Bokashi

The word Bokashi means fermented Organic Matter in Japanese and it is an aerobic semi-decomposition process taken by microbes under controlled conditions. click here for a PDF explaining Bokashi in full

Functions of these Ingredients and possible alternatives/additions.

-       Microbiology and mineral inoculants. Cow dung/Any type of manure

-       Homogenization of biotic and non biotic properties of mix. Clay soil/Old Bokashi/Compost

-       Silicon rich source as improver of physical characteristics in the mix. Woodchip/straw/hay/Cereal hulls

As we are talking about a high quality product produced under controlled conditions, the previous ingredients have to be supported by others in order to increase the quality of the amendment. The functions and the ingredients are:

-       Improvers of structure and texture of the Bokashi (among others benefits). Charcoal (in our case we use activated charcoal)

-       Source of Carbohydrates and Vitamins. Cereal Bran

-       Source of minerals (macro, micronutrients and trace elements). Ashes/Rock Dust/specific minerals

-       Source of sugar for microbes. Apple Juice/Molasses/Brown sugar

-       Microbiological inoculants to start the fermentation process. Commercial Yeast/local wild Yeast


Different groups of microbes develop as the Bokashi matures.  Juanfran has catured these on his microscope and they are set out in the graphic below. Click here for more detail.

 

click here for a PDF explaining Bokashi in full

  • Introduction to Permaculture

    6-7th May 2017 

    This weekend course offers a chance to get to grips with the core principles of permaculture, its origins and its applications. Permaculture has developed into something that can be applied to every aspect of our lives from self-development to agriculture….so what’s it all about?

    It is a set of design principles, inspired by natural self-sustaining systems and based upon the ethics of caring for people, planet and our combined future. In our introduction you’ll learn about these principles and how they are relevant to your own situation, and how to apply them to your daily life. The course will include the following subjects:

    Earthcare: Permaculture Principles, Linking – creating systems

    Peoplecare: Communication, Communities

    Fairshares: Ethics, Resources

    Methods: Observation – land and people, Design methods

    Gardening: Composting, mulching, polycultures, perennials

    Caroline has been teaching permaculture at Ragmans Lane Farm and other centres around the country for several years and originally trained and worked with Patrick Whitefield. Caroline has a background in market gardening, horticulture, smallholding and design and teaches with clarity and experience.

    Matt is the owner of Ragmans Lane Farm and a permaculture pioneer in the UK. He has gained experience in many fields over the years and is now focussed on developing holistic management practices with his ‘beyond organic’ juice orchards. He has been teaching permaculture for many years and teaches with engaging knowledge and enthusiasm.

    For further information or to book a space please click here


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