Bokashi composting is a Japanese fermentation technique that converts organic food waste into high-quality fertilizer in only 14 days. This method is highly efficient for agricultural systems because it retains approximately 90% of nutrients, unlike traditional composting which loses significant value through gas emissions.
What Is Bokashi?
Developed in Japan by Dr. Teruo Higa, Bokashi is a fermentation process that turns all food waste—including meat, dairy, and oils that traditional composting cannot handle—into premium fertilizer in just 14 days.
| Feature | Traditional Compost | Bokashi |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 3-6 months | 14 days |
| Meat/dairy | Cannot compost | ✅ Yes |
| Smell | Can be unpleasant | Pickled smell (mild) |
| Space needed | Large pile | Small bucket |
| Nutrient loss | 40-60% lost as gas | 90% retained |
How to Make Bokashi
| Step | What You Do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get airtight container (bucket with lid) | $2-5 |
| 2 | Add food waste (anything organic) | $0 |
| 3 | Sprinkle EM bran (effective microorganisms) | $0.50/batch |
| 4 | Press down to remove air | $0 |
| 5 | Seal airtight | $0 |
| 6 | Wait 14 days | $0 |
| 7 | Bury in soil for 1-2 weeks | $0 |
| Total | — | $2.50-5.50 |
Making Your Own EM (No Purchase Needed)
| Ingredient | Source | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rice wash water | Any household | $0 |
| Milk | Any farm | $0.20 |
| Molasses/sugar | Local shop | $0.20 |
| Total | — | $0.40 |
For $0.40, you can create your own effective microorganisms that replace the need for store-bought inoculants.
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Why Bokashi Is Perfect for Smallholder Agriculture
| Factor | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 14-day cycle | Fast nutrient turnaround |
| Handles all waste | Including fish waste from coastal areas |
| Small space | Works in urban and rural plots |
| No turning | Low labor requirement |
| 90% nutrient retention | Maximizes soil health |
| Builds soil | Fermented matter feeds soil microbes |
| Pairs with KNF | Complements Korean Natural Farming philosophies |
The Impact on a Smallholder Farmer's Season
For a farmer, this rapid composting cycle means that soil amendments can be generated quickly during the growing season. By utilizing waste materials already present on the farm, such as crop residues or food scraps, the farmer reduces reliance on expensive chemical inputs. This creates a sustainable cycle where soil microbes are constantly replenished, helping maintain plant health throughout the season.
Frequently asked questions
Can I compost citrus peels using Bokashi?
Yes, Bokashi is excellent for all types of organic food waste, including citrus peels, which are often avoided in traditional worm bins.
Why does Bokashi smell like pickles?
Bokashi uses an anaerobic fermentation process with beneficial bacteria, which produces a mild, vinegary or "pickled" scent rather than the rot associated with traditional composting.
What happens if I don't have molasses?
Brown sugar is a suitable substitute for molasses as a food source for the microorganisms used in the fermentation process.
Learn more about how we support agriculture by visiting our blog on turning waste into fertilizer or exploring how satellite data helps farmers. You can also discover more about our work with the COJAZ cooperative at Maputo Bridge Capital.
Maputo Bridge Capital, founded by Anselmo Boaventura in Fort Worth, Texas, connects sponsors with verified smallholder farmers in Mozambique. You can sponsor a farmer starting from $25 by visiting /sponsor-a-farmer-mozambique. Please note that these sponsorships are gifts, not investments, and are not tax-deductible.