Question 1

Can Bokashi help with carbon sequestration in soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can! Bokashi waste contributes to the creation of humus, a stable form of organic matter that locks carbon into the soil for long periods. By increasing soil organic content, Bokashi composting supports healthier soils that store more carbon, helping to combat climate change while improving soil fertility.

Question 2

Is Bokashi safe for growing vegetables and fruits?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In fact, it’s ideal. The nutrient-rich compost it produces is perfect for vegetable patches and fruit trees. However, after burying Bokashi waste or using soil factory compost, wait 2–4 weeks before planting directly on top to allow the waste to fully integrate and neutralise.

Question 3

Does Bokashi work for improving sandy or clay soils?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Bokashi composting benefits all soil types:

For sandy soil: It adds organic matter, improving water retention and nutrient-holding capacity.

For clay soil: It helps break up compacted soil, improving aeration and drainage.

The microbes in Bokashi waste also improve soil structure by binding particles together into aggregates, creating a more balanced and productive soil.

Question 4

How does Bokashi help with nutrient recycling in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Bokashi is brilliant for nutrient recycling because the fermentation process locks in nutrients instead of letting them escape as gas. When Bokashi waste is added to soil:

Microbes convert nutrients: Microbes break complex nutrients into plant-available forms like nitrates and phosphates.

Reduces leaching: Nutrients are stabilised in the soil, preventing them from washing away.

Improves nutrient balance: The diverse range of nutrients in Bokashi waste enhances soil fertility and supports plant growth.

Question 5

How do I know my Bokashi bin is working?

Accepted Answer

There are clear signs your Bokashi bin is fermenting properly:

Smell: A tangy, pickled odour (not a rotten smell).

Appearance: The food waste will look slightly discoloured but not decomposed.

Liquid production: You should be draining Bokashi tea every few days.

If it smells bad or you see mould other than white, fluffy growth, it might not be working correctly. Check the seal on your bin and the ratio of food to bran.

Question 6

Can Bokashi composting reduce methane emissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, massively! Traditional food waste in landfill decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane—a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than CO₂. Bokashi composting prevents this by fermenting waste instead of letting it rot. The process creates organic acids instead of methane, making it a climate-friendly solution for food waste management.

Question 7

How is Bokashi linked to human health and gut health?

Accepted Answer

It all starts with healthy soil. Here’s the chain:

Soil microbes = healthier plants: Plants grown in microbially rich soil are more nutrient-dense.

Better food = better gut health: Eating nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits feeds the beneficial bacteria in our guts, improving digestion, immunity, and mental health.

Reduced chemical inputs: Bokashi can reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, leading to cleaner, healthier food.

So, by using Bokashi to improve soil health, you’re effectively supporting human health at the same time.

Question 8

How does Bokashi benefit soil health?

Accepted Answer

Bokashi waste is packed with microbes that improve soil structure and fertility. When added to the soil, it:

Feeds microbes: These microbes improve nutrient availability, break down organic matter, and suppress harmful pathogens.

Improves soil structure: The process increases aeration and water retention, helping plants thrive.

Adds organic acids: These acids improve nutrient absorption by plants and reduce soil pH issues.

Increases humus content: Humus is the organic matter in soil that holds water and nutrients, and Bokashi contributes to its production.

Question 9

How does Bokashi-fermented waste improve soil health compared to just burying waste?

Accepted Answer

When you bury raw food waste, it decomposes slowly and unevenly, often creating pockets of anaerobic (oxygen-starved) decay that can attract pests and produce harmful gases like methane.

Decomposes faster: Microbes in the waste immediately go to work, enriching the soil.

Feeds soil life: Beneficial bacteria and fungi thrive on the organic acids and nutrients, improving soil structure and fertility.

Enhances nutrient cycling: Bokashi breaks down nutrients into plant-available forms, so your garden gets an instant boost.

The result? A healthier, more resilient soil ecosystem.

Question 10

What’s the science behind Bokashi composting?

Accepted Answer

Bokashi relies on effective microorganisms (EMs), primarily lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria. These microbes work together to ferment organic matter in an oxygen-free environment, breaking it down into simpler compounds. Fermentation preserves nutrients, reduces pathogens, and produces beneficial by-products like organic acids. Unlike traditional composting, where heat is generated and nutrients can be lost, Bokashi locks in the goodness, creating a nutrient-rich product for your soil.