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Suggested Use:
Traditional uses include as a 1) compost
starter, 2) fermentation starter, 3) soil
conditioner and as a 4) beneficial microbial
inoculate.
Bokashi is a Japanese word that means "fermented
organic matter and is made by fermenting wheat
bran with molasses and EM
(see below for specific instructions) and has
been traditionally used by Japanese farmers as a
soil amendment to increase the nutrient level
and microbial diversity of the soil.
EM Bokashi can be used as a microbial inoculant
in situations where a liquid inoculant would be
less effective such as in composting food waste
and in compost toilets.
When using with
Happy Farmer
Kitchen Composter:
Use one bag (1 gallon) of Bokashi for each Happy
Farmer Kitchen Composter.
See how to compost
inside using bokashi (PDF document)
When used directly in soil:
In general, apply HAPPY FARMER BOKASHI at a rate
of 200 grams per square meter on the surface of
the soil. For soils that have low fertility or
little organic matter, use up to 1 kiligram per
square meter. Sprinkle in house plants one or
two times per month.
When you use HAPPY FARMER BOKASHI to maintain
high populations of beneficial and efficient
microbes in the soil, they will:
-
Promote germination, flowering, fruiting and
ripening in plants
-
Improve physical, chemical and biological
environments in the soil and help to
eliminate soil-borne pathogens and pests
-
Enhance the photosynthetic capacity of
plants and ensure better germination and
plant establishment
-
Increase the effectiveness of organic
materials as fertilizers
-
Eliminate putrefactive soil that stresses
plants
How to make Bokashi:
The method described below is the simplest and
cheapest way to make Bokashi. The process used
for the Happy Farmer Bokashi integrates water
energized by EM-X ceramics and multiple ceramic
powders.
Materials: Wheat or rice bran (or any organic
material), Efficient Microbes (EM)™, molasses
and water.
-
Prepare a diluted solution of molasses,
Efficient Microbes (EM)™ and water at a
ratio of 1:1:100, respectively. Molasses can
be easily dissolved in warm water.
-
Mix well and slowly pour over the bran.
Thoroughly mix the bran and EM solution as
you continue to add the EM / molasses
solution. The final product should have a
moisture content of around 30%. This can be
tested by squeezing a handful of moist bran
into a ball. The bran should initially hold
together, but crumble easily when touched.
This is important, for if the water content
is to high, butyric acid fermentation
occurs, and a putrid odor is produced.
-
Place the material in a large container (a
plastic bag or bucket will also work) and
place a lid on the container to create an
air tight seal. This creates an anaerobic
condition which allows for fermentation to
occur. It is not necessary to turn the
material.
-
Allow to
ferment
anaerobically for 3 days (at 20°c)
to 14 days (35°c),
depending upon temperatures (cooler
takes longer.
After this time the prepared bokashi should
produce a sweet and sour fermented smell. If
the smell is putrid, the bokashi should be
dried and fermented again with a new
solution of EM.
-
The desired pH of Bokashi is about 5 and it
is best to use the prepared EM bokashi as
soon as possible. If it must be stored,
spread the bokashi out on a plastic tarp and
allow to dry completely before storage. This
will prevent further fermentation.
For more details on making Bokashi, I suggest
visiting
Vinny Pinto's website
Testimonials:
EM in Your Garden
"I
started using Happy Farmer Bokashi and Efficient
Microbes (EM) in my garden six months ago in the
fall, and have really noticed a difference this
summer with the health of plants and quality of
vegetables and fruit (fig, loquat, raspberry,
strawberry, tomato, mulberry--blueberries and
huckleberries are new this year and haven't
borne yet; lemons are just coming in, as are the
guavas). Fruit and veggies also keep a lot
longer. The soil here in L.A. is almost pure
adobe clay -- a real challenge. The bokashi and
EM are helping to loosen the soil and make it
more fertile.
"
Debra
Los Angeles, CA.
Happy Kitty Bokashi
"Happy
Farmer Bokashi is Happy Kitty Bokashi..according
to Wheezer from Kansas City, Missouri.
My mom, my two sisters and I grew up with
Bokashi. Our environmentally conscious
owner uses Bokashi in our litter boxes. She
mixes two cups of the Bokashi with four cups of
the leading multiple cat, immediate odor
response cat litter. It keeps the boxes fresh
and clean. I don't know how the efficient
microbes work, but I know I'd rather use the
newspaper, if there isn't Bokashi in my litter
box. I watch my owner clean out our litter boxes
and she seems happy knowing the waste disposal
is faster and safer.
We're a two litter box family, but with the
Bokashi in our litter you can't tell, there's
never a bad smell. It also helps to keep me
healthy when I have to clean between my toes.
Bokashi makes all our lives healthier, happier
and better.
"
T.W.
Kansas City, MO
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