In Pohang, one of South Korea’s key tomato production regions, farmers are facing severe crop losses due to the negative impacts of continuous cropping. Recent reports indicate that 30-40% of tomato plants in the Sangok-ri area of Jukjang-myeon, Pohang, have died this year. The underlying issue? Continuous cropping of tomatoes for over two decades has led to soil degradation and increased vulnerability to diseases.
The Crisis Unfolds
Pohang’s tomato production is significant, with 43 farms cultivating tomatoes on approximately 15 hectares of land. These farms collectively produce around 1,000 tons of tomatoes annually. Grown in semi-highland areas, the tomatoes from Sangok-ri are known for their firm texture and long shelf life, making them popular both domestically and in export markets such as Japan. In fact, the region was designated a government-certified agricultural export production complex last year due to its contribution to international markets.
However, this year has been particularly challenging for Pohang’s tomato farmers. In addition to reduced yields, the region has experienced a surge in crop diseases, exacerbated by the hot and humid weather. Farmers have reported widespread outbreaks of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) and leaf mold, diseases that thrive in poorly managed, continuously cropped soils. As a result, a significant portion of the tomato plants has withered, with 30-40% of the crops already dead.
Continuous Cropping: A Lingering Issue
The primary cause of these problems is continuous cropping, a practice where the same crop is grown on the same land year after year. While this method can be convenient and reduce short-term costs, it has long-term consequences for soil health. Over time, continuous cropping depletes essential nutrients from the soil, leads to the buildup of pathogens, and reduces the land’s overall productivity.
In Pohang, continuous cropping of tomatoes has been practiced for over 20 years. This has left the soil in poor condition, unable to support healthy plant growth. Moreover, the repeated cultivation of tomatoes on the same land has allowed harmful bacteria and fungi to accumulate, creating a perfect storm for diseases like bacterial wilt and leaf mold to spread rapidly.
Impact of Weather on Crop Health
In addition to soil fatigue, this year’s hot and humid conditions have worsened the situation. High temperatures combined with excessive moisture create an environment where bacterial and fungal diseases can thrive. The onset of bacterial wilt, for example, is accelerated in warm, wet environments. Once the disease takes hold, it can quickly decimate entire crops, as is happening in Pohang.
Farmers and Authorities Seek Solutions
Local authorities, led by Pohang City Council member Lee Sang-beom, have been actively working with affected farmers to assess the damage and seek solutions. Recently, Lee and city officials met with representatives of the affected farms to discuss potential remedies. While immediate financial support is needed to help farmers cope with their losses, long-term solutions must also be implemented to prevent similar problems in the future.
Experts suggest that crop rotation is one of the most effective ways to combat the negative effects of continuous cropping. By alternating tomatoes with crops that require different nutrients and are less susceptible to the same pathogens, farmers can help rejuvenate the soil and break the cycle of disease. Introducing organic matter into the soil, improving drainage, and using disease-resistant tomato varieties are also recommended strategies.
The crisis facing Pohang’s tomato farmers is a stark reminder of the challenges that come with continuous cropping and adverse weather conditions. As crop losses mount, it is crucial for farmers and authorities to work together to implement sustainable farming practices that restore soil health and reduce vulnerability to diseases. By adopting measures like crop rotation and using disease-resistant varieties, Pohang’s tomato industry can recover and continue to thrive in the long term.
