The specific power of Lacto
Carandang explains that one can also home in on specific microbes for targeted results. The most useful is
Lacto bacillus. This microorganism is the workhorse of the human digestive system (though luckily it is also found elsewhere). On the farm its used for similar tasks of digestion, something Dierks was relieved to hear last winter after the NOP had mandated that all manure be fully broken down before use. He applied his
L. bacillus culture to the mound of manure beside his field, and the composting was faster than ever. Similarly, when sprayed on plants,
L. bacilli will digest the biomass on the leaves and stemsdust, for instance, or mudthus making that free food available to its host.
Lacto is the only microbe Carandang will mention by name, but it is only one of millions that can be collected and used. His instructions are characteristically simple: walk around the farm, find elements you want to reproduce, and collect the microbes that surround them. You could get the microbes from around a particularly robust tomato plant and spray that on next years crop. (These concoctions last for months, even years.) To make a growth promoter, find a beanstalk growing like mad, clip the leaves at the top of vine (where all the growth is happening) and make a brew of the resident microbes. Do it with bamboo, or even kelp, which grows inches each day.
In the Philippines, we use water lettuce, Carandang says. We spray it on the cucumbers and boom! You can do that and be three or five days ahead of the other local farmers. If youre a market gardener, that can be a big deal.
After talking for nearly seven hours straight, Carandang ends the workshop because the daylight is starting to fade. The energy in the barn only rises. Despite the chill in the air and the stiff legs it granted us, we are all now bustling about, discussing how we planalreadyto put the technology to work.
Alan Mart does organic landscaping and soil management plans. His first thought is to collect the microbes from willow roots, which suffer no transplant shock, and apply them to other, more fragile specimens that hes planting.
Patty Salmon is a goat rancher who has been turning her farm organic for years, but has always hit a wall when it comes to feed. With only 8 acres, she cant possibly grow all the grain and forage for her herd of 100. Carandang explained that his brother, a chicken farmer, ferments his feed and applies Lacto bacillus to it. This causes a pre-digestion that makes a greater percentage of the nutrients available to the chickens, and results in their eating less. Salmon thinks maybe she can extend her reach by doing the same.
Also conferring are Doug Gallagher and Annabelle Lenderink, from Star Route Farms, one of the oldest and most venerated organic farms in the country. Gallagher heard about beneficial microorganisms 25 years ago, and the farm is already using some store-bought varieties to combat lettuce drop and mildew. Theyve had moderate success, though Gallagher admits they continue using them less because of quantifiable effects and more because he believes in the concept. Hes hopeful that will change with microbes collected from the farms forested acreage, which have evolved to thrive in that particular piece of land. And if not, well, at least theyre free.
Of course Carandang is swarmed with students and their questions after the talk. While waiting their turns, a few pick up the two clean brown bottles on the larger folding table. They contain Carandangs own
Lacto bacillus culture, made back in the Philippines. He brings them along to demonstrate a finished product, but he also has a few for sale. Frankly, though, for all his charms, hes a terrible businessman. One workshop student carries a bottle over to him and asks the price.
hxxp://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/features/0404/microorgs/index.shtml
If anyone needs pics on how to make it just ask and i'll post step by step pics
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