Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Documentation
Day 1-7:
Materials for organic waste compost
A fermentative microorganism is required in order to compost organic waste. These can be obtained from
fermented foods. In Japan, these include yoghurt, natto, rice malt, pickles, kimuchi, dry yeast, etc. Fermented foods
are also available in many countries. Actinomycete breaks down fibers. Actinomycete can be found in leaf mold. The
white bacteria on fallen leaves in forests is actinomycete. Basidiomycete breaks down woody substances, and
breaks down the hard fibers in organic waste. Fungus are comprised of clusters of basidiomycete. For this reason,
fungus is included here. For safety reasons, commercially available fungus or mushrooms are advised.
In countries without fermented foods, fermentative microorganisms can be found on the surface of fruits and
vegetables. We will show you how to produce fermenting liquid with vegetables, fruits, and salt water. Locally grown
fruit should be used for this. Any leaf or fruiting vegetable (not root vegetables) may be used. The skin of fruits and
vegetables contains lactic acid bacteria and yeast, which act to protect the fruit/vegetable from the outside. Root
vegetables also carry soil bacteria, so are to be avoided. How to make the mix. Make up salt water. The water
should be 1-2% salted, roughly equivalent to the flavor of soup. Leaves and skin from vegetables, as well as the skin
of fruits, should be added. There is no need to add the fruits itself. Once everything has been placed in the container
it should be closed. Since gas is produced by the fermenting liquid, the lid should be loosened. The fermentative
microorganisms will proliferate in 3-5 days. The measure of success is if the mixture smells slightly sour, like a
pickle. If it smells like alcohol then the process is complete.
Rice straw, fallen leaves, wheat bran, leaf mold, hay, etc.
Rice straw, fallen leaves, wheat bran, leaf mold, hay, etc., can also be used in place of rice husks. Adding around
10% weight of rice bran will promote the proliferation of bacteria. Add the fermenting liquid to the base materials,
and mix well. If necessary, add water to maintain an appropriate level of liquid. Add leaf mold if available. If not
available, add an additional quantity of fallen leaves.
Fermentation
Cover the fermenting bed with breathable fabric to ensure that insects do not get in. The cover can be made from
jute bags, newspaper or fabric. Sometimes heat can begin to be generated inside the materials after a day or so.
The compost is ready when white bacteria have proliferated across its surface. This takes between three days and a
week. If there is less rice bran in the mix, it may take longer, however. This completes the fermenting bed. If this is to
be distributed to households, it should be dried for ease of transportation. Once the fermenting bed has been dried,
it can be stored for long periods.
A container
A container is required for household compost. Use a breathable container. A shopping basket, bamboo basket,
earthenware pot or cardboard box can be used as a container. If the container has large holes in it, it should be lined
with carpet, fabric, cardboard etc., in order to prevent spillage or insects from entering the container. Fill the
container 60% full with fermenting bed. Cover the bed with newspaper, then use a breathable cover such as fabric,
jute or non-woven material.