In modern organic farming practices, fermented plant juice (FPJ), an ecological fertilizer originating from natural farming methods in South Korea, is gaining increasing popularity among farmers due to its unique production process and significant application effects. This method, which transforms plant materials into a nutrient-rich liquid through lactic acid fermentation, not only achieves the resource utilization of agricultural waste but also provides a natural and efficient solution for soil health and plant growth.
The Natural Wisdom of Raw Material Selection
The primary key to producing high-quality FPJ lies in the careful selection of raw materials. Plant materials harvested in the early morning are ideal, as the water content within the plant is highest and growth hormones are most active at this time. Rapidly growing, vibrant plant parts are often richer in nutrients; for example, fresh leaves of gromwell, tender shoots of nettle, tips of bamboo shoots, or side shoots of cucumbers and runners of strawberries are all excellent raw materials for making FPJ.
An organic farmer in Jeju Island, South Korea, shared his experience: every spring, he collects tender leaves of wild gromwell from the local area to make FPJ. This plant not only grows rapidly but also contains abundant minerals and growth hormones. He emphasized that the harvested plants do not need to be washed because the natural microorganisms attached to their surface are crucial participants in the fermentation process. This detail is the essence of Korean natural farming—respecting and utilizing the integrity and balance of the natural ecosystem.
Precise Control of the Production Process The production of FPJ is like a meticulous ecological experiment, requiring careful attention to every step. In the raw material preparation stage, cutting the harvested plants into pieces no larger than 1 cm is crucial. This maximizes the contact area between the plants and the sugar, promoting juice release. The chopped plants are thoroughly mixed and kneaded with organic brown sugar or molasses in a 1:1 weight ratio until all plant pieces are evenly coated with the syrup.
A Japanese expert with thirty years of experience in natural farming research particularly emphasized the importance of the mixing stage: “Kneading by hand is not just physical mixing, but also a process of energy exchange.” He suggested maintaining a focused and peaceful mindset while kneading, as this traditional method embodies the philosophical reflection on the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.
Scientific Management of the Fermentation Environment
Fermentation is the core step in FPJ production, and the control of environmental conditions directly affects the quality of the final product. The ideal fermentation temperature should be maintained between 22-25 degrees Celsius, and choosing a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight is crucial. For containers, glass or ceramic materials are the best choice because they do not chemically react with the fermentation products. The container filling level should be controlled at around 75%, leaving sufficient space for gas release.
An ecological farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand, has accumulated rich experience in this area. They found that placing the mixed raw materials in a mesh bag and then weighing it down with a clean weight not only effectively promotes juice seepage but also facilitates subsequent solid-liquid separation. During fermentation, observing the color change of the liquid through the container is an important indicator of fermentation progress: from an initial green to yellow, and finally to dark brown, while emitting a sweet wine-like aroma, these are all signs of successful fermentation.
Flexible Adjustments for Practical Application
The use of FPJ needs to be flexibly adjusted according to specific circumstances. Foliar spraying is the most common application method, with a dilution ratio typically between 1:500 and 1:1000. A Taiwanese organic tea farmer shared his experience: during the tea bush’s new shoot emergence period, applying a 1000-fold diluted FPJ solution as a foliar spray weekly significantly enhanced the tea bush’s disease resistance and resulted in a more intense aroma.
Soil irrigation requires more caution. The dilution ratio should be controlled between 1:200 and 1:500, and the soil should be thoroughly watered before application to avoid damaging the root system with excessive fertilizer concentration. A rice farmer in the Philippines, after adopting this method, found that his rice plants had more developed root systems, a 15% increase in tillers, and a significant yield increase.
Seed treatment is another important use of FPJ. Soaking seeds in a 1000-fold diluted FPJ solution for 4-6 hours can significantly improve germination rate and seedling vigor. Vegetable growers in Vietnam have used this method to shorten seed germination time by an average of 2 days, resulting in stronger seedlings.
Quality Control and Problem Solving Various problems may arise during FPJ production; proper handling methods are crucial. If the fermentation product has a rotten smell, it is likely due to contaminated raw materials or insufficient sugar content. In this case, the safest approach is to discard the batch, thoroughly clean all tools, and start again.
If insufficient juice is released during fermentation, a small amount of dechlorinated water can be added to promote juice seepage. If mold appears on the surface, it usually indicates that the plant material was not fully submerged in the juice; in the next batch, the sugar ratio can be increased or the raw materials can be compacted more thoroughly.
Ecological Value and Significance for Promotion
The production and application of FPJ embodies the concept of circular agriculture. Converting plant waste into high-efficiency fertilizer not only reduces resource waste but also lowers agricultural dependence on chemical fertilizers. A small farmers’ cooperative in Kerala, India, has reduced fertilizer expenditures for its member farmers by 60% and significantly improved soil quality by promoting FPJ technology.
More profoundly, FPJ technology re-establishes the connection between people and land, and between crops and nature. By making and using this natural fertilizer themselves, farmers are paying closer attention to crop growth and gaining a deeper understanding of the life-sustaining properties of the soil. This awakening of ecological awareness has a more lasting impact than mere technology promotion.
From harvesting plants covered in dew at dawn to the meticulously formulated fermentation process and its scientific application in the fields, the production and application of FPJ demonstrates an agricultural production method that respects nature and follows its laws. In today’s pursuit of sustainable agricultural development, this ecological agricultural practice, which combines traditional wisdom with modern science, offers inspiring solutions for our food production and environmental protection.
Scaling Up: From FPJ to Industrial Biofertilizer Production
While FPJ represents a small-scale, artisanal approach to fermentation, scaling up organic fertilizer production for commercial markets requires robust industrial systems. The core of this scale-up lies in advanced fermentation composting technology for organic fertilizer. Key equipments required for biofertilizer production transition from simple jars to sophisticated machinery designed for efficiency and consistency. For large-volume aerobic processing, trough-type aerobic fermentation composting technology is highly effective, utilizing a series of long, narrow channels where temperature and aeration are precisely controlled. The material is turned regularly within these troughs by a specialized double screws compost turning machine, which thoroughly mixes and aerates the biomass to accelerate decomposition. For open-air windrow operations, a large wheel compost turner or a windrow composting machine is essential, driving over long piles to introduce oxygen and regulate moisture and temperature—core principles of modern fermentation composting turning technology. Furthermore, precise feedstock formulation is achieved through systems like the multiple silos single weigh static batching system, which ensures accurate proportional mixing of diverse organic materials (like crop residues, manure, and microbial inoculants) before they enter the fermentation phase. This integration of precise batching with controlled aerobic fermentation forms the backbone of a high-capacity, quality-controlled organic biofertilizer plant.