TERRACE MILE, has developed and is deploying an agricultural data analysis service utilizing the IoT called “RightARM.” Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Murata” or “Murata Manufacturing”) has been supplying TERRACE MILE with soil sensors to continuously measure soil and water quality. We spoke with Yuichi Ikoma, TERRACE MILE’s Representative Director, and Kouki Watanabe, who is in charge of customer success at the company, about matters such as the results obtained by the collaboration between TERRACE MILE, an agricultural consulting company, and Murata.
1. Why Use Soil Sensors?
Hours of sunshine, CO2 concentration, and the balance of temperature and humidity, among other things, come to mind when we think of the environment that affects the growth of crops. Soil sensors are sensors that measure the conditions in the soil. Why is it necessary to measure the conditions in the soil?
Ikoma: TERRACE MILE has been working to collect data by measuring the conditions in fields using sensors for some time. We have collaborated with various sensor manufacturers. However, we could only obtain data from above the soil such as the hours of sunshine and the balance of temperature and humidity with those sensors. In fact, it is said that 20% to 30% of the factors that affect the growth of crops are found above the soil, while 70% to 80% of those factors are found in it. Accordingly, it is necessary to have accurate data on the conditions in the soil—in other words, the soil itself—to stabilize crop yields.
Therefore, you decided to search for a way to accurately measure the conditions in the soil—that is, the soil itself. Does that mean that conventional measurement methods were insufficient?
Ikoma: We tried other methods of measuring the soil including inserting iron plates into the soil and collecting soil. However, none of these methods were accurate. Moreover, the number of samples and the sampling period were limited. Furthermore, we were also unable to collect data on a continuous basis. This meant we could not obtain data such as the moisture content in the soil, which is important to grow crops.
2. Encounter with Murata’s Soil Sensors
Please tell us how you come to learn about Murata’s soil sensors.
Ikoma: We learned about Murata’s soil sensors at an event held in Fukuoka Prefecture in 2017. I had the opportunity to speak with someone in charge of new business at Murata Manufacturing. I came to be aware that Murata Manufacturing was looking to expand business in the agricultural field. I spoke with that person about TERRACE MILE’s issues in measuring soil data. At that time, the person I was speaking with suggested that Murata Manufacturing’s soil sensors would allow us to collect even more precise soil data simply and on a continuous basis.
Have you been able to collect accurate data since you started using Murata’s soil sensors?
Watanabe: The soil environment varies from field to field. For example, the distance from the roots of plants and the irrigation hoses differs for each producer. Therefore, there were cases in which we were not able to obtain accurate data when we first introduced the sensors. In addition, there were also problems with installation, such as the soil sensors not being firmly in contact with the soil. However, Murata Manufacturing’s engineers came to those fields and provided us with guidance on how to install the sensors. Thanks to that, we were able to start collecting accurate soil data at an early stage.
Did you receive any guidance on utilizing the data you collected?
Watanabe: Murata Manufacturing’s engineers attended the workshops participated in by our company, the prefecture, JAs, and producers from the start of introduction. Murata Manufacturing’s engineers gave us lectures on how to compare the data we had collected and what to look for in that data in those workshops. After that, our two companies also discussed matters such as data analysis in addition to data collection. We are now able to analyze the data in various ways. These analysis results can also be utilized as management data for farmers.
3. Impressions from the Collaboration with Murata
You have been collaborating with Murata in various forms since 2017. Please tell us your impressions of Murata in that process.
Ikoma: Understanding the conditions in soil means visualizing the voice of plants. I have felt that the performance of Murata Manufacturing’s soil sensors is, of course, wonderful in terms of measuring soil data, which is the voice of plants, at a high level of precision. Murata Manufacturing’s soil sensors are capable of collecting accurate data just by inserting them into the soil. Our encounter with this technology was revolutionary for TERRACE MILE.
What has been your impression of Murata’s technical team?
Ikoma: Murata Manufacturing’s engineers listen to what farmers and agricultural instructors have to say and then provide explanations and guidance. Moreover, I have felt Murata Manufacturing’s passion toward technology from the speed at which we have been able to obtain answers on the spot to most of our questions.
4. Results of Collaboration
Please tell us about the results you have obtained from collaborating with Murata.
Ikoma: TERRACE MILE specializes in analytical capabilities and software. Meanwhile, Murata Manufacturing has developed highly precise soil sensors that are easy to handle. I feel it is a great achievement that our two companies, which specialize in different fields, have come together in partnership to promote business.
For instance, TERRACE MILE and Murata Manufacturing has different approaches to analysis even when looking at the same data. Murata Manufacturing’s engineers do not overlook any unnatural changes in data which might be missed by TERRACE MILE or agricultural instructors. We have even received advice in terms of questioning the reliability of data. In this way, our two collaborating companies share data and mutually exchange knowledge to enable even more multifaceted analysis.
On the other hand, didn’t farmers dislike using smartphones, PCs, and other digital devices to collect and analyze data?
Ikoma: We also had those concerns when we first introduced this technology. However, once farmers felt the benefits of being able to grasp the conditions of soil by looking at information displayed on digital devices, it was actually they who came to proactively ask for even more detailed analysis results.
Has the behavior and awareness of farmers changed by seeing the analysis results?
Ikoma: In addition to the benefit of increasing yields by utilizing analysis results, farmers have become able to check sensor data on a smartphone app frequently during the cultivation period. They now exercise ingenuity in adjusting the volume of irrigation water and opening/closing skylights based on that data. I think such changes in awareness and behavior are the most important thing.
5. Future of Collaboration
Please tell us about the future direction of collaboration between TERRACE MILE and Murata and your hopes for Murata.
Ikoma: The results of agricultural measures are judged at harvest time once a year. We have been collaborating with Murata Manufacturing for a long time on an ongoing basis. Nevertheless, we judge the results of this collaboration on a once-a-year basis. Therefore, there are still many results we cannot judge without continuing this collaboration. Currently, TERRACE MILE is testing analysis with an algorithm called trend prediction technology. This is technology that predicts the conditions of fields. We believe it will be necessary to collaborate on this trend prediction technology. Above all else, Murata Manufacturing’s soil sensors are essential to establishing this technology. We hope to be able to continue growing each other’s business with a strong partnership going forward.
6. Summary:
Editor’s Afterword Ikoma left us with the following words about the future of agriculture and the role of TERRACE MILE at the end of this interview. We will conclude this article with those words.
Ikoma: The global decline and aging of agricultural workers are noticeable trends. Accordingly, it is essential to build relationships between production and consumption in terms of growing and eating what we need. This requires a grand design for production and consumption. Data is indispensable to form this grand design. This is where Murata Manufacturing’s soil sensors are essential.
I believe TERRACE MILE’s mission in agriculture is to provide the results of our analysis from utilizing Murata Manufacturing’s soil sensors to the relevant authorities and future agricultural workers as a grand design. Furthermore, we have a role to play in supplying food to regions facing food shortages. If this is something we can do for overseas from Japan, it is something that we must do. Visualizing the conditions of soil with data and then providing information of “what can be grown here” will lead to better harvest. I am convinced that highly precise soil sensors are what is most needed here.
Right: Kouki Watanabe, in charge of customer success
