What I Learned from the Soil

Paddy soil and field soil.
Each has its own role, and understanding that while growing crops is easier said than done.

The natural farming field I am currently using was originally a rice paddy.
Because paddies are designed to hold water, they have a hard clay layer called a "plow pan." The topsoil is also made of clay that retains water well.
This is the tricky part when converting from a paddy to a field; crops won't grow unless you change the quality of the soil itself.

I first became aware of natural farming through its methods and techniques.
"Do not till, do not use fertilizers or pesticides, and do not treat weeds or insects as enemies."
Based on these principles, I aimed for a way of farming that grows crops without tilling, fertilizers, or pesticides, while being environmentally friendly and maintaining the ecosystem.
Tilling is kept to a minimum, and I spend my days cutting grass and laying it down as mulch.
That is what I (theoretically) understood natural farming to be.

I was eager to succeed and took on tomato cultivation in my first year. The result was a disaster; the stink bugs and moth larvae did whatever they wanted, and I harvested almost nothing.

It is quite understandable why many people give up at this point.
Natural farming is difficult. The yield and size are incomparable to other farming methods, it is not efficient, and it is said that it takes many years to see results.
I have heard more than enough people say that while the first year might be okay, the years that follow are quite a struggle.

But I didn't quit.
Why?
Working in the field feels good, and I believe the taste of the vegetables is definitely delicious.
And the number one reason is probably that I met people who enjoy natural farming. They face the field with genuine joy.

Natural farming is not a farming method.
It is about following and complying with the nature right in front of you.

That is where the charm of natural farming lies.

Due to the conversion from a paddy, the soil is heavy clay; if a dry spell continues, it becomes rock-hard and even repels rain. I think there are few crops that grow well in such a place.
My first year of tomatoes was exactly like that.

Was the cause the quality of the soil?
No, the cause was my own rigid thinking.

For crops to take root in rock-hard soil, some tilling was probably necessary. Not the whole field, but the area around where the crops take root—a radius of about 20 centimeters—should have been lightly loosened to improve water and air circulation.
Tomatoes don't need that much water. I don't know who said that, but it is much more important to observe what is happening to the tomato right in front of you.

The leaves are turning yellow and dying, many side shoots are coming out, and many stink bugs are gathering.
From this state, I form a hypothesis.

The leaves are dying likely due to a lack of water. The soil is bone dry. Because I pruned it while leaving the side shoots, the transpiration from the leaves and the amount of water absorbed from the soil were insufficient. That is why stink bugs are gathering on the ripening fruit, causing the fruit to drop so that the plant can send moisture to the tomato leaves and stems.
I even feel that the tomato is requesting help from the stink bugs and the invisible fungi to try and balance itself. Nature always moves to maintain balance.

So, what can I do?

I remove the side shoots and the fruit that has been sucked dry by the stink bugs to reduce transpiration. I water the plants and lay grass around the base to prevent evaporation.
I decided to watch how things go for now.

In natural farming, there are no correct answers and no rules.
Observe the nature in front of you closely and maintain balance.
The rest is to trust the crops and watch over them.
It is very simple and essential.
Protect a diverse world and do not exclude anything.

It may take a long time for the soil to reach the best state for growing crops. Until then, observe well and lend a hand. Sometimes I till, and sometimes I water. But I do not do anything that would significantly disrupt the natural cycle.

I failed many times, but I feel I have acquired a very important mindset.
Something like a foundation that won't be shaken by just anything.
It is a feeling I want more people who aspire to natural farming to know.