In this article, I summarized how important soil microbial diversity is, along with the materials we added in making fermented soil. What is fermented soil? Fermented soil is produced by decomposing and fermenting organic matter by microorganisms and contains abundant nutrients and a variety of microorganisms, which promote plant growth and enrich the soil. The main organic components that are decomposed by microorganisms during the fermentation (composting) process are lipid

A research group led by Japan Women's University has revealed that forests can capture airborne microplastics, potentially reducing human health risks. This groundbreaking discovery reaffirms the importance of forest conservation and management, providing a new perspective in environmental conservation and public health. The study conducted by the research group centered at Japan Women's University has become a new milestone in the fields of environmental protection and publi

Calendula (Pot Marigold): Belonging to the genus Calendula of the Asteraceae family, it is native to the Mediterranean coast. The Pot Marigold, with its radiant orange and yellow petals, typically blooms in spring but continues to flower over a long period from December to May, adding color to winter gardens and making it a popular plant. Its scientific name is Calendula officinalis, and it is also known by its English and trade name, Pot Marigold. Calendula is used as an her

From above, they momentarily resemble anemones, but these are indeed tulips. Known even to young children, they're incredibly popular flowers. After all, there's a song about them. Yes, the one that starts with "Bloomed, bloomed, the tulips have bloomed." So, about the well-known tulip. Do you know its Japanese name? Tulips are called "ukonkou" in Japanese, written as 鬱金香. Wait, does it include the character for depression? You might wonder if that's okay. Yes, it's perfectly

In the news on March 1, 2024, a new plant with a quite peculiar form named "Mujina no Shokudai" made its appearance. A group led by Professor Kenji Suetsugu from the Graduate School of Science at Kobe University discovered a plant belonging to the Thismia family in the Osumi Peninsula's Kimotsuki Mountains in Kagoshima Prefecture. They established a new genus called Relictithismia and described a new species within it, Relictithismia kimotsukiensis. A group led by Professor K