Sustainable agriculture based on biomass utilization Case study in a closed environment in Japan

Optimal biomass use and reuse are necessary the world over. Therefore the development of effective refinery and use systems is necessary because biomass must be converted. In addition, biomass is highly dependent on locality and conversion systems, therefore, these differ between biomass varieties, etc. In addition, the entire system should be feasible considering economics and the environment, etc. On Miyako Island that is located in Southern Japan, a research project concerning sustainable biomass utilization has been conduct for three years beginning in FY 2004, with funds provided by the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. This report introduces an outline and framework of the project. The main biomasses targeted are sugarcane bagasse, cattle waste, etc. They are converted by fermentation, composting, and pyrolysis, etc. The converted biomass must be used on the island. This project anticipates farmland application because agriculture is one of its main industries. The research considered effective recycling systems in Miyako island from various perspectives with its goal sustainable agriculture considering natural conservation, especially groundwater quality. ( 184 words).