Midori-chan™ trials in California yield impressive results for 2020

Published On Nov 11, 2020

Over the past eight months, the Midori-chan™ team have been conducting tials at the Farm+Food Lab in Irvine, California. The development comprises raised-bed gardens, among other environmentally friendly features. During the trial period, we have been working closely with our partners at Solutions for Urban Agriculture on testing a range of plant varieties and growing methods – including our Midori-chan™ greening system. Here’s what we have learned: 

·       The Midori-chan™ custom soil blend has a high organic content. This improves water retention within the soil compared with other systems tested in the trials

·       Water usage was reduced by approximately 40%, yet Midori-chan™ still protects root zones during hot and dry periods

·       The Midori-chan™ system creates a subsurface reservoir. In a Mediterranean climate, such as California’s, this stabilises the soil profile during hot periods and drought conditions

As of November 2020, we have grown brassica crops, Swiss chard, peppers – both sweet and hot, and Stachys byzantia. In the near future, we will continue trialling a number of other species to determine which work best with the Midori-chan™ system.

To find out more about Kawada’s greening solutions, visit  https://global.kawada.jp/businesses/environmental/midorichan 

Author:Sean Johnstone