Bokashi Composting

Pros

• Handles All Food Waste: Bokashi can compost meat, dairy, and cooked food, which traditional composting methods can’t handle.
• Compact and Odourless: Ideal for small spaces and indoors, it produces little to no odour when done correctly.
• Fast Process: Bokashi fermentation takes only a few weeks, compared to months for traditional composting.
• Nutrient-Rich: The fermented material (pre-compost) and the “Bokashi tea” by-product are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, enhancing soil health.
• Reduces Landfill Waste: Diverts food waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Cons

• Requires Special Equipment: Bokashi buckets and bran are needed, though they can be reused.
• Two-Step Process: The fermented material needs further composting or burying before use.
• Not for Yard Waste: Bokashi is primarily for food scraps, not for large amounts of yard waste.
• Potential for Odour: If not managed correctly, the process can produce unpleasant smells.

Implementing Bokashi Composting (Educational Approach)

Introduction and Hands-On Learning

• Explain the Basics: Introduce the concept of composting, its benefits, and the difference between Bokashi and traditional methods.
• Show the Equipment: Demonstrate the Bokashi bucket, bran, and how they work together.
• Start the Process: Have the young people collect food scraps and layer them with bran in the bucket.
• Monitor and Observe: Regularly check the bucket, drain the “tea”, and discuss the fermentation process.

Connecting to the Farm Ecosystem

• Complete the Composting: After a few weeks, bury the fermented material in a designated area of the farm or add it to a traditional compost pile.
• Use the “Tea”: Dilute the Bokashi tea and use it to fertilise plants or crops on the farm.
• Observe the Impact: Track the growth and health of plants that receive Bokashi compost/tea compared to those that don’t.

Educational Activities

• Science Experiments: Test the pH of Bokashi tea, compare decomposition rates, and explore the microorganisms involved.
• Creative Projects: Design posters or presentations about Bokashi composting or build worm farms to further compost the fermented material.
• Field Trips: Visit other farms or composting facilities to learn about different methods and their applications.

Empowerment and Responsibility

• Assign Roles: Let young people take turns managing the Bokashi bucket, collecting scraps, and applying the compost/tea.
• Encourage Problem-Solving: Discuss challenges (e.g., odour control) and brainstorm solutions together.
• Celebrate Success: Highlight the positive impact of their efforts on the farm and the environment.

Key Benefits

• Hands-on Learning: Experiencing the process fosters a deeper understanding of composting and its role in sustainable farming.
• Environmental Awareness: They witness how food waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, reducing waste and helping the planet.
• Science Skills: Observation, experimentation, and data collection are integral to the process.
• Teamwork and Responsibility: They learn to work together, share tasks, and take ownership of the project.
• Empowerment: Seeing their efforts yield tangible results boosts their confidence and inspires them to make a positive impact.

By implementing Bokashi composting in an engaging and educational way, young people on the farm can gain valuable knowledge, skills, and a sense of environmental stewardship.