Saturday February 14, 2009, 11:54 am
I've posted other Fukuka-related articles in the pasr, but just read the other day that he passed away over 6 months ago.

His writings and teachings have been very influential on many.

Saturday February 14, 2009, 4:06 pm
I'd never hear of Fukuka before your posting. What a great contribution he has made. After all the toxins, expense and unhealthy conditions for soil and food, we come to learn it was all unnecessary following his techniques. Thank you so much for posting this, Sir.

May Fukuka RIP.

Saturday February 14, 2009, 5:18 pm
I'd recommend "One Straw Revolution" if you ever come across it, Marion. It's kinda the pre-curser to PermaCulture.

He has had some very interesting projects in his life, like tossing seed balls from airplanes over desertified land in Africa, but his biggest contribution is the the concept of Zen Farming, or "do nothing" farming. Learning from natures patterns through careful observation and reflection.

For those interested to learn a bit more, here's a link to some great interviews and articles with Fukuoka-san.

http://fukuokafarmingol.info/farchive.html

Saturday February 14, 2009, 5:19 pm
also, thanks all for sending this to the front page!

Sunday February 15, 2009, 10:33 am
Thank you, Sir!! I will be exploring Fukuoka's work in depth this week. I can understand the seed ball concept. Here in the desert where I live, all around in the empty desert there is nothing but cactus and indigenous plants that survive the harsh, hot, dry climate.

But in my yard where I supply water, many varieties of plants thrive and grow. This in turn brings birds who travel from all around leaving their "droppings" that contain seeds from plants eaten in other areas. As a result, I have a variety of different plants that are growing in my yard that I did not plant, in an environment where these plants don't normally grow.

One of these plants is Sorghum. Every year this plant keeps coming back without me doing a thing to it. I learned this plant is one of the most nutritious, versatile grains that we know of.

I'm anxious to learn more of Fukuoka's work.

Sunday February 15, 2009, 11:43 am
Wow, marion. You've got feral sorghum growing in your yard? Thats awesome.

I hope you enjoy your Fukuoka-related research. He is/was a great teacher.