Afforestation Seed Storages at Algific Talus Slopes, Japan: Use of Local Cold Environments for Forestry

An algific talus slope, which maintains a local subsurface low-temperature environment in a mountainous terrain, is called Fuketsu in Japanese, which translates as wind hole. Since the 19th century, storage stations have been built on algific talus slopes and used for storing silkworm eggs for sericulture. Tree seeds have also been stored for forestry plantations since the 20th century. The process for storing seeds by the Japanese Forest Office is examined. In addition, a list is compiled of existing seed storages at various locations.