A Comprehensive Guide to Bokashi Composting: Turning Food Waste into Nutrient-Rich Soil

Do you want to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil even if you live in an apartment? Bokashi composting might be the solution for you! This innovative method allows you to compost indoors using a special bucket and a bokashi inoculant. In this article, we will explore the basics of bokashi composting, how to get started, troubleshooting common issues, ways to use bokashi compost, and more. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What Is Bokashi Composting?

Bokashi composting is a Japanese technique that involves fermenting organic matter to create nutrient-rich soil. Developed by Dr. Teuro Higa in the early 1980s, this method uses a special bucket and bokashi inoculant to break down kitchen scraps like vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy. The bokashi inoculant typically consists of wheat germ, wheat bran, or sawdust mixed with molasses and effective microorganisms (EM) which help speed up the fermentation process.

How to Get Started With Bokashi Composting

Getting started with bokashi composting is easy. You can either build your own system or purchase a complete bokashi composting kit. Here are some basic steps to follow:

Chop food waste into small pieces (1-2 inches).
Add a sprinkle of bokashi bran (about 1 tablespoon per inch of food waste) every day.
Press down fluffy scraps to remove air and limit oxygen exposure.
Keep the bin closed and let it sit in a warm place for two weeks.
Drain the bokashi tea every few days during the fermentation process.

Bokashi Composting vs. Traditional Composting

Unlike traditional composting, which is an aerobic process that requires oxygen, bokashi composting is an anaerobic process that isolates materials from oxygen. This fermentation process allows you to compost a wider range of materials, including dairy and meat scraps. However, bokashi compost bins have more space limitations compared to traditional compost bins.

The Pros & Cons of Bokashi Composting

Pros:

Allows you to compost dairy and meat scraps.
Requires a relatively small space.
Creates highly nutritious pre-compost for plants.
Can be used in garden trenches or added to traditional compost heaps.

Cons:

Requires a special airtight bin for fermentation.
Both bokashi tea and pre-compost are highly acidic.
More maintenance compared to traditional composting methods.

Troubleshooting Bokashi Composting Issues

If you encounter any issues with your bokashi composting, here are some common troubleshooting tips:

Insufficient or too much moisture: Adjust moisture levels by adding water or draining excess liquid.
Foul odor and/or mold: Check for proper sealing and balance food scraps.
No fermentation taking place: Ensure the right temperature range (60-80 degrees F) and an adequate amount of bokashi bran.

Ways to Use Bokashi Compost

Once the bokashi fermentation process is complete, you can use the resulting compost in various ways:

Dilute bokashi tea for watering plants.
Add pre-compost to traditional compost heaps or garden soil.
Mix bokashi compost with other compost before spreading it on your lawn.

It’s essential to distribute the pre-compost evenly to avoid over-concentration in one spot. Consider using both bokashi composting and traditional composting methods for maximum efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bokashi composting is a practical and efficient way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start your bokashi composting journey with confidence. Experiment with different food scraps and see the benefits of this innovative composting method firsthand. Happy composting!