Living Microbial Fertility for Healthy Soil
Builds living soil – Improves nutrient cycling – Enhances root development
We make our own Bokashi on the farm using organic materials we grow and collect here. It is part of how we care for our soil.
What is Bokashi?
Bokashi is a fermented soil amendment. Beneficial microorganisms — mainly lactobacillus cultures — ferment organic matter over several weeks, producing a living, nutrient-rich material that integrates quickly into soil. It supports microbial activity, improves soil structure, and builds long-term fertility.
What’s in it
Animal manure such as cow, chicken, goat or mixed manure – Carbon materials such as rice hulls, straw, sawdust, crop residues, sorghum stubble, or bran – Soil, ideally clay-rich topsoil or forest soil – Charcoal or biochar – Molasses or sugarcane syrup – Bread yeast or brewer’s yeast – Mineral materials such as ash, rock dust, lime, dolomite, or clay – Water to reach the moisture of a wrung-out sponge.
How to use it
A typical way to use bokashi on a farm or garden is:
- Apply it directly in planting rows or beds before planting.
- Spread about 1–2 pounds per square meter (roughly 0.5–1 inch layer).
- Mix it lightly into the top 2–4 inches of soil.
- Water after application.
- For transplants or fruit trees:
- Place a handful to a few cups in the planting hole depending on plant size.
- Cover with a thin layer of soil before roots touch it directly.
- Then plant as usual.
- For established crops:
- Side-dress around the plant, staying a few inches away from stems.
- Lightly scratch it into the soil and water.
- Repeat every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.
- For pasture, orchards, or large areas:
- Broadcast the bokashi across the surface before rain or irrigation.
- A common rate is about 1–2 tons per acre, depending on soil condition and crop needs.
- For potting mixes:
- Use about 10–20% bokashi mixed with soil or compost.
A good bokashi should smell sweet, yeasty, or slightly fermented.
Available at the farm
We produce Bokashi in limited quantities and make it available to our community. Come find us at the Sunday market or get in touch to arrange a pickup.
Produced seasonally · Sobremesa Farm, Bloomington, IN