"Bokashi" is a common microbiological fertilizer that helps to increase soil fertility in a short time. This active drug stimulates and accelerates the process of soil formation. In appearance, it resembles bran that has been fermented by valuable microorganisms. As a result, useful elements are formed that accelerate plant growth.
What is "Bokashi"
Bokashi fertilizer was invented by the Japanese.Its basis is considered to be wheat bran enriched with microorganisms, which has undergone a fermentation process. This fertilizer is perfect for fans of organic farming. It immediately restores soil fertility. The use of the substance promotes the rapid proliferation of beneficial microflora and suppression of pathogens.
The use of fertilizer helps improve the rooting and development of garden plants. Thanks to this, they do not get sick so often and bring a rich harvest. The use of fertilizing helps to more effectively absorb nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from the soil. Due to this, it is possible to significantly strengthen the plant immunity.
Livestock farmers often add Bokashi to their feed. This helps normalize digestion, improve the appearance of the coat, and improve the quality of meat and milk.
Beneficial features
The use of Bokashi helps to achieve the following results:
- Activation of fermentation of organic waste - food debris, fallen leaves, hay. The use of the substance accelerates the maturation of compost and the decomposition of fresh manure.
- Improving the composition of soil for seedlings and plants grown in pots.
- Possibility of restoring grass withered by the sun.
- Stimulating the absorption of useful elements from the soil.
- Preventing the development of dangerous bacteria.
- Increasing the proportion of humus in the soil.
To improve the soil in problem areas, the use of Bokashi must be combined with planting green manure.
Advantages and disadvantages of use
The advantages of using fertilizer include the following:
- Possibility to recycle food waste.This method is considered convenient and environmentally friendly. Moreover, the method helps to utilize even meat and fish, which are not added to ordinary compost. By sealing the buckets, it is possible to avoid the infestation of flies and other parasites. Therefore, they can even be kept in the kitchen.
- Eliminates the need to collect and transfer waste to a landfill. This reduces the likelihood of environmental pollution.
- Quick compost production. Waste is transformed into compost twice as quickly as with the conventional method.
- There is no need for systematic addition of raw materials such as worms in special farms. You can speed up the process of producing compost by cutting waste into small pieces. However, this does not have to be done.
At the same time, Bokashi also has a number of disadvantages:
- Saturation of the contents of the container with useful substances only after digging into the ground.
- The need to use a second bucket while preparing waste in the first.
How to make “Bokashi” from bran with your own hands
To make Bokashi, you will need the following:
- 100 grams of sea salt;
- 1 kilogram of bran;
- 100 grams of sugar;
- 100 milliliters of EM preparations - it is permissible to use “Shine” or “Baikal”;
- 600 milliliters of water without chlorine.
First you need to dissolve the salt in water and then add sugar. It is best to use warm water. After dissolving the salt and sugar, pour in the Baikal and stir. Pour the syrup into the bran and mix the ingredients thoroughly again.
To check the moisture content of the bran, you need to make a lump out of it. It is important that its shape is maintained, but with minimal touch the lump should crumble.
Then the bran should be placed in a tight plastic bag and the maximum amount of air squeezed out of it.The less of it remains, the better the product will be. Then the bag needs to be tied and stored in a dark place for a couple of weeks. During this period, the bran will undergo fermentation and will be ready for use.
You can evaluate the quality of fertilizer by smell. The bag should emit a pleasant aroma of apples or fresh bread. If the smell turns out to be rotten, it is better not to apply fertilizer.
The finished fertilizer must be used several days in advance. Then it will peroxidize and spoil. Fertilizing must be kept in a dark place. It must be hermetically sealed.
Instructions for using fertilizer
To be successful with Bokashi, it is important to apply this natural fertilizer correctly.
When sowing
Any seeds can be planted by mixing with Bokashi. The next feeding of cultivated plants should be carried out at the stage of active growing season.
When planting vegetables and fruit plants
"Bokashi" can be used for different plants. Fertilizer should be applied directly into the holes. Usually about 1 spoon of the substance is used. Seedlings can be additionally treated with an EM preparation. This method helps to increase the content of beneficial microorganisms in the soil structure. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve the full development of cultures.
Root application
Fermented bran can be poured onto the surface of the soil. In this case, it is necessary to retreat 30 centimeters from the crops. After which the beds should be covered with mulch. This feeding should be alternated with EM preparations.
Soil mixture for seedlings
To feed seedlings, it is recommended to take a glass of natural fertilizer and mix it with a bucket of soil. Then wrap it in film and put it in a warm place. There the soil mixture can mature. This will take 3 weeks.
Preparing the infusion
To make an infusion, it is recommended to fill a bucket with green mass, add a glass of sugar and 2 glasses of Bokashi. After which the container must be filled with water, closed and left for 1 week in a warm place, stirring daily. After a week, the infusion needs to be strained. It can be used as a fertilizer when mixed with water. To do this, use 1 glass of the substance per 10 liters of water.
Precautionary measures
If not all of the fertilizer has been used, you can squeeze the air out of the bag, tie it up and keep it in a cool, dark place. At the same time, it is recommended to protect Bokashi from the sun and frost. The drug can be stored at a temperature of +5-25 degrees. In such a situation, it retains its properties for 1 year.
Natural feeding does not pose a risk to the health of people and animals. Therefore, specific protective measures are not needed when using it.
"Bokashi" is an effective fertilizer that helps saturate the soil with valuable substances. In order for the drug to give the desired effect, you must strictly follow the instructions for its use.
