01.08.2022
Organic Fertilizer based on Cow Dung
problem & solution
Some fields of the YAAT farm in Dondo have deteriorated over the years and soil fertility is declining. The price of fertilizers is high and increasing rapidly.
The soil is also low in organic matter and test results recommended the addition of 2-3 tons of organic material per hectare.
The solution was to collect cow dung for the production of Bokashi compost. Bokashi can improve soil structure and fertility, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and production costs, while promoting sustainable agriculture, soil conservation and environmental protection.
the experience
The necessary ingredients for Bokashi were cow dung, charcoal powder, fresh milk, dry straw, fresh grass from legumes or cereals, sugar and ROYAL (rice- and wheat bran flour mix with essential microbes) plus water. These were mixed and covered with a black plastic sheet. After 45 days of fermentation the compost was ready for use.
We mixed 5% of our Bokashi with another 15 % of dry grass plus 80% of black soil, filled it into sacks and grew tomatoes and green peppers in it. We achieved good results from it.
Challenges
- Limited availability of cow dung
- Ingredients such as milk and sugar maybe too costly for small farmers
- Ready to use "Royal Bran Bokashi Mix" may not be available everywhere
Impact
- Sustainable agricultural practise: higher crop yields and improved soil conservation, fertility and structure
- Savings on fertilizers
- Reduction of greenhouse gases
- Healthier food
Lessons Learned
- We learned how to make Bokashi to improve soil fertility and to obtain higher yields
- It would be good to do a controlled trial to determine how much yield increase was actually achieved compared to chemical fertilizers
