○Cultivation Methods

     Prout Village employs two cultivation methods: natural farming and hydroponics, working in parallel.

    Natural farming is a method of cultivation that avoids the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, and it is already practiced both domestically and internationally. Masanobu Fukuoka is the proponent of this approach, which emphasizes allowing various plants to flourish without human intervention. The philosophy of natural farming is rooted in the idea that land where diverse organisms such as insects coexist and various plants thrive naturally is fertile and produces nutrient-rich crops. Fukuoka's fields, for instance, have never been plowed in over thirty years, and no chemical fertilizers, compost, or disinfectants have been applied. He claimed to have achieved a harvest of approximately 10 koku (600 kg) of wheat or rice per roughly 33 square meters without any cultivation.

    The depth humans can till using plows and hoes is about 10 to 20 centimeters. However, the roots of grass and green manure can penetrate the soil to a depth of 30 to 40 centimeters or more. When roots go deep into the soil, they facilitate the permeation of air and water into the ground. The death of these roots and microorganisms enriches and softens the soil. Over time, earthworm populations increase, and moles create tunnels within the soil. Through these natural processes, the environment becomes conducive to nutrient-rich cultivation, resulting in permanently fertile soil without elements that cause pollution. The principles of natural farming include no tillage, no fertilizers, no weeding, and no pesticides.

    Indoors, hydroponics is practiced. This method involves growing plants without soil by immersing their roots in nutrient-enriched water, allowing them to absorb the necessary water, nutrients, and oxygen. Hydroponics prevents pests and enables the cultivation of healthy, pesticide-free plants regardless of the season. By vertically arranging plants, space is conserved, making it possible to cultivate a significant amount within residential areas.

    Furthermore, harvested crops are used to collect seeds, which are then cleaned, dried, and stored in containers, such as refrigerators, for preservation.

    By following these practices in each household, essential knowledge about food, necessary for survival, can be passed down to everyone, ensuring food safety and the preservation of food during times of disaster.