AichiSeptember 8 (News about Japan) – Toing, a startup that emerged from Nagoya University, is developing artificial soil by carbonizing rice husks and enriching them with patented microorganisms, using a highly functional biochar called โSorataneโ to promote carbon decomposition and plant growth.
The inspiration for the company came from a project focused on ‘space farming’. We interviewed CEO Kohei Nishida about their strategy to enter foreign markets.
On Toingโs farm in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, they grow a variety of vegetables such as eggplant and peppers, but the real interesting point lies beneath the surface. When asked about the soil, Nishida replied, โItโs not soil; we call it Soratane, which is our high-functioning biochar.โ
This specially developed biochar is extremely light and dry, because it is treated with microorganisms. “Our biotechnology is the key. Even if another farmer tries to replicate it, it probably won’t work as well,” Nishida explains.
The biochar is made by heating rice hulls to high temperatures, converting them into charcoal. The addition of the companyโs unique microorganisms increases soil nutrients, acts as a replacement for chemical fertilizers, and improves plant growth. Other agricultural waste, such as tea leaves and food scraps, can also be used to make Soratane, without affecting the quality of the crop.
Toing works with about 200 farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Nishida emphasized that the vegetables grown with Soratane are more environmentally friendly.
Founded out of Nagoya University, Toing is now expanding its business globally, aiming to change the future of agriculture with Soratane. Nishida explained that Soratane, which means โspace charcoal,โ was born from their original goal of developing a space farming system. โWe are still working on space farming projects, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,โ Nishida added.
When asked about the benefits of using Soratane, Nishida replied, โIt allows for efficient use of fertilizers, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and making plants more resistant to diseases, thus improving the functionality of the soil.โ Soratane can improve nitrogen breakdown and other cycles, making it much easier to manage compared to traditional organic farming.
Soratane offers an advantage to organic farmers, allowing them to maintain higher crop yields. According to Toingโs research, it can increase yields by 10% to 70%, depending on conditions, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
One of the secrets behind Soratane’s effectiveness lies in the specific microorganisms Toing uses. Nishida explains: “We adapt the types of microorganisms to different soil types in Japan. Each soil type requires a customized approach.”
Soratane can last three to five years, after which it needs to be reapplied. โWe communicate with farmers to tailor the application to their needs,โ Nishida adds.
While Toing continues his research into space agriculture, Nishida is also looking at how Soratane could be used in extreme environments on Earth, such as deserts. However, he noted that solving water shortages would be necessary to make agriculture in deserts possible.
In terms of water retention, Nishida explained that biochar improves the soil’s ability to retain water, which is beneficial for agriculture. “It can also improve the soil’s water holding capacity and reduce soil compaction,” he said.
Toing sources the raw materials for Soratane from industrial waste, which helps reduce the environmental impact and promotes decarbonization. The biochar stores carbon in the soil, potentially for hundreds or thousands of years, helping to mitigate climate change.
Nishida concluded by stating that as Soratane spreads, it could play a pivotal role in revolutionizing global agriculture.
Source: Business Intelligence
