Autumn Leaves: Nature's Free Soil Improver with Bokashi
Autumn is a season of change, not just for the trees shedding their leaves but also for your garden. As the leaves fall, they offer a valuable resource for improving your soil: leaf mulch. When combined with bokashi, a Japanese fermentation process, these leaves can transform into a nutrient-rich, disease-resistant soil amendment.
Why Use Bokashi with Leaf Mulch?
Bokashi is a fermentation process that uses beneficial microorganisms to decompose organic matter quickly and efficiently. By adding bokashi to your leaf mulch, you can:
Accelerate decomposition: Bokashi helps break down leaves faster, providing nutrients to your soil more quickly.
Improve soil structure: The fermented leaves create a loose, well-aerated soil that promotes healthy root growth.
Enhance nutrient retention: Bokashi helps to retain essential nutrients in the soil, reducing nutrient leaching.
Suppress diseases: The beneficial microorganisms in bokashi can help to suppress plant diseases.
How to Make Bokashi Leaf Mulch
Rule of thumb is 2L actiferm per 1T of organic matter.
Recipe
ACTIFERM, ESSENTIAL, SEASHELL GRIT (OPTIONAL) & CLAY MINERALS (OPTIONAL)
OPTION 1 ACTIFERM Starts the fermentation process. It is a liquid composed of a variety of beneficial bacteria, fungi and yeasts, also called Effective Microorganisms (EM). Actiferm promotes the conversion of organic matter.
OPTION 2 ACTIFERM+ AEGIR SEASHELL GRIT Prevents pH fluctuation and ensures a stable pH in the Bokashi pile. Aegir is packed with essential trace elements for soil and plant.
OPTION 3 ACTIFERM + AEGIR SEASHELL GRIT + EDASIL CLAY Minerals bind moisture and important nutrients released during the fermentation process.
Instructions:
Prepare the Leaves: If the leaves are wet, dilute the Actiferm to 25ml per 10L of water. If they are dry increase the water content to 25ml for 20L. You need to get to a moisture content of 40-60% for the microbes to be able to move around the pile.
Add Actiferm: Pour the Actiferm (diluted or undiluted, depending on leaf moisture) over the leaves.
Mix: Use a shovel or pitchfork to thoroughly mix the leaves with the Actiferm.
Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, add seashell grit and clay minerals to the mixture.
Layer: Layer the leaves and add Actiferm and optional ingredients.
Compress: Gently compress the layers to reduce air pockets.
Cover: To prevent moisture loss and the elements.
When complete leave for 8-12 weeks or until your ready to use.
Using Bokashi Leaf Mulch
Once fermented, bokashi leaf mulch can be used in several ways:
Mulch: Spread the mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect against temperature fluctuations.
Soil amendment: Incorporate the mulch into your garden beds to improve soil structure and fertility.
Compost: Add the fermented leaves to your compost pile to accelerate decomposition.
Benefits of Bokashi Leaf Mulch
Sustainable: Leaves are a readily available and renewable resource.
Nutrient-rich: Bokashi leaf mulch provides essential nutrients to your plants.
Improved soil health: It helps to create a healthy, thriving soil ecosystem.
Reduced waste: By using leaves instead of discarding them, you reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable garden.
By harnessing the power of autumn leaves and bokashi, you can create a valuable soil amendment that will benefit your garden for years to come. So next time the leaves start falling, don't see them as a chore; see them as an opportunity to improve your soil and create a healthier, more sustainable garden.
