Bokashi
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What is Bokashi? The Bokashi system does not compost food waste – but puts the waste through a fermentation process, making it easier to decompose in the soil. The system is based on the use of EM ( Effective Microbes), which consist of
naturally occurring beneficial micro–organisms, a mixture of fungi & bacteria. What is Bokashi made from? EM Bokashi contains microbials such as those used to make cheese, bread and yoghurt. These food grade microbes are non-harmful, non-pathogenic, not genetically energized or modified, and not chemically synthesized. The EM ( Effective Microbes ) are contained in a fermented molasses and bran base, and the process takes place in a sealed bucket. When the correct conditions are provided EM Bokashi sets in motion a fermentation process to transform food waste and other organic materials into nutrient rich compost. How does the Bokashi system work? Layer waste & Bokashi culture in a sealed airtight container. After 2 weeks the waste will be sufficiently broken down to enable it to be placed in the ground without creating unpleasant smells or attracting flies. 1) Begin by sprinkling a 1 cm of Bokashi culture at the bottom of the bin. 2) Add a layer of food waste & sprinkle a layer of Bokashi culture over the waste ( a small handful for every 4-5 cms of waste ). Use a little extra Bokashi culture for high protein foods such as meat, fish, cheese & eggs. The smaller the food waste is cut, the quicker it will ferment. 3) The less air in the bin the better – compact the waste with a plate 4) Always replace the lid tightly 5) Drain off any liquid every few days & use as a garden fertilizer. Dilute 100:1. Root drench only – do not foliar spray. 6) When full, leave the bin in a warm place ( not in direct sunlight ) for 2 weeks. Dig into the garden. 7) Repeat the same procedure using your second bin, which can be filled up while the first bin is fermenting. Use all food scraps & plate scrapings including meat, fish, cheese, citrus fruits, coffee grounds and tea bags. Do not add liquids and meat bones.
Fermentation 1) When ready the fermented waste will have a yeasty sweet & sour smell. 2) Bokashi treated waste will look the same as when it went into the bin, but the structure of the waste will be changed. 3) A white cotton – like fungal growth may appear on the surface which indicates that good fermentation has taken place. 4) After 2 weeks the fermented Bokashi waste can be dug into the soil, where it will decompose quickly. 5) Rinse the bin thoroughly with clean water after each use – never use chlorine based cleaner.
Composting the fermented waste 1) Dig a hole or trench 20-25cm deep 2) Add fermented waste & mix with some soil 3) Wait for 2-3 weeks before planting 4) For pot plants – fill one quarter with potting soil – add half the pot with fermented Bokashi – fill pot with potting soil – & allow to settle for 2-3 weeks – plant 5) If adding fermented Bokashi to your compost heap – mix with a little compost to speed up decomposition – then cover over with more compost.
Turn dog poop into nutrient rich fertilizer/compost Yes, you can now turn your pet poop into nutrient rich compost while getting your pet food for free. The money you will save by not having to purchase fertilizer will pay for pet food – as an accountant client explained to me. Follow the same Bokashi instructions that would apply to food waste and other organic matter, and transform your pet poop without any smell, fuss or mess. Do not Bokashi pet poop and food waste together in the same system – use a separate Bokashi system.
Food waste SHOCK!!! In the United States of America food waste now accounts for more than 25% of the total of fresh water consumption and 300 million barrels of oil per year. This, together with the methane and CO2 emissions from decomposing food impacts dramatically on global climate change. Food waste in the US has increased by 50% since 1974, reaching more than 1400 calories per person per day, or 150 trillion calories per year.
Benefits of Bokashi 1) Liquid can be poured undiluted down kitchen drains, bath drains & toilets where the EMs will control odours & prevent algae build up. 2) Food scraps such as meat, diary products, fish, cooked food, bread & plate scrapings, which are normally not composted can be turned into usable compost. 3) Organic matter is broken down into compost in less than half the time taken by conventional composting methods. 4) The compost produces fertilizer, improves soil conditions, increases water retention & adds beneficial microbes. 5) Liquid produced can be used as a fertilizer (root drench only). Dilute 100:1 6) Greenhouse gas emissions are low as the fermenting process is fast & waste composts quickly once dug into the soil. 7) Eliminates smells emanating from waste. 8) Odour free – produces a pleasant yeasty smell 9) Can be done on any scale 10) Significantly reduced loss in energy and organic carbon during the composting process. 11) Can be used as an accelerator to speed up decomposition in your compost heap. 12) Reduces landfill space required 13) Requires very little space.
Sold by Earthworm Al as part of a total organic waste management recycling package. Contact Earthworm Al on 082 217 8060 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.earthwormal.co.za |
