Abstract
The conventional method of introducing Zoysia japonica Steud. seedlings into the field requires intensive labor ; it comprises digging up a hole with a hoe and then transplanting the seedlings. However, we modified the transplant method such that no tools were required because the seedlings were transplanted on dung pats. In this study, we evaluated the increase in work efficiency and labor stress reduction observed as a result of transplanting the seedlings on dung pats. Further, the working efficiency and planters' work postures when using this method were compared with those observed in the case of the conventional transplanting method. Work efficiency (number of established seedlings that could be transplanted in approximately one minute) while transplanting seedlings on dung pats was significantly higher than that observed during the conventional method. Further, the planters' work posture was evaluated by OWAS. In the case of the conventional method, the postures of 12.1% of the planters were categorized under the category that required immediate improvement. On the other hand, in the other method, only 2.2% were classified under the abovementioned category. Based on the above results, it was concluded that transplanting seedlings on dung pats was efficient and not laborconsuming.
