土づくりの古来の知恵と先端技術を融合
高機能ソイル技術
高機能ソイル技術とは、アマゾンの奇跡の土「テラ・プレタ」から着想を得た土づくりを早期に実現する為に、様々な知見を掛け合わせてTOWINGが開発した技術。
TOWING独自のバイオ炭の前処理技術、微生物培養、農地施用、土づくり等に係る技術を、国立研究開発法人農業・食品産業技術総合研究機構が開発した技術と融合し、実用化しました。
製品概要はこちら
Ancient Wisdom Meets Advanced Soil Technology
High-Performance Soil Technology
Inspired by Amazon's fertile soil "Terra Preta," TOWING developed a technology to accelerate soil preparation by blending traditional wisdom with cutting-edge science.
This technology merges TOWING's proprietary biochar pretreatment, microbial cultivation, and application methods with techniques developed by NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization).
What's High-Performance Soil Technology
Replicating Soil Functions
(Replaces natural soil or enhances culture soil)
Improves soil conditions when mixed with natural earth
Boosts inherent soil capabilities
About SORATAN
Development Story
High-Performance Biochar
"SORATAN"
"Terra Preta" is a miracle soil found in the Amazon region of South America. This black soil was created by indigenous Amazonians thousands of years ago. Formed over a long period, Terra Preta possesses an ideal balance of three elements—physical, chemical, and biological properties—making it the perfect soil for robust crop growth.
TOWING's co-founder and soil researcher, Ryoya Nishida, aimed to replicate the ideal conditions of Terra Preta—which naturally takes thousands of years to form—as quickly as possible.
By leveraging High-Performance Soil Technology and conducting numerous experiments and improvements, TOWING succeeded in balancing all three elements—physical, chemical, and biological—in just about one month*.
*Effects and required time vary depending on soil conditions, cultivation environments, and management methods.
Effects of Soratan
Stabilizing Agricultural Revenue in the Shortest Time
While it typically takes about 3 to 5 years to build good soil in a field, using High-Performance Soil Technology can produce high-quality soil in just about one month. The key to this technology lies in biochar. By housing specific microorganisms inside the tiny pores (porous structures) of the charcoal, the soil becomes capable of efficiently converting organic fertilizers into plant nutrients.
By optimizing the three elements of soil preparation simultaneously through the effects of carefully selected microorganisms and biochar, the period required for soil preparation is significantly shortened.
Mechanisms of Soil Improvement
Physical Improvement Effect
Biochar retains moisture and creates spaces between soil particles, improving water retention and aeration.
Chemical Improvement Effect
The porous structure and surface adsorption retain fertilizer components, preventing nutrient leaching and improving fertilizer holding capacity. It also prevents excessive increases in pH.
Biological Improvement Effect
Biochar provides shelter and movement space, stabilizing the survival and activity of the cultured microbial groups. Designing combinations that trigger positive interactions activates the specific microbial groups responsible for targeted functions.
Improved Microbial Survival
Biochar contains countless microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. These tiny pores serve as habitats for soil microorganisms, enhancing their survival. Furthermore, studies have shown that applying biochar already populated with microorganisms¹ results in a 20-day microbial survival rate approximately 100 times higher than when biochar and microbial materials are applied separately. (Lauren Hale, et al., 2014)
Strict Selection of Biochar
To ensure a hospitable habitat for soil microorganisms, TOWING is highly selective regarding the raw materials and manufacturing methods of its biochar. Even when derived from the same rice husks, differences in carbonization methods can cause variations in pH, EC, and particle size, which could negatively impact farmlands. Based on analysis records of over 500 types of charcoal, TOWING identifies characteristics suited for microbial cultivation and agricultural use to strictly select its biochar.
Cutting-Edge Technology Inspired by Traditional Japanese Techniques
Proprietary Microbial Cultivation Technology
Inspired by traditional Japanese sake brewing techniques, TOWING merged technologies developed by NARO, Nagoya University, and others with its own proprietary expertise to successfully co-cultivate a complex community of over 1,000 types of microorganisms. This complex co-cultivation ensures stable performance across various environments.
Furthermore, this process cultivates microbiota that enhance the utilization efficiency of various organic fertilizers and composts.
The defining characteristic of SORATAN is its ability
to adapt to a wide variety of soils,
achieved by combining the soil-improving effects of biochar with a highly diverse microbiota.
製品概要はこちら
日本の伝統技術から着想を得た
最先端テクノロジー
独自の微生物培養技術
日本酒の醸造技術から着想を得て、農研機構や名古屋大学等で開発された技術と、TOWINGの独自技術や知見を融合して、1000種類以上の微生物群を複合培養に成功しました。複合培養することで、様々な環境で安定的に効果を出すことができます。
様々な有機質肥料や堆肥に対して、それぞれの利用効率を上げることに繋がる微生物叢も培養されています。
バイオ炭の土壌改良効果に加え微生物叢の多様性があることで、
多種多様な土壌に適合できる
状態を作っていることが、宙炭の最大の特徴。
SORATAN contains a well-balanced population of ammonifying bacteria (which decompose organic fertilizers to produce ammonium nitrogen) and nitrifying bacteria (which convert that ammonium nitrogen into nitrate nitrogen that crops can easily absorb), ensuring that nutrients are efficiently delivered to the plants.
製品概要はこちら
Soil Diagnosis, Fertilizer Design, and Application Methods
TOWING designs and develops "Soratan" based on its unique expertise, covering soil diagnosis, fertilizer design, and effective application methods. Our vast accumulated knowledge is condensed into the product itself, supporting ideal soil preparation tailored to the conditions of each specific farmland.
For those who wish to know the most optimal utilization method tailored to current soil conditions or cultivation challenges, expert support is also available.
Carbon Credits
TOWING collaborates with growers who apply Soratan or Soratan bulk products to promote decarbonization in agricultural fields.
We work to increase the sustainability of agriculture by certifying and trading the amount of carbon sequestered through biochar application as carbon credits, and returning the revenue back to the growers.
Company
会社について
About Us
TOWING
Originating from Nagoya University, TOWING is a startup developing "High-Performance Soil Technology." We contribute not only to sustainable agriculture on Earth, but also to the realization of space farming that supports humanity's expansion into space.
Member
メンバーについて
Our seasoned professionals across various fields provide optimal solutions to resolve the challenges faced by producers and corporate clients.
Reruit
採用情報
We are seeking new team members who resonate with our mission to "realize a hyper-circular society originating from sustainable next-generation agriculture," to help pioneer the future of farming together.