Korean Nature Farming
Master Cho and Korean Nature Farming
Korean Nature Farming: Origins, Master Cho, and Contemporary Agriculture
The goal of Korean Nature Farming (KNF), a comprehensive agricultural strategy, is to preserve and improve soil fertility, crop health, and productivity through natural components. Although Master Cho Han Kyu is primarily responsible for the method's current shape and widespread acceptance, it has its roots in conventional Korean farming techniques. This article explores the history of Korean Nature Farming, the person who founded it, Master Cho, and the place of this farming method in the current agricultural landscape.
Korean Nature Farming's earliest forms:
Korea's agricultural heritage has a long history of using organic and sustainable farming methods. The core principles of traditional Korean farming were organic inputs, crop rotation, and respect for the cycles of nature. These behaviors started to decline due to the Industrial Revolution and the invention of synthetic chemicals. However, the concepts of cooperating with nature and comprehending the complex relationships within the environment persisted in the cultural mentality.
Master Cho Han Kyu and the Revival of KNF:
In the latter half of the 20th century, Master Cho Han Kyu emerged as the flag-bearer for Korean Nature Farming. Often referred to as the 'Father of KNF', Master Cho's approach wasn't merely about reverting to old practices but enhancing them with new knowledge.
Life & Philosophy: Born into a farming family, Master Cho witnessed the adverse effects of chemical-based farming firsthand. This motivated him to seek an alternative that would not only ensure crop productivity but also preserve the sanctity of the land.
Master Cho's philosophy revolves around three critical principles:
Environmentally Friendly: Avoid the use of synthetic inputs and chemicals that harm the environment and the end consumer.
Economically Viable: Adopt practices that reduce costs for the farmer, making agriculture sustainable in the long run.
Socially Acceptable: Ensure that farming methods align with societal values, emphasizing community involvement and holistic health.
To actualize these principles, Master Cho emphasized the use of 'Indigenous Microorganisms' (IMO)—beneficial microbes sourced from the local environment. These IMOs play a pivotal role in soil regeneration, pest control, and plant health.
Korean Nature Farming in Contemporary Agriculture:
KNF has grown significantly over the years, primarily due to increased public awareness of sustainable agriculture and the negative impacts of chemical-intensive farming. There are other agricultural movements, which I have previously referred to as philosophies. The ways that KNF fits into the current agricultural environment are described below:
Organic Movement: The demand for organic products has increased as consumers have become more environmentally and health-conscious. KNF fits in wonderfully with this trend because it is organic by nature.
Sustainability: Due to climate change and the depletion of natural resources, sustainability is becoming a top concern. KNF is a model for sustainable agriculture because it strongly emphasizes biodiversity, conserving soil, and using less water.
Regenerative agriculture: The focus of contemporary agricultural discourse is moving from merely maintaining the land to actively regenerating it. KNF is at the forefront of this movement, focusing on soil microbial health.
Local Food Movements: KNF is compatible with local food movements, which emphasize locally sourced and produced food due to its emphasis on utilizing local resources and native microbes.
Conclusion:
With its origins in traditional methods and development under Master Cho Han Kyu's direction, Korean Nature Farming offers a harmonious synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern knowledge. A future where agriculture is not only productive but also honors and regenerates the natural world is what farming approaches like KNF hint towards as the globe struggles with issues like climate change, diminishing natural resources, and health concerns.
If you are curious about this method of growing plants, please check out the following references:
https://gardenculturemagazine.com/korean-natural-farming-master-cho-biography/