- agriculture
- environment
Bacillus subtilis C-3102 < for environment >
Bacillus subtilis C-3102 < for environment >
Bacillus subtilis is a bacterial strain found in dry vegetation and soil that is closely related to the Bacillus subtilis natto bacterium used to make fermented soybeans (natto). Bacillus subtilis C-3102 reaches the gut in living form. It was selected from among many bacterial strains for its high potential to create health benefits by impacting the gut microbiome. Since the Group began studying this bacterium, it has been found to possess heat resistance and a number of other characteristics of benefit for high-quality compost production.
Research background
Bacillus subtilis C-3102 has been found beneficial for improving the gut environment of humans and livestock. It is also used as a probiotic mixed into livestock feed. Manure from livestock farmed with Bacillus subtilis C-3102 has been found to produce high-quality compost. The Group has responded by starting a trial project that uses Bacillus subtilis C-3102 to recycle large quantities of discarded vegetable scraps into high-quality compost.
Major research findings
- Efficient composting of vegetable scraps
- Higher vegetable yields
Creating a society of health and abundance
Much of the food waste generated in Japan and around the world is incinerated or discarded in landfills instead of being recycled. Circular agriculture recycles resources by producing high-quality compost from waste. It is a promising growth area, but currently faces many technical challenges and is not making significant headway. The Group wants to promote food waste composting and circular agriculture by popularizing the use of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 as a composting promoter among sectors such as food production, restaurants and schools. We also want to help expand its use among the developing nations of Asia, Africa and other regions expecting waste disposal problems in the coming years.