Compost with wool and lactic ferments

Do you know what lactic ferments are? In this post I explain how to make compost without animal manure, using microorganisms created from a mother broth.

In 2022, we had the opportunity to carry out a series of tests with the aim of evaluating wool composting, introducing effective and sustainable ferments. Together with Bernadi, from Huerto del Ermitaño, an expert in the process, we immersed ourselves in these tests, sharing the tasks. It was an enriching experience that allowed us to explore new ways to care for our soils and improve the health of our plants.

Preparing the Mother Broth

Bernadí was in charge of preparing the Mother Broth, a ferment rich in microorganisms that serves as a base for various agricultural applications. The ingredients include rice, wheat bran, milk, molasses and apple cider vinegar, as well as tools such as pH strips and a scale to measure accurately.

Mother Broth Preparation Schedule;

• Tuesday 5/16/23: Preparing the rice
  At 8:00, he soaked 1 kilo of rice with 2 liters of water in a glass container. This step allows the starches to be released and the natural yeasts present in the rice to be activated. He stirred it vigorously and left it to rest in a warm place, stirring it again occasionally.
  At 19:30, he filtered the rice, obtaining 1600 ml of milky liquid, which he left to ferment covered with gauze to allow oxygen to enter while avoiding external contamination.
• Friday 5/19/23: Incorporating bran and milk
  At 11:45, he added 320 grams of bran to the fermented liquid. This step provides additional energy to the yeasts thanks to the starches and sugars present in the bran. At 19:00, he strained the mixture, obtaining 1 liter of a whey rich in microorganisms.
  At 19:45, he added 2 liters of milk to the whey, promoting the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria, which break down lactose in the whey.
• Saturday 20/5/23: Refining the ferment
  The next day, at 16:00, he removed the rennet that had formed during fermentation. He added 1 liter of water and 500 grams of sugar, thus ensuring that the bacteria had enough energy to continue their development. He let it ferment again.
• Friday 26/5/23: 3 Liters ready to use!
  After several days of fermentation, the lactic acid bacteria were ready to be used. This resulting ferment is a product rich in microbial life that can be applied to different projects, from enriching soils to boosting agricultural production.

 

Wool Compost and Lactic Ferments

This composting was a unique project in which we combined forest bioshredding (wild olive and myrtle) with layers of wool. To start the process, we carried out the first irrigation with water inoculated with lactic ferments, approximately 120L, and formed a lasagna-type pile that we managed and supervised for 9 months. Here I share with you the details of its evolution:

Start of the Process:

• 05/26/23: We created the compost pile using 10 layers of forest bioshredding alternating with 10 layers of wool. This mixture rich in carbon and nitrogen is ideal to start the decomposition.

Turning and Temperature Adjustments:

• 06/02/23: We carried out the first turning to ensure adequate aeration and maintain microbial activity.
• 06/20/23: Second turning to continue oxygenating and balance the humidity.
• 06/27/23: We lowered the pile height, as the temperature had been too high for a long time (61°C), which could slow down microbial activity if not adjusted.

Hydration and Maintenance:

• 07/06/23: We soaked the compost pile to correct any dry areas.
• 07/12/23: Second hydration.
• 07/20/23: Third hydration of the pile.
• 07/21/23: We turned the pile again, making sure to thoroughly moisten any areas that were still too dry.

Process Review:

• 10/24/23: Sara came to the garden to check on the compost. In her opinion, the process was progressing somewhat slowly, probably due to the characteristics of the materials or the handling of the pile.

Final Phase and Use:

• 01/02/24: We removed the pile and moistened it once more, ensuring that all the layers were properly integrated.
• 02/14/24: Sara finished the composting process. After almost 9 months, the compost was ready for use.
• 05/02/24: We took a sample of the compost, diluted it, and filtered it with a coffee strainer. We analyzed the pH and EC, obtaining optimal values ​​for field application.
• May 2024: Bernadi decided to use the compost for his cornfield crop; pumpkin, corn, and beans, that spring.
  Discovering Life in Compost

In November 2024, thanks to APAEMA, we had the opportunity to participate in an incredible Beneficial Microorganisms workshop taught by the magnificent Isadora Schmidt from Terra-Viva. In this workshop,we were able to analyze the soil of the milpa with the fermented compost under the microscope, and the surprise was huge:

We found nematodes!

This discovery was a clear indicator that we were on the right track. Nematodes are beneficial organisms that contribute to soil health and the efficient decomposition of organic matter.

Conclusion

When we take care of what we do, we generate life and fertile soil. The combination of composting with wool, inoculation with lactic ferments and constant monitoring of the process allowed us to obtain excellent quality compost. This project not only enriched our soils, but also taught us how to work with natural processes to achieve sustainable and effective results. If you want to see a summary, click here.

If you are interested in learning more about lactic ferments or how to make your own mother broth, do not hesitate to write to us. We will be happy to share the recipe and more details about this process!