Unraveling the Mystery of the Natural Farming System (Korean): Isolation of Bacteria and Determining the Effects on Growth
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2018-08
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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Abstract
KNF is a self-sufficient farming system that involves the culturing of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) – fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. It enhances soil microorganism activity and improves soil fertility. This farming approach maximizes the use of on-farm resources, recycles farm waste, and minimizes external inputs while fostering soil health. However, scientific evidence of the benefits of KNF has been limited; little is known as to how this system works, what type of indigenous microorganisms are present in the soil treated under KNF conditions, or whether the collection site plays an integral role in soil fertility. In addition, there is no information on the rate and frequency at which IMO should be re-applied. There were three studies conducted with 4 overall goals: 1) identify the bacteria present in KNF, specifically phosphorus-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, 2) determine whether or not the collection site plays an integral part in plant growth, 3) determine how often to re-apply IMO 4 to the soil, and 4) inoculate seeds with bacteria isolated from KNF in the hopes of providing a better understanding as to the role it may play in plant growth. The first two studies showed that Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus aryabhattai were present in all soil samples. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis were dominant only in the KNF system. In the 2nd study, it was determined that the collection site of IMO plays an integral role and that applying a 2nd IMO application 14 days after the initial treatment increases plant yield. In the 3rd study (seed inoculation), the results showed that B. subtilis promoted plant growth in terms of germination rate, lateral root formation, root length, and stem elongation. Inoculating seeds with P. aeruginosa on the other hand proved to have little to no effect on plant growth. Knowing where to collect/cultivate IMO and how often to apply it to the soil will be of great use to farmers who currently practice KNF. This study also provided statistical data that shows KNF to be more effective than conventional farming methods when sufficient bacteria are applied to the soil in a regular schedule. Natural farming is the key to a sustainable future.
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Korean natural farming, Sustainable agriculture, KNF, IMO, indigenous microorganisms
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