**An Overview of the Studies on Biochar Fertilizer Carried Out at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century in Japan**

Naoki Moritsuka and Kaori Matsuoka

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/62526

#### **Abstract**

Biochar is a recently coined term for charred organic matter used as a soil amendment. Although the term is relatively new, the substance has been used for a long time throughout the world, including Japan. After we read a Japanese book entitled *Nibai Shukaku Tenri Nouhou (How to Double Crop Yield by Almighty Farming System)* originally published in 1912, we found that there were conflicting opinions between the author (Mr. Katsugoro Oyaizu) and soil scientists of the time (Dr. Gintaro Daikuhara and others) on the benefits of the use of biochar fertilizer. Previous publications on this topic have been written in Japanese from a sociological viewpoint. By referring to the literature published at the beginning of the twentieth century in Japan, we attempt to shed light on the conflict between traditional knowledge of biochar fertilizer and new concepts of soil science imported from the Western countries. We also describe briefly the socioeconomic impacts on the use of biochar fertilizer in the later generations.

**Keywords:** agricultural chemistry, biochar fertilizer, Japan, Meiji and Taisho periods (1868–1926), modernization
