2019 Volume 81 Issue 4 Pages 256-265
This study aimed to determine the local adaptability of rice cultivation using a transplanting method that employs high-density seedling mats in Japan via empirical cultivation. The study involved evaluation by 342 farmers across 36 prefectures. Considering the total mean of the demonstration sites, seedling height was 13.3 cm, 7.6 trays were used for planting, and the yield was 515 kg. At 57 % of the demonstration sites, the yield was equal to or better than that obtained using the conventional cultivation methods. Therefore, the seedling quality and yield were secured. The high-density seedling mat method was found to be highly adaptable to different regions. Moreover, the farmers reported a reduction in both labor and seedling production costs.
