Radioactive Cesium (Fukushima Prefecture)

In order to promote future agricultural activities at farmland in Fukushima Prefecture, which was severely affected by radioactive materials due to the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)'s Fukushima Daiichi NPS, measurements of radioactive materials in farmland soil have been conducted continuously. The above map shows radioactive material concentration distribution in farmland soil based on the results of the measurement conducted at 307 locations in Fukushima Prefecture in FY2019 (values are converted into those as of November 2, 2019).

In this farmland soil survey, soil to a depth of approx. 15 cm from the ground surface or a depth to be plowed was collected as samples in consideration of the depth of soil wherein radioactive materials are turned over in cultivation and in which crops take root.

Comparing the measured values of radioactive cesium concentration in targeted farmland soil in the previous survey (converted into values as of November 15, 2018) and the measured values for the same locations obtained in the most recent survey, it was confirmed that in around one year, radioactive cesium concentration decreased by 5% in paddies outside the Areas under Evacuation Orders, but there was scarcely any decrease observed in fields, pastures and orchards outside the Areas under Evacuation Orders. The decline in radioactive cesium concentration in soil due to physical attenuation during the same period was 4%.

• Included in this reference material on March 31, 2013
• Updated on March 31, 2021