2009 年 18 巻 3 号 p. 87-92
The taungya method is usually defined as a reforestation method in which tree seedlings and agricultural crops are simultaneously planted at the initial stage of reforestation until the amount of crop harvest decrease due to crown closure. After that only the trees are left, with the final aim to establish man-made forests. The reforestation method “Yakihata-zorin (Kobasaku or Kirikaebata) in Japan is virtually the same as the taungya method and dates back to the early 1700s prior to establishment of the taungya method in Burma (Myanmar). This method is still being practiced in the Sampoku region, Niigata prefecture. At present, instead of buckwheat or millet, red turnip (Brassica campestris var. glabra), which is processed into pickles, is cultivated with Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) seedlings. When land owners permit cultivation of turnip they can save on land preparation and weeding expenses in the first year and also save weeding costs in the second year by cultivating azuki beans. The yakihata-zorin method practiced in Japan has potential for improvement of taungya method practiced in tropical countries.
