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.

  • Applied Agroecology Workshop

    - A day with Jairo Restrepo - a one day workshop on the 24th July 2015

    Jairo Restrepo is a passionate educator and activist in the field of sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty. He campaigns for a return of self determination, knowledge and autonomy to the farmer away from the power of agribusiness. He offers education, agronomy and consultancy around the world. His background is in Latin America and recently he has been touring in Europe and Australia. Jairo is consultant to the UN, Unesco, and the International Labour Organisation.

    Jairo’s teaching style is practical. He offers tools and inspiration for farmers, smallholders and activists. An agronomist with a rebellious character, he has a passionate belief in people power, in local rural culture, food sovereignty, and the desire to transmit the indigenous knowledge and experience gathered from over 20 years work across all continents. 

    We will cover a brief history of Jairo’s work, and where this has taken him. After lunch we will walk around the farm orchards to give Jairo an opportunity to demonstrate various agroecological approaches and low cost technologies such as mineral brews, wild microbes, biofertilisers, and compost tea.

    Jairo Restrepo has extensive experience of implementing these techniques at different scales through his teaching work and consultation. These Agroecological technologies are increasingly recognised as holding the key to the future of farming and climate change, and so we are excited to be able to offer his expert knowledge at Ragmans.

    "this guy is a genius and a tour de force of the first order!" Darren Doherty

    Who should attend:
    Farmers and independent small-scale growers, food producers, food retailers, campaigners for food sovereignty and students.

    Jairo will also be teaching a one day course on chromatography on Sat 25th July, and a five day course - An introduction to Regenerative Agriculture 18-22 July.

    Please note: this course will be delivered in Spanish with a translator. This is the first time that Jairo has taught in England. We would advise that you book onto the course early!

    Concessions available: please email us on info@ragmans.co.uk with details of why you would like to be considered for a concession.

    For information about Jairo's other courses and events whilst in the UK please click here


    £50.00

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