Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Organic Fermentation?

It is the process of pickling organic waste material. It is done in a specialized container by excluding oxygen with microbes that are added to the food scraps in the container. It is comprised of wheat bran, molasses and microorganism. When Microbial culture mix is added to organic waste, the microbes immediately begin to grow causing the material to ferment.

What are microbes?

Microbes are living cellular organisms so small that they are only visible with a microscope. The microbes in the Fermentation culture mix come from 3 different groups - Lactobacilli, Fungi/yeast, and phototropic bacilli. This combination has been proven to rapidly degrade (ferment) organic waste while suppressing the growth of other potentially dangerous organisms.

Will the microbes cause harm to humans or animals?

No. These microbes are very common in nature and considered non-pathogenic. Each has a specialized function and they work well together. They are found in foods we eat like cheese, yogurt, breads and wines.

What does the term anaerobic fermentation mean?

It means oxygen is excluded during the breakdown process. Technically during the fermentation process small amounts of oxygen may be present. The process works best when the oxygen levels are very low and is inhibited when oxygen is present.

How long does it take to ferment organic waste?

Containers are designed to optimize the fermentation process. It normally takes only 7-10 days to completely degrade the organic waste so it can then be placed in the ground.

What to do with the liquid?

The liquid removed is loaded with microbes and nutrients. Dilute the liquid 50 to 1 with water and then use it with regular watering cycles for farms, turf and lawn care so the soil will get the benefit of the nutrients and microbes. The plants should show in short order improved blooms and growth. Great for drip-irrigation delivery.

Are there other uses for the liquid?

If you pour it down the drain it will help keep the drains clean. It is very useful in preventing sludge from building and blocking drainage fields in septic systems and is a good way to minimize problems in your septic system. Just use the liquid undiluted and poor it down the drain.

Do I have to worry about gases being produced during fermentation process?

No. Unlike composting, no measurable gases are being produced and you will not notice any bad odors. No methane gas is produced.

Will vermin be attracted?

No. This is a great advantage. Because the system is completely sealed no mice, rats, cockroaches, or other pests will be attracted to the fermenting organic waste.

What's the difference between compost and fermented end product from the soil?

The fermented waste end product after the soil microbes have finished the process is far richer in organic content and nutrients. In the process no greenhouse gases were produced and no heat was generated which is quite the opposite from composting where many polluting gases and heat were allowed to escape to the atmosphere. Composting reduces the mass of material by more then 50%. Fermentation leaves the mass of material virtually unchanged. The moisture content for fermented end product is much higher so this soil does not desiccate (dry) the soil as does compost. You are conserving water in the ground. The organic nutrients in the soil after fermentation are not as water soluble as are the nutrients derived from composting (by oxidation) and are therefore less prone to leaching away with watering and run-off after rains.