By Miguel Ordoñez Reviewed by: Silvia Maroto


Cannabis growers are always on the lookout for new growing techniques. Could bokashi help you achieve your best harvest ever? Read on to learn about this unique Japanese soil amendment.

WHAT IS BOKASHI?

Bokashi is a Japanese word meaning “fermented organic matter”. It’s a composting technique derived from ancient methods of fertilisation based on anaerobic fermentation processes catalysed by mixtures of particular microbes[1].

Bokashi leverages the principles of inoculated fermentation, just like beer. Grain fermented[2] by bacteria named effective microorganisms (EM) is normally used to start the organic waste transformation process.

Bokashi is today appreciated by organic growers as a sustainable soil amendment that supports great results, increasing plant health and yield without using chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Many cannabis growers have started to prepare their own bokashi[3] as well, using it alone or in a compost mix to leverage all of their home and garden waste's fertilising potential.

IS BOKASHI BETTER THAN COMPOSTING?

Bokashi might be considered better than regular compost as it contains more nitrogen, one of the most important nutrients for the cannabis vegetative growth phase[4] and the most likely to be scarce in regular soil.

However, the most evident and immediate advantage of bokashi is its velocity. Traditional food and gardening waste composting techniques take at least three months to prepare, and a lot of the fertilising potential of the raw material is dispersed into the environment.

With bokashi, it takes only a matter of weeks to create a concentrated fertiliser for your plants, with no oxidation dissipating organic matter, methane, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere[5]. Moreover, this fermented material is an excellent add-on to a worm composting bin.

Bokashi composting requires less space than regular composting simply because it does not require air in the composting bin. The use of the airtight bokashi container also allows for easier indoor composting without odour and unwanted insects.

Bokashi requires a specific airtight bucket with holes on the bottom so liquid produced during fermentation can drain off[6]. This byproduct is itself a good fertiliser for directly watering plants, and it can even be diluted to use as a foliar spray.

Bokashi, a new composting method

ARE THERE ANY CONS?

Yes. Since regular compost has already undergone significant decomposition, more nutrients are immediately available to the roots. On the other hand, bokashi ferment has not started the decomposition process yet, thus most of its nutrients are still tied up in large molecules, and roots cannot absorb them quickly.

That’s why bokashi can’t be applied to the surface of the soil. It must either be buried or added to a traditional compost. While the fermentation process is quick, the final decomposition in soil is not, thus it’s not too clear when bokashi’s nutrients become available to your plants’ roots.

No homemade fertiliser—compost and bokashi ferment included—can be assumed to be pathogen free. Both techniques could in fact transfer pathogens to the garden, even if this is probably not the most likely cause for a cannabis crop infestation.

We must also consider that bokashi does not work well with the carbon-rich material found in gardens. Composting is better at getting rid of the type of organic waste generated by most gardens, so bokashi does not substitute the composting bin in most organic farming.

Finally, we need to remember that, aside from a little loss of liquid content, bokashi weighs the same before and after the fermenting process, while compost significantly reduces in weight. The practical result is a larger amount of ferment needed to provide the same level of nutrients as compost.

MAKING BOKASHI FERMENT AT HOME

The bokashi process allows growers to feed their plants using only kitchen and garden waste, including meat and dairy, which are not suitable for other forms of composting.

You can buy kits to help you get started with bokashi, or you can make your own by following one of the bokashi bran recipes you can find online. Complete procedures and ingredients, together with some pro tips, can be found as well.

Some gardeners grow their own EM, but the exact microbial content of a homemade bacterial inoculation is hard to estimate. Buying your microbes from a qualified reseller ensures you get the three fundamental types of lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and photosynthetic bacteria needed for a complete bokashi process.

To start your ferment, put your kitchen scraps in the bokashi bin and cover them with some EM inoculated roughage such as wheat bran or sawdust. As you throw more food scraps in the bin, also add more bran. Just use a bit of caution in selecting what to put in your airtight bokashi container: You should avoid rotten food, large bones, shells and shellfish, synthetic fabric, milk, and other liquids.

You should also drain food scraps so they are not too wet, but be prepared; we mentioned before that you’ll have to deal with some liquid draining from the bottom of the bin. Store it properly or just use it in your next nutrients mix.

Once the bokashi bucket is full, keep it closed and allow to ferment at room temperature for 2–3 weeks. After this fermenting phase, bokashi is ready to complete its controlled biodegradation in the soil.

Once the bokashi bucket is full, keep it closed and allow to ferment at room temperature for 2–3 weeks

BOKASHI AND CANNABIS

Bokashi activates microbial synergy in soil, resulting in increased availability of carbohydrates, enzymes, amino acids, and organic acids for your plants’ roots. This is exactly what many specialised nutrition and root stimulation products do. However, just like any cannabis nutrient solution or additive, don’t expect magic.

Studies on bokashi are almost nonexistent. Some believe bokashi could revolutionise weed growing, and maybe agriculture in general, yet there is poor scientific evidence of its benefits to yield, except in some individual situations. However, recycling your kitchen waste and producing sustainable nutrients for your plants doesn’t hurt us or the planet.

HOW TO USE BOKASHI

After amending your soil with bokashi, just transplant your young cannabis plant and water it. This fermented compost is a powerful source of slow-release nutrition, and it will attract worms, fungi, bacteria, and other beneficial organisms[7]. For a stronger fertiliser, you can add other organic amendments to increase the natural nutrient levels of your bokashi according to the NPK needs of your plant.

As we said, when bokashi is introduced to your garden, it develops networks of microbes within the soil. That’s why a white film can be seen on the surface. This is the growth of bacterial filaments known as Actinomycetales, which are good for the soil and your plants! These microorganisms give the soil its earthy smell and are common microbes in healthy compost. When this kind of microbial life is high, you need fewer chemicals to satisfy your plants!

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: