Bokashi Composting

Bokashi Composting - A Basic Overview

Bokashi composting is an anaerobic fermentation technique which takes place through a two-step process: 

1. Food waste treated with Bokashi Bran and fermented in an airtight container for 2 weeks after the bucket is full; 

2. The Pre-compost post fermentation can be added directly to the soil, fed to the earthworms for vermicomposting, or mixed with browns to convert into compost.

Bokashi composting developed out of traditional farming practices in East Asia. The particular mix of microbes used in modern bokashi composting were created in Japan in the 1980s and are called Effective Microorganisms (EM). These include lactobacillus, yeast and phototropic Bacteria.

Step 1: Collection of food waste in an airtight bokashi bucket, and its fermentation

Step 2: Adding the prepared pre-compost post fermentation to soil- In the ground, in a soil pot., or a vermiculture pit.


Pros and Cons

Bokashi Composting

Pros

  • It can safely include a greater variety of food waste than hot composting, including meat, bones, dairy and cooked foods.
  • It can be done mostly or entirely indoors, making it a good method for offices, schools, or apartments. The fermenting step is always done indoors, and the composting step can happen indoors or outdoors.
  • Because the buckets are kept sealed, it reduces the risk of odours and pests, such as rodents and flies.
  • Waste breaks down more rapidly than with most hot composting. Food waste can be reliably broken down into finished compost in 1-2 months.

Cons

  • It requires regular additions of bokashi bran or another EM inoculant to work. This bran will have to be purchased or mixed at home.
  • It is meant primarily for food waste. It does not have enough room to deal with grass clippings, leaves, or other yard waste.
  • As the turnaround time for the compost to be ready is shorter (6 weeks as compared to 4 to 6 months), the bucket needs more frequent attention than an outdoor traditional composting pit.

Things you should and should not put in your Bokashi Bucket

Step 1: Collection of food waste in an airtight bokashi bucket, and its fermentation

Step 2: Adding the prepared pre-compost post fermentation to soil- In the ground, in a soil pot., or a vermiculture pit.

Pros and Cons

Bokashi Composting

Pros

Cons

Things you should and should not put in your Bokashi Bucket