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Worm Farm - Japan - Straw Layers
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Worm Farm - Japan - Straw Layers
Worm Farm - Japan - Straw Layers in which the worms are kept. Date: circa 1910s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11563094
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Checking Cultivation Layers Strange Straw Surprising Tending Unusual Worm Worms
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "An Unusual Harvest: Worm Cultivation in Japan's Past - Worm Farm - Japan - Straw Layers". This intriguing photograph, taken circa 1910s, offers a glimpse into an unusual and surprising aspect of Japanese agricultural history - worm farming. Worms, often considered mere pests in modern agriculture, were once cultivated in Japan for their valuable by-products, particularly their castings, which were used as organic fertilizers. In this image, we see a farmer meticulously checking the layers of straw in his worm bed, likely tending to his precious worm population. The straw layers serve as the worms' habitat, providing them with the necessary moisture and temperature to thrive. The farmer's careful attention to detail is evident as he examines each layer, ensuring the optimal conditions for his worms. The practice of worm cultivation in Japan dates back centuries, with records suggesting that it was already in use during the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Worms were kept in earthen jars or shallow pits, and their castings were collected and used to enrich the soil for rice cultivation. This odd yet effective method of organic farming was a testament to the Japanese people's ingenuity and resourcefulness. As we marvel at this historical photograph, we are reminded of the rich agricultural heritage of Japan and the innovative farming practices that have shaped its history. The image also serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely creatures, such as worms, can play a vital role in the production of nutrient-rich soil and, ultimately, the growth of abundant crops.
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