Bokashi - The Philippines - Zambales

by Wilson Ignacio - 2012 Graduate

Central Luzon District Council of the Assemblies of God

submitted October 2018

How We Make Bokashi

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Our bokashi! Wilson is wearing a checked vest, 3rd from the right.

Bokashi is a popular type of organic or natural fertilizer that is produced through the process of fermentation. Soil is mixed with organic matter, carbonized materials and a fermenting additive. The soil is preferably forest subsoil or clay. The organic materials are animal manure, rice bran, etc. Plant leaves should not be used. Carbonized materials are either CRH (Carbonized Rice Hull), charcoal or ash. The fermenting materials could be molasses or plain brown sugar, EM (Effective Microorganisms) and IMO (Indigenous Micro-Organisms).

Bokashi is a Japanese term for thinning or gradation. Soil is an important ingredient in this fertilizer mix, about 50%. Soil stabilizes the consistency of the fertilizer, absorbs nutrients and prevents the loss of nitrogen which usually takes place during decomposition.The soil also hosts many beneficial microorganisms.

The process of fermentation is fast. Making bokashi only takes 10-14 days, and the bokashi is ready for use once it has cooled down. Here is the process for making Bokashi that I use in the Philippines.

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2 bags of dried chicken manure are used as the base.

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½ sack of carbonized rice hull is added.

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½ sack of rice bran is added.

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2 sacks of clay soil follow.

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The soil is pulverized.

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The ingredients are mixed thoroughly with shovels

...until the mixture becomes fine.

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A hole is made on top and water is poured inside the hole.

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The water is mixed in.

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Molasses is then added.

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The consistency of the mix is checked.

It should not be too sticky or too dry.

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The mix is covered with a blanket or tarp.

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After 3 days, the fertilizer is remixed and covered again by the blanket.

The procedure is repeated each day until the fertilizer cools down and is ready to use.

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