[From Wikipedia: Korean Natural Farming]

Korean Natural Farming, takes advantage of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) (bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa) to produce fertile soils that yield high output without the use of herbicides or pesticides.  A result is improvement in soil health, improving loaminess, tilth and structure, and attracting large numbers of earthworms. KNF also enables odor-free hog and poultry farming without the need to dispose of effluent. This practice has spread to over 30 countries, and is used by individuals and commercial farms.

KNF makes use of IMOs to exploit the full potential of the ecosystem in which crops are grown. Potential benefits include increased rates of soil organic matter decomposition,increases in nutrient availability, improved plant yield, a reduced pathogenic microorganisms and an increase in plant defenses.

Beneficial microorganisms can significantly suppress fungal pathogen activity in crops of mildly susceptible Rhododendron cultivars, but highly susceptible cultivars may even be harmed. IMOs can reduce initial yield losses when transitioning from conventional to organic farming, by accelerating soil recovery. Soils depleted by the use of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides may have reduced soil microorganisms.

[By Cho Han Kyu, President of Janong Natural Farming Institute | March, 2004]

“Natural Farming is an innovative new method of farming that utilizes the nature’s powers for maximum performance rather than human intervention. Natural Farming uses natural materials instead of chemicals as its unique inputs. Materials are locally available and cheap, and the farming inputs are made by the farmers instead of being purchased from the market; thus lowering cost for the farmers and converting waste into resources. It does not use herbicide, pesticide, antibiotic, hormones or other artificial chemicals. It also does not till the land with machines. Natural Farming is practiced in over twenty countries, recognized of its strength to produce more at less cost. Being “farmer-friendly,” it is also being used as a tool to improve the living of the poor farmers in the third world.”♦