Bokashi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bokashi (Japanese for "fermented organic matter") is a method of intensive composting. It can use an aerobic or anaerobic inoculation to produce the compost. Once a starter culture is made, it can be re-used, like yogurt culture. Since the popular introduction of effective microorganisms (EM), Bokashi is commonly made with only molasses, water, EM, and wheat bran. However, Bokashi can be made by inoculating any organic matter with a variety of hosts of beneficial bacteria/microbes. This includes manures, spent mushroom compost, mushroom spores, worm-casting tea, forest soil tea, yeast, pickles, sake, miso, natto, wine and beer. Molasses feeds the microbial cultures as they inoculate the organic matter.
[edit] Uses
Place your kitchen waste into the bucket, then sprinkle a hand full of EM Bokashi over the waste. Repeat this layering process until the Bokashi Bucket is full. Drain off liquid (Bokashi juice) as necessary.
Once the bucket is full to capacity, the waste can be buried. If you have two Bokashi Buckets, begin the process again in your second bucket. Let the waste from the first Bokashi Bucket continue to ferment for 10-14 days or for any additional length of time. Then, bury the waste and wash out Bokashi Bucket ready to use when your second Bokashi Bucket is full. If you have only one Bokashi Bucket the waste can be buried as soon as it is full, obviously the waste on the top has not had much or any chance to ferment, even so, the waste will still break down quickly because of the micro-organisms mixed in.
With two Bokashi Buckets the waste gets extra time to ferment, you will get more of the valuable Bokashi Juice and it is more convenient, however, this wonderful composting system will still work with just one Bokashi Bucket.
Bokashi Compost will look different to other compost that has decayed. As the food waste does not breakdown or decompose while it is in the bucket, much of its original physical property will remain and it will have a pickled appearance. Breakdown of waste will occur after it has been transferred to the soil.
Burying Bokashi Compost Burying Bokashi Compost in the garden will supply the plants with a nourishing food source and condition your soil with enriching microbes.
Dig a hole, add your fermented Bokashi Compost, mix with some soil and cover. If you are low on garden space you can create a Bokashi Compost Heap, by burying a large bottomless bucket with lid. You can use your Bokashi Compost in planter boxes, tubs or pots by placing it directly into the container for further fermentation. Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBhPmLFpIo8
Bokashi Juice As the kitchen waste starts to ferment, Bokashi Juice will form in the bottom of the bucket. This should be drained off as it builds up.
Bokashi Juice can be diluted with water and makes a terrific fertiliser for garden or pot plants. It can be poured down drains and it is safe to use in septic tanks. When used in drains it will help to clean up our water ways by competing with harmful bacteria.
