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

  • Weekend Practical Biofertiliser & Fermenting Course

    with Juanfran Lopez at Ragmans Lane Farm 

    5-6th March 2022

    A chance to learn how to regenerate farm and garden systems using home produced Biofertiliser, Native micro organisms, Aerobic and Anaerobic compost teas.

    The weekend will be practically orientated and there will be a chance to discuss and learn principles, objectives and strategies of Regenerative Agriculture.

    Over the course of the weekend we will be collecting native microbes to make cheap but effective natural fertilisers and tonics for the plant and soil.

    The course will cover:-

    * understanding holistic system health

    * microbes, ferments and fertilisers

    * plant health and mineral brews

    * hydrolates, seed coating and lactobacillus

    By the end of the weekend you will have the practical knowledge to make your own preparations at home, and a ‘starter kit’ of resources to take home with you including a fresh and mature batch of native microbes and biofertiliser for diluted use.

    "Good mix between technical and practical, science and simple!"

    Juanfran Lopez has studied with the Columbian Jairo Restrepo, one of the leading teachers of microbial preparations for healthy biological systems. Juanfran has also travelled through South America, Africa and Spain specializing in regenerative agriculture, learning and teaching as he travels. He was based at Ragmans researching and running trials on our orchards and garden. He is now studying for a PhD at Madrid University.

    For further information - Click here for Juanfran's website.

    Who should attend: Farmers, gardeners and small scale growers.

    "Great all round picture of soil biology to support understanding of practices"

    "Great environment with practical demonstrations, as well as academic. Enjoyed it and learnt loads"

    "Can't wait to get started"

    Food and Accommodation included.

    Saturday arrivals 9.30am, course commences at 10am until 5pm

    Sunday 9.30am until approx 4pm.

    For further information on making biofertilisers do have a read of our article "Make your own Biofertiliser" published in the Permaculture Magazine.

    For more information about our Soil research work please see this blog article published on the Soil Association website

    See the side bar for information on Juanfran's book 'The Biofertiliser Manual'.


    £250.00

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