Biofertilisers (fermented brews)

What they are

Biofertilisers are liquid fertiliser with a high range of added minerals which are in balance and have a  stable energy as result of an anaerobic process (fermentation) based in a biological inoculant such as fresh cow manure. Specific microorganisms or minerals can be introduced throughout the fermentation process.  In this way we can adjust the brew to meet the farmer´s requirements to balance out specific deficiencies.

 

This product mimics the processes taken millions years ago by microbes before Oxygen become available in the atmosphere; this means that the efficiency of the fermentation is lower than Aerated processes; the efficiency is to produce around 2 molecules of ATP from each molecule of sugar through the process.

 

The source of energy for the fermentation is from the process in the product by itself ( i.e. the energy derived from the microbes metabolising themselves ), without adding any energy in the form of oxygen into the brew through the process; this feature make a stable product to use as a long term, giving the chance to store it as well. In this sense it is different from aerated teas that develop more rapidly, but are less stable and not possible to store. 


What are biofertilisers for?

These brews are used mostly to feed, re-cover and re-activate soil biology, increase plant fertility and animal health, also encouraging crop protection against pests and diseases.

How do they work?

At the end of the process the product content will contain a high range of available minerals (macro and micronutrients, trace elements ...), Organic Acids, proteins, vitamins, enzymes, carbohydrates, amino acids and different microbiology that will work in symbiosis with the natural processes in the plant and soil, developing and improving a nutritional and biological balance and a natural defence mechanism.

March 23rd 2015 POSTED BY: Ragmans Farm

A Wonderful Time at Ragmans by Yanthe Oosthoek - Student Summer 2014


Being back in Holland made me realise how amazing my time at Ragmans had been. While cycling through the Dutch landscape (which is not very impressive compared to the beautiful Wye Valley Ragmans is surrounded by) I notice myself pointing out different weeds growing in the fields. This is something I did not even look at before I started working on the farm. Not only the weeds are keeping me busy; realising the importance and purity of nature was something I just took for granted before. 



As a second year student of International Development Management I had to learn more about farming. So I spent weeks and weeks trying to find the right placement place or WWOOF farm. There were two things I knew before I started searching: I wanted to learn more about permaculture and I wanted to go to the UK. I Googled ‘permaculture farm in UK’ and found Ragmans. I knew immediately that this was the place where I wanted to go.

In the first week on the farm it became clear this was exactly what I needed. 

In the time between my first working day on the farm, which was the 14th of July, and the last one, 10 weeks later, each and every day was different. The weather, jobs, and people all made my days interesting and worthwhile. Freya, Pete, Matt, and Juan Fran supported me along the way and gave me many opportunities. They gave me space to learn as much as possible about each and every aspect of the farm. From scything the orchard to compost-tea’ing the apple trees, stacking wood, preparing the Yurt, to organising a Gathering of Centres on the farm. Their trust in me made me feel so much more confident. Whenever I had a difficult permaculture question they were always willing to give me an answer and tell me even more about it. It felt like I had been there for ages already. They all create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere within the farm! 



As part of an individual placement assignment I was involved in organising a Gathering of Centres. A two day meet up to exchange experiences between 9 other educational farms in the UK. It was amazing to see how people with the same interests and concerns had the opportunity to share knowledge.



I had never thought an event like this could be so supportive and helpful. This gathering was a great opportunity for me to meet other inspiring people and become more involved in ‘interesting sustainable things’ going on in the UK. Something Holland can learn a lot from! 




It is hard for me to draw up a list of all the things I learnt during my time at the farm because it is endless. Working with the Growers proved a very valuable experience as well. The alternation of working on Ragmans for 4 days a week and one day in the Growers garden was perfect. Nat, Danny, Ben, and Jon taught me so many things about veggies, soil, equipment, seeds during the days I worked with them. I never knew I would develop a serious interest and see the importance and value of growing local food and flowers. 





Even though Ragmans is quite isolated, having warm, helpful, and lovely people around me made me feel at home. Thank you Freya, Matt, Pete, Angie, Ann, Steve, Carine, Juan Fran, Nat, Jon, Danny, and Ben. The work you all do is amazing and you are all amazing! You know what they say about people visiting Ragmans once, don’t you? They all return in due time. Well, don’t worry, I will be back for sure! 



October 2014


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