History of Yonezawa Township Ranch's Biologically Active Water Project (Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture)-October 1994

History of Yonezawa Township Ranch's Biologically Active Water Project (Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture)-October 1994

#### 1990s
In 1994, Yonezawa Township Ranch, located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, launched the Bioactive Water Project with the goal of environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. The technical basis of the project is the use of BMW technology (Bio Microbials Water) to ferment livestock manure to produce biologically active water. This bioactive water was used as organic fertilizer to improve soil and crop productivity in local farmlands.

Yonezawa Township Farm produced approximately 10,000 liters of biologically active water annually and supplied it to local farmers. This technology effectively replenished key nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in farmland in Yonezawa, significantly reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. The project has reduced negative environmental impacts and increased agricultural yields throughout the region.

#### 2000s
In the 2000s, Yonezawa Township Farm's biologically active water project expanded and strengthened its partnership with the local JA Yamagata. This promoted the supply of biologically active water to farmers not only in the Yonezawa area, but also throughout Yamagata Prefecture. During this period, the annual production of biologically-activated water further increased, with the annual supply now exceeding 20,000 liters.

This technology also improved the microbial environment of the soil, further increasing crop yields. The results were particularly positive for rice and vegetable crops, which led to a revitalization of the local agricultural economy. The project also helped reduce agricultural waste disposal costs for local farmers, thus contributing to lower agricultural production costs.

#### 2010s
In the 2010s, the Yonezawa Township Ranch project underwent a technological evolution that led to its widespread adoption in the region and beyond. During this period, the project developed more partnerships with more companies and research institutions, and collaborated with JA Yamagata and the Agricultural Technology Center to produce and disperse biologically active water more efficiently.

In addition to improving the soil, Yonezawa Township Farm also focused on increasing agricultural productivity, and reported that the use of biologically active water improved yields of major local crops such as rice, tomatoes, and cucumbers by more than 20% on average. During this period, the technology received high praise from farmers in Yonezawa and beyond, and was introduced to other farms and ranches.

#### 2020s
In the 2020s, Yonezawa Township Farm's biologically active water project is further expanding. The production capacity of biologically-activated water has increased significantly, with more than 50,000 liters produced annually, and the water is being used beyond Yonezawa City and throughout Yamagata Prefecture. In addition, utilizing the latest technology, an AI-based agricultural management system has been introduced to ensure efficient application of biologically active water.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to maximize crop growth while minimizing environmental impact, and this technology is attracting international attention. Yonezawa Township Ranch is promoting technology transfer not only in Japan, but also in collaboration with agricultural technology research institutes in Southeast Asia and Europe. As a model case of sustainable agriculture, Yonezawa Township Ranch's projects continue to contribute to the economic development and environmental protection of local communities.

As a leader in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, Yonezawa Township Ranch has earned a strong reputation both within and outside of Yamagata Prefecture, and is committed to further developing environmentally friendly agricultural technologies in the future.