|
Temperature in Niigata right now is 54 F.
I think---
The finished Japanese product is difficult to duplicate for the following reasons, and some of these reasons create an illusion regarding the myth-like properties of the Japanese mud pond:
1) HIGHLY acclimated race of carp to their environment.
2) a knowledgeable community of multi-generational breeders working in concert
3) high elevations in the case of Niigata with LOW pollution. good sun, warm days, cooler nights.
4) excellent snow melt and excellent ground water. ( the breeders in the south use ground and river water).
5) mineral rich earth ( volcanic and mountain soils) mixed with mineral depleted water. Snow is closer to distilled water than hard water. So koi ingest minerals but are not exposed to harsh mineral rich water from the water column.
6) Goldilocks mud ponds- not too old and not to young , so that natural biomass is mature but does not contain a lot of decay. No leaf decay in the bottom for instance.
7) a long growing season in uncrowded ponds.
8) the ponds are maintained. They are 'walked' , for instance, on a regular basis to keep mud fresh. They are not overfed. If it rains- no food. Tricks of the trade.
Still ponds crash. They deliver disappointing results sometimes. Some are better than others. No one knows why? Its farming in the end and loaded with risk and the whims of nature.
But in the end, all these factors are what JAPANESE koi have grown and evolved it. You can't beat 'Home sweet home' when it comes to a unique and special place.
|