19. Sep, 2020

Bokashi on Allotments

Modern Bokashi was developed in Japan and  requires the addition of “Effective Microorganisms” (EM), a mixture of lactic acid producing bacteria phototrophic bacteria.  and yeasts . Bokashi systems are environmentally friendly system  producing   lower  carbon dioxide  (a greenhouse gas) emissions than aerobic composting aids and the  build-up of humus leading to improved  moisture retention and greater carbon sequestration in the soil.

Small Bokashi bins are used at home for cooked food and large-scale systems are used by on  farmers, in  horticulture etc, 

 We are looking at systems suitable for use in community composting and for garden waste from large gardens and allotments. Material on the net shows  such Bokashi windrow systems  covered with a polythene sheet  with the ends buried in the  ground all-round the windrow  to exclude air and create anaerobic conditions. Rather than leave the base open to the ground which allows the exudate to drain into the soil the whole windrow  wrapped in the polythene sheet like  a giant but inedible  pastie.

 The photo shows a small windrow of the garden waste,  originally collected in 3 pallet bins, made using a lasagne technique with waste and a mix of three Agriton products; Actiferm EM, Aegir seashell grit and Endasil clay granules .The pastie is then covered with a second protective cove , to reduce the risk of any holes being made in the polythene which would although air to enter the pastie, and will be left for 8-10 weeks.

 Watch this space.

 Due to Covid regulations we cannot provide our Stokes Wood Training composting  sessions at present, but I can offer tours and on-site talks by appointment for 1-3 socially distanced people