ABSTRACT

Farmers have a saying that goes along the lines “Rice production depends on the soil, wheat production depends on the fertilizer.” This saying points to the fundamental differences in agricultural production between paddy rice (Oryza sativa) and upland crops such as wheat (Triticum spp.). People have always understood that if rice is grown in paddy elds, continuous cropping causes no growth penalty; yet, continuous cropping in upland conditions, even of rice, causes a steady decline in yield. In this chapter, we describe the role of soil science in Japanese agriculture historically with reference to soil fertility and its relationship to taxation.