and Field Horticulture Research Institute

Daizo Takeuchi

(Currently: Kaeso Agricultural Office, Extension Division)

Introduction.

　In Chiba Prefecture, the cultivation of autumn-winter broccoli, which is harvested from November to February, is spreading due to the relatively mild winters in the Kanto region, and there are examples of cultivation not only in the fields but also in the mid-mountainous areas, such as backcropping in paddy fields.
　However, the planting period of cell-molded seedlings is short due to root clogging and lack of nutrients because of the limited capacity of the culture medium for cell-molded seedlings. On the other hand, in the fall/winter broccoli crop, planting is often delayed due to unseasonable weather conditions in addition to competition with rice harvesting. This has led to the extension of the seedling growing period and the planting of seedlings past the optimum time for planting, which has caused problems such as shortening of the seedlings due to additional fertilization to restore vigor and poor establishment due to over-formation of the root pots.
　In order to expand the planting time of cellular seedlings, we conducted a test on the promotion of seedling growth by box application of a coated fertilizer (Micro Long Total).

About Super Cell Seedlings

　The following is an introduction to supercellular seedlings, the premise for the tests conducted by the author. There are a variety of knowledge on broccoli cultivation trials, and in particular, the "supercellular seedling" technique developed by Tokushima Prefecture has been proven to be useful in many areas. Supercell seedlings are cell-molded seedlings that have been grown for a long period of time (more than 40 days) using only water, instead of the usual 30 days or so, and not only can they be prevented from growing tall, but they also have improved drought resistance, disease resistance, and insect resistance (Photo 1). On the other hand, there are reports that the seedlings take longer to become established, and that their growth is inferior to that of seedlings planted at the appropriate time within about 10 days after planting.

Post-planting growth promotion using Micro Long Total

　Chiba Prefectural Agricultural and Forestry Research Center, Paddy Rice and Field Horticulture Research Institute, Tohso Vegetable Room, open field plots in the field （light black box soil)
The test was conducted on July 25 and August 15, 2017. The test sample was "Mutsumi" (Broiled Co., Ltd.) and was tested on July 25 and August 15, 2009.
Seedlings grown for 52 days were planted on September 15, the 52nd and 31st day of seedling growth, respectively.
Seedlings were grown in gray water only, and the day before planting, they were treated with "Micro Long Toter, a coated phosphorus nitrate and potassium phosphate fertilizer with trace elements from Kumiai".
The test area was a 52-day ML area in which 60 g/cell trays were applied immediately after planting, and a 52-day ML area in which 80-40 was applied immediately after planting (Photo 2). The test area consisted of a 52-day ML area in which 60 g/cell tray was applied and an immediately after-planting area.
A 52-day period was established in which fertilizer was not applied even before the first day of seedling growth (Table 1). The same was also true for seedlings grown for 31 days.
The 31st ML and 31st wards were established.

Results and Discussion

(1) Growth at and after planting

　The growth of seedlings at planting was surveyed in two replications of 10 seedlings per day on seedling boxes prior to planting. The results showed that seedlings with longer seedling days had higher plant height and leaf number (Table 2). One week after planting, regardless of the number of days of seedling growth, seedlings in the test area where MicroLong Total was applied tended to have higher grass height and more leaves than those in the test area where liquid fertilizer was applied. In addition, in 2009, Typhoon No. 21 caused tidal and wind damage, which could not be avoided in this trial.

(2) Growth at harvest

　In 2009, Typhoon No. 21 caused wind and tide damage, which also had a large impact on our tests, resulting in a large number of missing plants due to salt damage.
The growth was temporarily stagnant. The growth was temporarily stagnant, resulting in a delay in the harvest start date and a decrease in yield (Photo 3).

　Growth at harvest is shown in Table 3, with the 52-day ML plot having the earliest harvest start date of January 10, and the 31-day ML and 31-day
24 days, and February 7 for the 52-day section.
　The 31-day ML crop was heavier than the 52-day ML crop, and the 31-day ML crop had the largest flower bud diameter. On the other hand, the number of harvested plants, which seemed to be greatly affected by the typhoon, was the highest in the 52-day ML (4,280 plants/10a).
　The percentage of plants harvested in each test plot by standard is also shown in Fig. 1).

　The highest percentage of L-standard flower buds (bud diameter greater than 11 cm) was observed in the 52-day ML. The highest number of
In addition, when the number of days of seedling growth was compared among the test sections with the same number of days of seedling growth, the number of plants that could not be sold in the section where MicroLong Total was applied was higher than that in the section where MicroLong Total was applied.
tended to be low and yields were high. The results suggest that the superior initial growth of non-saleable seedlings allows them to maintain yield even in the face of tidal and wind damage, and reduces the delay in harvest date. In addition, the results showed that seedlings grown only with water during the seedling growth period showed a significant effect
The results of the study inferred that there is a
　This is thought to be due to the fact that the fertilizer content of Micro Long Total applied to the cell trays leached out around the root zone, allowing even supercellular seedlings with fully rotated rootpots to absorb the fertilizer content immediately after planting. In addition, when the seedlings were exposed to wind and tide damage, growth stagnated due to leaf damage and root wetness, but because MicroLong Total was applied, the fertilizer content leached out around the roots, which were less susceptible to moisture damage, at the base of the plants, and growth recovered quickly.

Conclusion

　In the study presented here, it was shown that the application of MicroLong Total to the seedling boxes of supercellular seedlings and their planting had a growth-promoting effect. It should be noted that the seedlings responded immediately to the elution of MicroLong Total and showed a tendency to grow taller, so the advantage of supercellular seedlings was lost if the seedlings were not planted immediately after application (Photo 4). However, since many of the seedlings did not adhere well to the soil surface and spilled out, 60 to 120 g/box was considered to be appropriate.

　In addition, as mentioned earlier, in 2017, the year in which this study was conducted, there was sufficient precipitation due to a typhoon that caused significant damage, and the temperatures after September 15, when the plants were planted, were near normal, presumably providing sufficient conditions for the elution of microlong total. It should be noted that the leaching rate would be different in a colder planting season or a drought year, so careful consideration should be given to how broccoli would be affected.

Sakai Farm built by our predecessors (Part 1)
〜120 Years of History - A Look Back at the Transition of Varieties, Fertilizers, etc. as Reflected in the Transcripts

JA Fukui Sakai Farm
　Former Farm Manager Akira Tanigawa

　In the library of Sakai Farms, there are five generations of "SAKAI" (Japanese) books since its first issue in January 1902 (2nd issue), covering Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and 2023.
Seventy-five examination transcripts survive. Unfortunately, although they were considerably scattered during the turbulent Showa period
It is a valuable source of information on agricultural technology and the history of Fukui Prefecture.
　And from these brownish transcripts, we can see that the farmers tackled the challenges they faced head-on, and that the farms and the
The predecessors and leaders come to mind.
　Since its inception, the company's consistent efforts have been to cultivate promising varieties in cooperation with prefectural farmers' associations, and to develop new varieties of crops that are not yet available in the market.
These were variety comparison tests and fertilizer tests that examined the good and bad qualities of different varieties. Here, we will discuss the Sakai Farm's efforts over the years.
The following is a brief description of the contents of the project and the agricultural process.

History of Sakai Farm

　Sakai Farm was established in 1900 as the Sakai County Agricultural Society Experiment Station by Mr. Tadashi Yamada, who served as the chairman of the Prefectural Agricultural Society and the Imperial Agricultural Society.
The year 2020 marks the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the farm. Mr. Yamada's vision of "creating a farm for farmers
Under the teachings of the "Japan Agricultural Experiment Station" (JICA), we have been working with the JICA Agricultural Experiment Station from the very beginning to secure superior varieties and fertilizers.
We have conducted material effect tests, etc.
　In the Taisho era, as a farm more closely connected to the farmers, the company held inspection meetings on test content and technical guidance.
It is now continued as a farm visit day.
　In 1933, His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu visited the farm and encouraged the farmers to increase food production. Later, during the postwar agricultural policy reform, the Agricultural Improvement and Promotion Law was enacted in 1948, and the prefecture was given the main responsibility for technological development in agriculture, and prefectural agricultural experiment stations were established and the experiment stations of agricultural associations in various regions were abolished. However, due to the strong enthusiasm of farmers, heads of agricultural cooperatives, and mayors of towns and villages, the farm was decided to be continued, and was transferred from the Agricultural Association to the Sakai-gun Agricultural Cooperative Liaison Council, followed by the Prefectural Agricultural Cooperative Central Association, the Economic Federation, JA Hanasaki Fukui, and since 2020 JA Fukui Prefecture has been in charge of its operation.

I. The Meiji Era The Meiji Era: Sakai County Agricultural Society Agricultural Experiment Station Period (1900-1945)

　The national average yield in the first half of the Meiji Era (16-32) was extremely low at 210kg/10a, and it was truly urgent to improve yields.
This was the challenge of the
　From the January 1902 report, rice, soybeans, wheat, adzuki beans, oilseed rape, etc. were grown on the farm, all of which are listed in the following table.
It can be seen that variety trials were the main focus. As shown in Table 1, paddy rice efforts in 1902 and 1909 were centered on fertilizer tests in addition to variety tests. Fish meal such as soybean meal from the continent and kipper meal from Hokkaido, and human manure were used for seedlings, which would be unthinkable today, and organic farming was practiced. In the artificial fertilizer tests, nine products were used, including Nippon Fertilizer No. 1, Hinode Fertilizer, and Tagi-Kuju Fertilizer.
　On the reverse side of the front cover of the report card issued in February 1905, there is a letter from the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce to the farmers following the outbreak of war between Japan and Russia.
The abstract of the speech is included here, and it is a reminder of the state of the world at that time. Here is the abstract of the speech in a form that is almost identical to the original.
The following is a summary of the results of the study.

The biggest caution for farmers regarding the start of the war between Japan and Russia.

　The export of agricultural products accounts for 431 TP3T of total exports and 521 TP3T of total imports, and since exports are exclusively to Europe and the U.S., the impact of the outbreak of war has been enormous.
　Be especially careful about wheat and barley. It is an indispensable commodity for human beings and horses. It is especially important to supply it in times of war. In 1897, foreign rice was purchased due to insect damage. In 1902, not only was there a 3 million koku loss due to bad weather, but the following year's wheat production was also much lower than normal. In both years, we imported 6,975 tons of foreign rice. Under normal circumstances, the price of imported rice would not exceed 10 million yen, but a bad harvest in a single year would result in an outflow of 70 million yen in positive currency. In 1903, we had a good harvest of 46 million koku, and if we were to have a bad harvest this year, it is clear that tens of millions of yen would flow out of Japan. Therefore, we must encourage the farmers to produce a good harvest. The importation of wheat flour increased due to a rare bad harvest in 1903. In addition to this, the current shortage of horse feed has caused the price of a kilo of wheat to soar by more than 50%. Fortunately, last winter's weather was not detrimental to the wheat crop, and we hope to be able to produce an above-normal harvest with all the manpower we can muster. There are many obstacles that lie in front of us in order not to increase agricultural income, namely, this year is the year after a good harvest, and the fields are more deficient in nutrients than usual; first, the supply of inexpensive and effective soybean meal fertilizer is temporarily cut off; second, the transportation and distribution of Hokkaido herb meal and fertilizer may be delayed; and third, the recruitment of farmers may cause a decrease in labor. Therefore, those who are engaged in the production within the company should work with the utmost diligence. The most important things to keep in mind are: first, pests should be prevented and eradicated so that not a single grain of valuable crops will be infested this year; second, soybeans, peas and other leguminous plants should be sown between the wheat in the fields and harvested green, and this fall, purple cloud quince should be used to increase and improve the production of manure, so that the supply of fertilizer will be abundant; third, the wheat crop should be harvested at the right time, so that it will be dry and complete; fourth, the wheat crop should be harvested at the right time, so that it will be ready for the next harvest. The third barley crop should be harvested at the right time and dried thoroughly, and other matters recently discussed at the Agricultural Association by the Minister should be strictly enforced.
　The speech outlines the following issues: (1) the eradication of pests and diseases, (2) the increase of fertilizer supply by sowing legumes, green manure, and Chinese beans, (3) the timely harvesting and drying of wheat, in order to improve self-sufficiency in rice and wheat, amid concerns about the decline in soil fertility due to the previous year's bumper harvest, the interruption of soybean meal fertilizer supply from the continent, the uncertainty of fish meal supply from Hokkaido, and labor shortages due to the draft. (3) Ensuring and improving yields through timely harvesting and drying of wheat.

(1) Outline of variety testing, etc. (mainly local native species)

　In the paddy rice variety trials in 1902, 14 varieties were cultivated, including "Machiya," "Omi," "Sekitori," and "Ishiuzu," which were collected from Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata, Shiga, and other prefectures in addition to varieties grown in the region.
　At that time, the transplanting period (June 8) and maturity period (September 29-October 20) yielded 345-420 kg/10a in variety trials. At the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912), 15 promising native varieties from inside and outside of the prefecture, such as "Oba," "Ishiuzu," "Nabeshima," "Shioda," and "Ecchu Boshu," were planted, and seeds for wheat and soybeans were ordered from various regions of Japan. 15 wheat and 20 soybean varieties were also planted, in search of better varieties. In 1911, the main varieties grown in Fukui Prefecture were "Shirachinji" (61 TP3T of the total area planted), "Oba" (51 TP3T), and "Ippon" (51 TP3T), and many other varieties.

(2) Outline of fertilizers (mainly soybean meal and kernels)

　Looking at the paddy rice application standards in 1902, superphosphate lime was widely distributed as nursery fertilizer (straw ash, human manure) and main field fertilizer (soybean meal, kurikiri), and in 1909, nursery fertilizer (straw charcoal, seed meal, ammonium sulfate) and main field fertilizer (soybean meal, compost, superphosphate lime). The prices of the various materials listed in the report indicate that the fertilizer cost as a percentage of rice income was 321 TP3T, which was quite high. Incidentally, in 1902, the cost of fertilizers per 1 tan was 1.90 yen for 10 kan of soybean meal and 3.10 yen for 10 kan of kiri, for a total of 5 yen, and the price of rice was 4.96 yen per bale.
　In 1911, with the development of the chemical industry, ammonium sulfate was introduced and used as a supplementary fertilizer for seedlings.

II. Taisho Period (1912-1926)

　The national average yield per 10 a. from 1900 to 1911 was 246 kg, and despite our best efforts, it remained stagnant. The reason for the low yield, from the fertilizer point of view, was that most of the N component was organic fertilizer, which was easily affected by the weather and unstable in its fertilizing effect, and the standard amount of fertilizer was not observed because it was expensive.
It is thought that there may not be any.
　In 1913, as in the Meiji era, paddy rice, soybeans, wheat, and other crops were grown, and variety trials were the main focus. In fertilizer trials, single fertilizers such as superphosphate lime, lime nitrogen, and ammonium sulfate are now available, and a wide range of fertilizers are being tested in detail, including primary, supplementary, and ear fertilizers.
The content of the program is very important.
　In 1924, due to the rapid increase in population and other social factors, tests were not conducted on wheat and soybeans, and the focus shifted to paddy rice, where the urgency and enthusiasm to secure and improve yields was felt. In fertilizer tests, the price of fertilizer was subtracted from the price of brown rice to verify the economic advantage, and the price of fertilizer was added to the price of brown rice to verify the economic advantage.
The company is a member of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
　Around 1921, the price of rice soared, causing rice riots in Toyama Prefecture and other parts of Japan. Rice was freely traded until the first half of the Taisho era (1912-1926), but to stabilize the rice market after World War I, the Rice Law was enacted, under which the government directly controlled a portion of the rice market.

(1) Outline of varieties, etc. (Consolidation of local native species)

　In the first half of this period, in addition to varieties grown in the prefecture, we are also testing seeds from the Hokuriku area and Shiga Prefecture. The main varieties were "Oba," "Takasago," "Nabeshima," "Jinriki Omachi," and 15 others, transplanted on June 2 and 3, and ripened from September 15 to October 21. Yields (270-440 kg/10a) varied considerably among the varieties.
The transplanting time has been accelerated due to the lateness.
　Seeds from around 1924 are mainly from the Fukui Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station and other places in the prefecture, as well as from Taneda-mura in Toyama Prefecture, a seed farm production area outside the prefecture. The varieties are "Fukui Oba No. 1," "Toyama Ginbojo," "Ginbojo No. 6," and "Chusei Chinko.
Nineteen varieties, including "No. 45" and "Akachinko," are cultivated, and "Toyama Ginbojo" and "Akachinko" exceed 400 kg.
　The main varieties in Fukui Prefecture in 1918 were "Oba" (241 TP3T of the total area planted), "Chinko" (171 TP3T), "Shioda" (91 TP3T), "Aikoku" (41 TP3T), and "Koso-ishiu" (31 TP3T), showing that the varieties were much more uniform than during the Meiji Period, when many varieties were grown.

(2) Outline of fertilizers (mainly soybean meal, widely distributed ammonium sulfate)

　According to the application standards in 1913, the standards were applied to nursery fertilizers (soybean meal, straw ash, and ammonium sulfate) and rice field fertilizers (soybean meal and straw ash). Soybean meal has been the main ingredient, and ammonium sulfate has been widely distributed. In addition, application standards for early, middle, and late maturity have been established, and more detailed guidance has been provided.
　The price of rice in 1924 was 15.30 yen per bale, nearly three times higher than in the Meiji era, and the cost of fertilizer (medium raw material) was 10.32 yen per 1 tan with 32 kan of soybean meal. The fertilizer cost as a percentage of rice income was estimated to be 14%, which was about half of that in 1902.

No Soil - Part 6
　　Conditions for Good Soil Chemical Properties - Part 1
　　Soil acidity (pH)

Hokkaido Branch Office, JCM Agri Co.
　Teruo Matsunaka Technical Advisor

　I believe that good soil for crop production is soil that meets the four conditions that I presented in the first article of this series (May issue). Of these four conditions, I have discussed two that relate to the physical properties of the soil. From this month, I would like to move on to the two conditions related to the chemical properties of soil. This month, I will discuss one of them, acidity (pH).

1. what is pH?

　First, let's talk about the term pH. pH indicates the strength of acidity or alkalinity. pH ranges from 0 to 14, with neutral being pH 7. A pH value less than 7 is acidic, while a pH value greater than 7 is alkaline. Originally, pH was calculated from the concentration of hydrogen ions dissolved in water (strictly speaking, the degree of activity). The higher the hydrogen ion concentration, the more acidic the water is, and the lower the pH value. Conversely, the lower the hydrogen ion concentration, the greater the pH value, and the less acidic (more alkaline) the water. This is a little different from common sense, so it is easy to get confused.
　For example, the difference between pH 5 and 6 is 1. The difference between pH 4 and 6 is only 2, but the hydrogen ion concentration is 100 times higher at pH 4.

2. pH conditions suitable for crop production

　In Japan, the optimum pH condition for good soil for crop production is in the range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly on the acidic side. Of course, even within this range, the optimum pH varies slightly depending on the crop. For example, spinach, lettuce, chrysanthemum, and tomatoes prefer a pH closer to 6.5. On the other hand, balayasho (Japanese radish) prefers a pH closer to 5.5 for healthy growth, and radish and turnip are also tolerant of acidic conditions. Why is it that the optimal pH of soil in Japan is within this range? The reason is that Japanese soil tends to become acidic when left to nature.

3. factors causing acidification of Japanese soil

　So why does Japanese soil become acidic when left to nature? Two factors are mainly responsible: (1) rainwater and (2) chemical fertilizers, which are indispensable for crop cultivation. The two main factors are (1) rainwater and (2) chemical fertilizers, which are indispensable for crop cultivation.

(1) Acidification by rainwater

　Rainwater is not neutral at pH 7. In the process of falling from the sky, it dissolves carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and becomes natural carbonated water. Its pH is about 5.6. Japan has more precipitation than any other country in the world, and this acidic water washes away the soil, causing it to tend toward the acidic side.
　However, rainwater is naturally carbonated water when it falls in ideal, clean, unpolluted air. In areas with severe air pollution, various air pollutants are present in the atmosphere, such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and chlorides from the oceans. These substances are also dissolved in rainwater and chemically transformed into strongly acidic substances such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, respectively. This results in rainfall with a pH lower than the ideal pH of rainwater (carbonated water) of 5.6. This is acid rain (snow and fog also become acidic through the same mechanism as rain). Even ordinary rainwater, when washed away from the soil over a long period of time, causes acidification of the soil. Needless to say, acid rain (snow and fog) accelerates soil acidification.

(2) Acidification by chemical fertilizers

　The second soil acidifying factor is chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers are chemically manufactured crop nutrients. While they themselves may provide nutrients to crops, they do not have any specific detrimental effects on crops. However, if chemical fertilizers are not used properly, they can have a variety of negative effects. Acidification is one of them.
　However, not all chemical fertilizers acidify the soil to the same degree. Urea, for example, is decomposed by microorganisms in the soil and then converted to ammonia for use by plants. Therefore, it acidifies the soil to a lesser degree than other fertilizers. Ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate) and ammonium phosphate (ammonium phosphate) are also members of this class of fertilizers.

4. why soil acidification is bad for crop growth

　The activity of soil microorganisms and the availability of nutrients to crops are greatly affected by soil pH (Figure 1). Table 1 summarizes the effects of soil acidification (low pH) on crop growth. Basically, soil acidification has a negative effect on crops. The most serious problem is that acidification causes aluminum, iron, manganese, and other elements to dissolve into the water in the soil (soil solution), which in turn damages crops.

　Aluminum is normally present in the soil as a component of clay mineral crystals. However, the increase in hydrogen ions due to soil acidification destroys the clay mineral crystals and changes the aluminum in the crystals to a form that can be replaced by various cations dissolved in the soil solution (exchangeable aluminum). As a result, the aluminum concentration in the soil solution rapidly increases when the pH drops below about 5 (Figure 1). High aluminum concentrations in the soil solution directly damage crop root cells and inhibit nutrient absorption.　In addition to aluminum, iron and manganese, which are abundant in the soil, are also rapidly leached into the soil solution upon acidification (Figure 1). Unlike aluminum, iron and manganese are essential nutrients for crops. However, when the soil becomes acidic and excessive amounts of these nutrients are leached out, they can cause over-absorption damage to crops and adversely affect their growth.
　Even more inconvenient is the fact that aluminum and iron are strongly bound to phosphorus, and the combined aluminum and iron phosphates are almost insoluble in water. This makes it difficult to absorb the phosphorus that is fed as fertilizer, and crops are prone to phosphorus deficiency.

5. proper acid amendment of soil as well.

　You cannot tell its pH just by looking at the soil. It is practical to have the soil analyzed by soil diagnosis. If the analysis shows that the pH is lower than the optimum pH, the amount of alkaline material (calcium carbonate, etc.) needed to improve the pH to the optimum level is suggested. The acidity can be improved by giving the appropriate amount to the field and thoroughly mixing it with the soil. Conditions related to the chemical properties of the soil are relatively easy to improve, unlike the physical properties.