Natural Farming: How to Make a Concoction of Indigenous Microorganisms

Natural farming is an excellent way of bringing back health to the soil. This is a more effective, sustainable, and environment-friendly way to grow plants compared to organic farming (see previous post titled Facts About Natural Farming). The key ingredients in making it work are the indigenous microorganisms present in the soil.

The Importance of Microorganisms

Beneficial microorganisms are employed in agriculture as agents of nitrogen fixation, and as a means to suppress insects and plant diseases. This will lead to improved crop quality and yield while reducing the need for labor. It is a no till farming technique. The application of beneficial microorganisms to the soil can enhance its capacity to support plants. 

Periodically applying cultured beneficial microorganisms to the soil can bring back natural processes into play and enrich the organic components of the soil. This will lead to a greater diversity of useful microorganisms. The greater the diversity of microorganisms, the greater the diversity of crops that it can support. The culture becomes more effective in combination with crop residues, animal manure and even municipal wastes.

A concoction of these beneficial microorganisms can be produced by following the instructions below.

Materials Needed

1 kilo of cooked rice

wooden box (8.5" x 11" x 3") open on one side

transparent plastic

clean sheet of paper

clay jar

1 kilo of crude sugar

Procedure

1. Put the one kilo of cooked rice in the wooden box.

2. Cover the box with a clean sheet of paper and tie firmly with a string.

3. Cover the box with plastic to keep out rainwater, insects and small rodents.

4. Place the box in a safe place in the forest or amongst the leaf litter.

5. Remove the plastic and sheet of paper after three days. Molds will form on top of the rice.

6. Place the rice with molds into a clay jar. Mix with one kilo of crude sugar.

7. Cover the jar with a clean sheet of paper and tie firmly with a string.

8. Place the jar in a cool and shaded place. After seven days this will yield a mudlike juice.

How to Use the Concoction

1. Mix two tablespoons of the juice to one liter of water.

2. Spray on soil and plants using a sprinkler or similar container.

The concoction will help revive soil nutrients, speed up composting, and make garden plants healthy and resistant to disease. 

Reference

Higa, T. and J. F. Parr. Beneficial and effective microorganisms for a sustainable agriculture and environment. Retrieved on April 18, 2010 at http://www.agriton.nl/higa.html.

Lim, A. K., 2005. Handout on natural farming system and technology seminar. Davao: Tribal Mission Foundation International, Inc.