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

Regenerative Agriculture

with Jairo Restrepo

Agriculture is changing. A new brand of modern agriculture using Agro ecology as it's guiding principle is gaining traction both on the ground and in academic circles.

Linked to this is the recognition that small farmers across the world need to organise and stand together in order to stand up to industrial food production.

Jairo Restrepo has been a lead teacher in the field of Chromatography, biofertilisers, bokashi and micro organisms for many years. He also has extensive experience of implementing these at different scales through his consultation work. We are very pleased to be able to offer his expert knowledge at Ragmans as these technologies are increasingly recognised. As Darren Doherty says "this guy is a genius and a tour de force of the first order!"

Regenerative Agriculture led by Jairo Restrepo, will give farmers and growers the practical tools needed to analyse their soils and create fertile systems using home made bio fertilisers and minimal-cost pest and disease control methods.

Spanish is Jairo's first language so the course will be delivered through a translator who will be present for the whole course. Jairo has taught extensively in Europe and his teaching is relevant here as well as in South America. You can find a detailed biography on Jairo by clicking here

A 5 day course 18-22nd July 2015

(limited residential option available)

Synopsis
This course combines the theoretical and practical basis for Jairo Restrepo’s Regenerative Agriculture. The main focus of Regenerative Agriculture is the health of the land and the quality of the food produced on the land. Jairo’s teaching style makes clear the how and why of regenerating biological fertility and mineral agricultural soils; and how this enables the viable production of healthy food that is affordable to consumers and profitable for farmers. His methods allow farmers to disengage from a dependence on external inputs.

The course has a very practical approach including practical workshops and encouraging sharing between participants whilst providing an opportunity to reflect on the principles, objectives and strategies of Regenerative Agriculture.

The practical work covers production and application of organic fertilizers, bio-fertilisers, minerals, and micro-organisms (the ‘wines’ and ‘flours’ of Regenerative Agriculture) with a focus on producing these from locally available resources.

Examples from Jairo’s work provide the evidence base for successful transition from conventional approaches to a regenerative agriculture approach.

Who should attend:
Farmers and independent small-scale growers, food producers, food retailers, technicians, students. Anyone interested in sustainable rural development and environmental protection. Students, experienced growers and technicians looking to update and acquire ‘new’ knowledge and methodologies for promoting sustainable development in rural areas.

For a You Tube video on Regenerative Agriculture with English subtitles click here

Course Objectives
After the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify the principles, objectives and basic strategies of Regenerative Agriculture.
• Discuss the process of transition from a conventional approach to a Regenerative Agriculture approach, taking into consideration the conditions and the state of the resources, time and space available.
• Recognise the factors and resources available/needed for applying Regenerative Agriculture principles
• Encourage and support the sharing of such information with other farmers/growers, e.g. via campesina
• Share appropriate practical tools and methodologies for sharing knowledge about Regenerative Agriculture
• Provide examples of the successful application of Regenerative Agriculture.

Course Outline:
∗ Introduction: A vision to rescue agriculture. More than 30 years of the farmer’s movement in Latin America and the tools that have been used.
∗ Crop nutrition as a tool to prevent pests and diseases.
∗ Theory and practice of trophobiosis.
∗ Regeneration of our soils. The concept of the 3 M's
∗ Using rock flour for re-mineralization
∗ How to make adapted bio-fertilizers
∗ Hot and cold mineral broths
∗ Plant protection and stimulating plant health
∗ Quick to build new floor (Bokashi) Composting
∗ Reducing the use of copper
∗ Seed protection
∗ The role of micro-organisms in soil and plants
∗ The use of micro-organisms for the regeneration of soil fertility
∗ The use of micro-organisms for combating pests and diseases
∗ How to identify which micro-organisms are essential for our crops
∗ How to produce native micro-organisms