Black Soldier Fly Research

Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)

Food Waste Coversion Ratio

• 1000kg of Food Waste coversion ratio to BSF Frass ranges from 12% (120kg) to 25% BSF frass (250kg)
  
• 1000kg of Food Waste conversion ratio to BSF Larvae ranges from 5.5% to 12.5% BSF larvae (125kg)

 

 

 

Sources:

1. Frass derived from black soldier fly larvae treatment of biodegradable wastes. A critical review and future perspectives, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X22000666, 
2. Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) as recyclers of organic waste
   and possible livestock feed, https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ijbcs/article/view/181401/170797&ved=2ahUKEwjprJ6_k5mIAxV7klYBHfFWAmQQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1V8CqpKZl4kkhHvBisLd-G
3. 
   

Spirulina

Growing Spirulina

a)  Materials Needed

• Hydroponic Solution A (25ml) and B (25ml)
  
• Non-iodized Table Salt - 10 TBSP (approx 140 grams)
  
• Baking Soda - 10 TBSP (approx 140 grams)
  
• Non-chlorinated Drinking Water - 10 liters
• Aquarium Aerator (Air Pump, Hose, Air Stones)
  
• Transparent or White Plastic Pail that can hold at least 11 liters of Water 
• Spirulina Live Culture - 1 liter
  
• If grown indoor, grow lights
• If grown in non-tropical countries, aquarium water heater that can be adjusted between 30C to 38C
  

b)  Procedure 

1. Pour 5 liters of non-chlorinated water to the transparent/white pail;
2. Pour hydroponic solution A into the water and stir, then wait for 5 minutes;
3. Pour hydroponic solution B into the water and stir, then wait for 5 minutes;
   
4. Add additional 5 liters of non-chlorinated water and stir;
5. Add 10 TBSP of Baking Soda into the water and stir till dissolved;
6. Add 10 TBSP of Non-Iodized Table Salt into the water and stir till dissolve;
7. Add 1 liter of Spirulina Live Culture into the water;
8. Setup the aquarium aerator;
9. Cover the pail with transparent covering (Transparent Plastic Cover or UV Sheet is recommended);
10. Place the pail outside where it can be bathe in the sun for 5 to 7 days.
    

 

c)  Harvesting Spirulina 

1. Using an empty pail, strain (preferably using cheese cloth) the spirulina from the growing pail;
2. Wash the strained spirulina with drinking water till all salts are washed off;
   
3. Squeeze and dry the spirulina in the sun or in a mechanical dryer;
4. Approximately a 10 liter setup should yield 100 grams of spirulina powder;

 

RedHill Lactobacillus Concentrate (RLC)

RedHill Lactobacillus Concentrate (RLC)

• RLC is beneficial microbial inoculant for soil.  It is similar to EMAS, JMS, IMO and LABS.  It principally composed of different strains of lactobacillus and a small proportion of yeasts.  This simple procedure was developed by RedHill Nature Farm and Learning Site Incorporated (RNFLSI).
  

Why use RLC?

• RLC is the most cost-effective bio-fertilizer as it is a just a by-product of cooking rice.  It only uses wash rice water, which are often thrown away, as its main ingredient.

Use

• Bio-fertilizer
• Seed treatment to increase germination rate
  
• Probiotics for farm animals and pets
• Odor control for kitchen wastes
   

Materials Needed

• Softdrink bottle with cap (Preferably 1.5 or 2 liter capacity)
  
• Wash rice water (1st and 2nd wash only; Make sure that the wash rice water is cloudy like milk and not super diluted with water).  
• You can also use STALE RICE so long as the rice have no moldy growth.  When using stale rice, add water, mash the stale rice to a milky texture.  The consistency of milky texture should be the same as the wash rice. 
  

Preparation

1. Place the wash rice water in the softdrink bottle.
2. Cap tightly.  This is a MUST as we ferment the wash rice water anaerobically.
3. Wait for 3-5 days for the wash rice water to ferment.  If the softdrink bottle is hard already, it means gasses has accumulated in the bottle and the wash rice water is already teeming with lactobacillus.  It is now ready for use.
4. Dilute the RLC using 1:10 ratio of RLC to water.  Do not store RLC longer than 7 days as other microorganisms may grow besides our desired lactobacillus and yeasts.  You can always prepare a new batch.

Preservation

• Should you really need to store the RLC for much longer period than 7 days, you will need Molasses or Sugar to preserve it.  Add 50ml of Molasses to the RLC.  Cap it tighly and shake till all molasses has been dissolved.  This is ready after 3-5 days.  RLC with Molasses is good for 3-4 months.  The same dilution ratio of 1:10 RLC to water for usage.
   

 

Fermented Cow Dung and Urine Fertilizer

Ingredients

• Cow Dung - 20 kgs
• Cow Urine - 20 liters (If there is no cow urine, replace this with 20 kgs of cow dung)
  
• Molasses - 2 liters
  
• Flour - 2 kgs
• Non-chlorinated Water - 180 liters 
• (Optional) 2 liters of EMAS, JMS, LABS or PSB
  

Materials

• Drum, 200kg capacity with lid;
• Stick for stirring the ingredients;
  

Procedure

1. Fill the drum with non-chlorinated water (180 liters);
2. Pour the cow dung (20 kgs) to the drum;
3. Pour the cow urine (20 liters) to the drum;
4. Add the molasses (2 liters);
   
5. Add the flour (2 kgs);
6. If you have the microbial inoculants like EMAS, JMS, LABS or PSB, add these;
   
7. Mix all the ingredients;
8. Close the lid; label "FCDU" and "Date of Fermentation"; and ferment for 5 days;
   

Usage

• 40 liters to 1 hectare;
• Dilution Ratio is 1:200;
• Application Rate is 5 times (Seed Preparation [soak seeds for a maximum of 12 hours]; Land Preparation; First Seedling Sprout; First Flowers; First Fruit or Vegetables)
   

Compost Tea

Compost Tea is compost extract.  You can use this compost extract for drench, foliar spray or organic hydroponics.  The following procedure is good for 1 hectare:

1.  Prepare 100-200 liter plastic container for mixing;

2.  Add 3.5kg to 4kg of Compost to the plastic container;

3.  Add 90-100 liters of Non-Chlorinated Water and mix (Do not use fast mechanical stirrers);

4.  Steep the tea for 3 days, occasionally stir it slowly during the steeping time;

5.  Optional:    (a)  use aquarium bubbler to oxygenate the compost tea; (b)  you can add 1 liter of EMAS, JMS, LABS or PSB; (c) you can add 1kg of Leaf Mold Soil (LMS); (d) you can add humic acid or leonardite (300g or 1 liter); (e) you can add seaweed extract (50g or 100 liters).

USE the compost tea in place of your commercial inorganic fertilizer.

Compost tea is also known as Compost Extract or Compost Soil Extract.

Simple Procedure for Making Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (LABS)

The following procedures are the simplest and the most practical way to make Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (LABS).  

 

Procedure No. 1:  This procedure is preferred when Probiotic Milk or Natural Greek Yogurt is readily available.

Ingredients:  (1) Molasses - 50ml, (2) Probiotic Milk (e.g., Yakult, Goodday, Delight) or Natural Greek Yogurt - 50ml; and (3) Non-chlorinated Water - 900ml

1.  Get 1 liter plastic container (preferably bottle of softdrink) and pour 50ml of molasses into the plastic container;

2.  Pour 900ml of non-chlorinated water into the plastic container, cap and shake the container to dissolve the molasses;

3.  Pour 50ml of probiotic milk or natural greek yogurt into the plastic container and shake the container;

4.  Label the container as "LABS" with the date of preparation;

5.  Wait for 5-7 days for the LABS to ferment.  After that, it is ready to use.  The dilution ratio for drench and spraying is 20ml to 1 liter of water.

Procedure No. 2:  This procedure is a by-product of cooking rice.

Ingredients:  (1) Molasses - 50ml; and (2) Water from washed rice - 900ml;

1.  Get the wash water (approximately 900ml) from rice and place it in 1 liter plastic bottle, loosely cap and leave it for 1-3 days;

2.  Add 50ml molasses to the plastic bottle, tightly cap it and shake it to mix;

3.  Label the container as "LABS" with the date of preparation;

4.  Wait for 5-7 days for the LABS to ferment.  After that, it is ready to use.  The dilution ratio for drench and spraying is 20ml to 1 liter of water. 

Procedure No. 3:  This procedure is a by-product of cheese making (This assumes that you know how to make cheese)

Ingredients:  (1) Molasses - 50ml; (2) Whey (a by-product of curd milk (cheese); and (3) Non-chlorinated Water

1.  Get the Whey from your cheese and place it in a 1 liter plastic bottle;

2.  Add non-chlorinated water to the 1 liter plastic bottle till in reaches around 900ml;

3.  Add 50ml molasses to the plastic bottle, capped and shake the bottle to mix and dissolve the molasses;

4.  Label the container as "LABS" with the date of preparation;

5.  Wait for 5-7 days for the LABS to ferment.  After that, it is ready to use.  The dilution ratio for drench and spraying is 20ml to 1 liter of water.

Minimum Fertilization for Rice

Using Organic Fertilizers or Composts for 1 hectare of Rice

• Ten (10) bags of Organic Fertilizers or Composts

Microbial-Based Fertilizers [1]   (Accordingly, using Microbial-Based Fertilizers with Inorganic Fertilizers increases yield by 10%.

• One (1) to Four (4) liters per hectare

• 1st Application - At seedbed, 10-15 days after sowing of seeds
  
• 2nd Application - 10-15 days after transplanting (DAT)
  
• 3rd Application - 20-25 DAT
  
• 4th Application - 30-35 DAT
  

Using Inorganic Fertilizers for 1 hectare of Rice [1]

• Three (3) bags of Urea (46-0-0) and 3 bags Complete Fertilizer (14-14-14); or
• Three (3) bags of Urea (46-0-0), two (2) bags of Ammonium Phosphate (16-20-0) and one (1) bag of Potassium Chloride / Potash Fertilizer (0-0-60);

 

 

 

Organic Hydroponics

Organic Hydroponics refers to hydroponics farming using organic fertilizers.  The basis of the procedure below is 10 liters of water with 8 lettuce vegetable plants using Kratky method:

 

Materials Needed:

1.  Katanim box (Kratky) that can handle 10 liters of water with 8 plant holes;

2.  Good Compost (must be complete compost with adequate NPK ingredients, e.g., good combination of cow manure, chicken manure, vermicast, guano, decomposed banana parts, decomposed egg shells, decomposed used coffee grounds or teas, etc.) or commercially-graded Organic Compost/Fertilizer (e.g., Plantmate) - 700g kilogram;

3.  Non-chlorinated Water - 10 liters

Procedure:

1.  Just like in any regular Kratky setup, place 10 liters of non-chlorinated water in the Katanim styrobox;

2.  Make the Compost Tea.  Pour 700g of Good Compost, mix and stir until the 10 liters of water turns dark brown like chocolate;

3.  Transplant the seedlings (seedlings must be 14 days after sowing);

4.  Leave and wait for the seedlings to grow.  The lettuce plants will grow in 4 weeks and should be ready for harvest by then.

Important Note:

The above procedure can be the basis in implementing organic hydroponics using other hydroponic methods such as NFT, DWC, etc.  For hydroponic methods requiring pumps, you may need to filter the Compost Tea in order not to clogged your water pump.  Also, you may need to steep the Compost Tea for 3 days before filtering the solid materials.

How to make EM1 Inoculant

EM1 is made up of lactobacillus, actinomycetes, yeasts and photosynthetic bacteria.

Materials

• Jars - 2 jars that can accommodate 1 gallon (3.78 liters) water
• Plastic Pail - that can hold 10 liters water 
• Plastic Container with resealable cap (can be multiple to hold around 8 liters of EM1 solution)
  
• Mollasses - 1 liter
• Yogurt (Preferabley Greek Yogurt) - 1 liter
• Eggs - 3 eggs
• Yeasts - 2 tablespoon dissolved in warm water
• Non-chlorinated Water - 4.78 liters
• Leaf Mold Soil (LMS) - 2 cups

 

Procedure

For Jar No. 1

1. Fill-up with 1 liter non-chlorinated water;
2. Add 1 liter Yogurt;
3. Add 1 liter mollasses;
4. Using the 3 eggs, separate the egg whites from the yoke.  Add the egg whites;
5. Dissolve the 2 tablespoon of yeasts in warm water (just enough water, not too much) then add the yeast solution; and
   
6. Mix the solution
   

 

For Jar No. 2

1. Fill-up with 3.78 liters (1 gallon) non-chlorinated water;
2. Add the 2 cups LMS;
3. Mix the solution; and
   
4. Let it steep for 3 days;

• After 3 days, strain the contents Jar No. 2 to the Plastic Pail.  Then, add the contents of Jar No. 1.  Mix the contents;
• Clean the jars; 
• Place the contents of the Plastic Pail back to the jars;
• Place the cover but allow air to escape;
• Place the jars in a secure, cool, dry, and dark area;
• Label Date of Production; and
• Wait for 30 days;
• After 30 days, you now have EM1 solution.  Strain and place the contents in resealable plastic containers.  Fill the container to maximum contents and avoid as much as possible air.  The EM1 solution is good for 1 year.  Label date of production and date of expiration.

 

Note:

• The Actinomytes and Photosynthetic Bacteria will come from the Leaf Mold Soil (LMS);

• The Lactobacillus will come from the Yogurt;
  

Jadam Sulfur (JS)

This procedure makes approximately 4.1 liters of Jadam Sulfur (JS).

 

Ingredients / Materials

1. Sulfur - 1.25 kg
2. Sea Salt - 0.075 kg (75g)
3. Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) - 1kg
4. Non-chlorinated Water - 4.1 liters
5. Two (2) pails (30 liters capacity each)
6. Long wooden stick for mixing
7. Eye protection and face masks preferably N95
   

 

Procedure

1. Place the sulfur and sea salt in one pail and mix.  Break the lumps into smaller pieces as possible for easy mixing;
2. On another pail, place 2.5 liters of non-chlorinated water;
3. Pour the contents pail containing sulfur and sea salt into the pail containing 2.5 liters of water;
4. Pour the 1kg Sodium Hydroxide into the pail (Be careful as this process will create tremendous amount of heat that will melt the Sulfur);
5. Continuously stir the mixture until all the powdered sulfur and salt will have been dissolved in water;
6. Once all the particles are dissolved, add the remaining 1.6 liters of water and continue mixing until the solution color is uniform all throughout;
   
7. Leave it for 1 day to cool down;
8. Pour, bottle and seal the solution for safekeeping (There is no expiration date so long as the solution is tightly capped);

 

Usage

• Dilution ratio is within the range of 1:100 and 1:1000;
• Low Strength is 1ml of JS to 1000ml (1 liter) of water (1:1000);
• High Strength is 1ml of JS to 100ml of water (1:100);
• Jadam Natural Pesticide (JNP) is the combination of Jadam Wetting Agent (JWA) plus Jadam Sulfur (JS) and Jadam Herbal Solution (JHS).

 

 

 

 

Test Farm: Organic Rice Production

Test Farm No. 1:  Organic Rice Production

 

Area = 0.5 hectare

Location:  Oanzon Farm, Burabod, Sorsogon

Procedure

 

Before Planting

1. One (1) month before planting, applied 40 sacks of chicken manure on the rice paddy;
2. Two (2) weeks before planting, undertook harrowing, flooding, and spraying / sprinkling of 2 liters of Photosynthetic Bacteria (PSB) solution (Produced by RNFLSI contains Rhodospirillaceae and Rhodopseudomonas);  Prepared 160 liters (1 drum) Fortified Jadam Manure Tea (F-JMT), added Calcium and Humic Acid to the JMT, intended for use on the 1st week of planting (Drum 1);
   
3. One (1) week before planting, undertook harrowing and spraying / sprinkling of 2 liters of PSB solution; Prepared 160 liters (1 drum) of Fortified JMT intended for use on the 2nd week of planting (Drum 2);

Observation No. 1:  One (1) week before planting, the flooded rice paddy has turned green.  Microscopic sample revealed presence of multitude of blue green algae (BGA - Cyanobacteria), some green algae, rhodopseudomonas, and fungi, and other bacteria, ciliates, various nematodes and multitude of organic matter

Seedling Preparation

1. Seeds were soaked for 30 minutes in Mychorrhizal Fungi and Azospirilla Solution (MFA).  Used 1 pack of Myko Plus product (Mychorrhizal Fungi and Azospirilla Bacteria produced by UPLB dissolved in water);
2. During transplant, seedlings were again dipped in MFA solution for 30 minutes before transplanting.  Used additional 1 pack of Myko Plus product;

During Planting

 

Baseline Acidity/Alkalinity (PH), Total Dissolve Solids (TDS), and Temperature of the soil in 3 rice paddies (local term:  paras) undertaken 1 week after transplanting:

 

Paddy ID	PH Baseline	PH Actual>	TDS Baseline	TDS Actual	Temperature
P1 Lower	6.7 ph	6.8 ph neutral	4 ppm	45 ppm	29.4 C
P1 Upper	6.7 ph	6.6 ph neutral	12 ppm	33 ppm	28.4 C
P3 Upper	6.7 ph	6.8 ph neutral	4 ppm	28 ppm	29.0 C
Average	6.7 ph	6.7 ph neutral	6.67 ppm	35.3 ppm	28.9 C
Observation No.2: One (1) week after transplanting, paddy field has been drained with only slight flooding. Microscopy observation using 3 sample paddies showed lots of organic matter and minerals in soil. Few bacteria and no nematodes were observed.

 

1. One (1) week after tranplanting, applied (spraying / sprinkling) Fortified Jadam Manure Tea (F-JMT) using Drum No. 1;  Made F-JMT on Drum No. 1 intended for use by the 3rd week;
   
2. Two (2) weeks after transplanting, applied F-JMT using Drum No. 2.  Afterwards, made F-JMT on Drum No. 2 for use by the 4th week;
3. Repeated Steps 1 and 2.  
   

Procedure for Organic Rice Production

Procedure for Organic Rice Production

Pre-requisite

1. Establish physical gap (buffer zone) between your organic rice paddy from your neighboring rice paddies.  The physical gap must be able to ward off contamination from the neighboring non-organic rice paddy.  While the organic standards (USDA and Philippine Organic Standards) does not specify how wide is the distance, most practitioners uses the rough rule of 50 feet distance between the neighboring farms.
    

After Every Harvest 

1. Add and disperse Bokashi Composts (Note: 1 hectare requires 4 tons of composts); or 80 sacks (@50kgs per sack) of Chicken or Cow Manure
   
2. Apply 500 liters per hectare of diluted JMS or EMAS; or 2.5 liters (concentrate) or 250 liters (diluted at 10ml PSB to 1 liter of water) of PSB
   
3. Leave Rice Straws in the Field and use as Natural Mulch and cover the soil as much as possible

 

Seedling Application

1. Soak rice seedlings for 24 to 48 hrs in Trichoderma Fungi solution (1 pack to 40 liters); or Mycorrhizal Fungi solution (1pack to 40 liters)
   

 

Before Transplanting

1. Plant green manure 3 weeks before transplanting 
2. Slight plow in the green manure 2 days before transplanting
3. Apply 500 liters of diluted JMS and 200 liters of JLF (or diluted FPJ, FAA, FFJ) per hectare

 

After Transplanting

1. After transplanting, spray the field / plant with Trichoderma solution (1 pack to 40 liters); or Mycorrhizal Fungi solution (1pack to 40 liters)
2. On the 1st week, apply the field / plant with 500 liters per hectare of diluted JMS or EMAS; or 2.5 liters (concentrate) or 250 liters (diluted at 10ml PSB to 1 liter of water) of PSB; and 200 liters of diluted JLF (or diluted FPJ, FAA, FFJ)
   
3. Repeat the process you did during the 1st week on the 2nd week and onwards
   
4. Depending on the rice variety, rice takes about 95 (early variety) to 250 (late variety) days
   

PEST Management

• For INSECT Pests, spray Beauveria solution (1 pack to 40 liters) once and observe effectiveness after 1 week.  Repeat application, when no visible effectiveness is observed.  You should see dead pests covered with white fungus (i.e., Beauveria).  [Caution:  Beauveria affects the entire Phylum Arthropoda (Invertebrate with exoskeleton) that includes spiders, mites, insects, centipedes, and millipedes] 
• For Mollusks (Snails), place barriers (screen) in the entry and exit points of irrigation water.  Snails eat young and emerging plants.  It has been observed that as rice plants mature, it becomes unpalatable to the snails which then turn to consuming weeds around rice paddies.  So direct seeded rice is more vulnerable than transplanted rice.  Local domesticated ducks can also be deployed in rice paddies to eat the snails.
  

 

 

Effective Microorganism Activated Solution (EMAS)

 Effective Microorganism Activated Solution (EMAS)

EMAS, also known as Activated EM-1, is the fermentation of EM-1 (Effective Microorganism) with molasses for 7 days.  EMAS is made up of lactobacillus, yeast, and photosynthetic bacteria.  It is a microbial inoculant for soil to improve the condition of the soil microbiome.  It can be use for sowing seeds to improve germination, drenching soil to improve fertility, immune booster for livestock,  foliar spraying, and sanitizing agent for livestock beddings and floorings.

Ingredients

• EM-1 Solution
• Molasses
• PET bottle - 1 liter
• Measuring cup for 50ml
• Non-chlorinated water

 

Procedure

1. Add 50 ml of EM-1 solution to the empty 1 liter PET bottle;
2. Add 50 ml of molasses to the same PET bottle;
3. Add non-chlorinated water to fill the remaining space in the PET bottle;
4. Label "EMAS and Date of Production";
5. Store in a dark, cool, and dry place;
   
6. Ferment for 7 days; During the fermentation period, the microorganism will geometrically grow and as a result will produce lots of gasses.  Slowly release the cap every day during the fermentation in order to release the pressure.
7. After 7 days, the EMAS is ready for use.  The product is best use within 3 months;

 

Usage

1. Dilute the 20 ml of EMAS solution with 1 liter of non-chlorinated water;
2. For seeds sowing, soak the seeds with diluted EMAS for at least 30 minutes before sowing to improve germination;
3. For drenching and foliar application for plants, apply once a week;
4. As immunity booster for pets and livestock, use as tonic drink at least once a week;
5. As sanitizing agent, apply twice a week the first time and once a week thereafter in the livestock beddings, floorings, feces and droppings;
6. To hasten anaerobic composting, spray on the material whenever you can smell odor;
7. Likewise, to hasten pile or pit composting, spray on the material to be composted at least once.  The composting material must be moist for EMAS to work well.
   

 

 

 

Photosynthetic Bacteria (PSB) Solution

Photosynthetic Bacteria (PSB) Solution

 

PSB Solution is a microbial inoculant that you can use in your farm or garden similar to EMAS or JMS.  PSB are a group of beneficial bacteria that degrades contaminants in water and soil.  They are generally anaerobic and is believed to have built the world we live in today.  They are known to occur in water columns (Sergei Winogradsky water column) in rice fields, waste water environments, and aquatic sediments.  PSB plays an important role in the circulation of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.

Ingredients

1.  Egg (or Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce, or any Sulfur-rich material)

2.  Egg shell (as source for Calcium Carbonate and Cellulose) or you can use Agri Lime as source for Calcium Carbonate and Paper as source for Cellulose

3.  Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) - this is the Sodium salt of Glutamic acid arising from the fermentation of Glucose via the action of Corynebacterium Glutamicum.  It is one of the most naturally occuring amino acids.

4.  Pond water (or River Water as source or inoculant of the PSB bacteria); preferably, get the bottom water of the pond as the Purple Non-Sulftur Photosynthetic Bacteria (PNSPSB) thrives in anaerobic condition;

5.  Empty 1 liter Coke bottle (or similar) - 3 pcs

6.  Optional:  Seawater (Prefered - 1 cup) or Natural rock salt (1 tsp);  Do not use Iodized Salt as the Iodine in salt inhibits bacterial reproduction.

Procedure

1.  Crack the egg into a bowl and stir and mix the yoke and albumen; (alternatively, you can use 1 tablespoon of fish sauce or soy sauce and add to around 50ml of water)

2.  Place the egg shell in a plastic bag.  Crush it to smaller pieces and add the crushed pieces to the bowl with stirred egg; (alternatively, you can use 1 tablespoon of Agri Lime and 3x3inches Paper and dissolve it in 50ml of water;

3.  Divide the mixture into 3 parts and add 1 part to 1 liter of Pond water.  Repeat the process till you have filled all 3 liters of Pond water.

4.  Add 1 tsp of MSG to each liter of water.  Cap the bottle and shake the contents.

5.  Place the bottles in the field where it is exposed to sunlight.

6.  The fermentation process will take approximately 30 days.  Visit the bottles every week and shake the bottle.

7.  After thirty days, the mixture should change color to "Purple".  This is now your PSB and is ready for use.

8.  Optional step:  Check under a microscope the presence of any of the Photosynthetic Bacteria.  The most well studied and preferred for tropical climate is the Purple Non-Sulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria.  However, as we now currently from the works of Dr. Elaine Ingham, Dr. David Johnson and Dr. Teruo Higa), the more varied and diverse these beneficial bacteria, the better it is for the environment, soil and agriculture.

Application

• For watering, mix 10 ml of PSB to 1 liter of water
• For foliar application, mix 10ml of PSB to 10 liters of water
• For aquarium (to reduce ammonia and nitrite wastes), mix 25ml of PSB to 10 liters of water
  

 

Types of Photosynthetic Bacteria

1. Cyanobacteria - Color: Green;
   
2. Prochlorophytes
   
3. Green Sulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria (Chloro biacae) - Green; uses reduced sulfur species as electron donor;
   
4. Green Non-Sulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria (Chloroflexi) - Green, filamenous
   
5. Purple Sulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria (Chromatiales)- Purple, gram-negative, short rods, uses sulfide and sulfur as electron donor
   
6. Purple Non-Sulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae; Rhodobacter Sphaeroides; Rhodobacter capsulatus; Rhodopseudomonas) - Purple; gram-negative; rod-shape whose length can vary; eye-catching and easily identifiable; uses hydrogen gas as electron donor; preferred for tropical environment;  

 Cyanobacteria

 

Prochlorophytes

 

 Green Sulfur Bacteria

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhodospirillaceae

Rhodopseudomonas

Rhodopseudomonas under Microscope (Screen-capture from Matt Powers' Youtube)

-oOo-

 

Super Simple Procedure 

 

Ingredients:

1. PET Bottle 6 liter water container
2. Eggs - 2 pcs
3. MSG - Ajinomoto - 1 small pack
4. River / Pond water
   
   
   

 Procedure:

1. Gather river / pond water using the 6 liter PET bottle;
2. Beat the 2 eggs;
3. Crush the eggshells and mix it with the beaten eggs;
4. Add the MSG into the beaten eggs and mix it;
5. Add the beaten eggs solution to the river / pond water;
6. Cover the lid and label "PSB date_of_fermentation and date_of_harvest".  The date of harvest is 1 month after the date_of_fermentation;
7. Place the 6 liter PET bottle PSB Solution in the sunny field to ferment;
8. Every week, shake the bottle at least once;
9. After one month, the contents of the PSB will turn from light yellow to purple.  This is now ready for use.  

Note:  PSB smells bad because of sulfur.  The bacteria we have cultured eats sulfur.
 

 

What to expect...

1.  This is the look of PSB on the day of fermentation after the above-mentioned procedure.  (Date of fermentation here is 1 July 2022)  

 

2.  After 7 days, the PSB we prepared looks green.  (Date of photo is 8 July 2022)

The PSB solution has turned milky green after I have shaken the bottle.

3.  After 14 days, the PSB has turn deep red-brown (maroon) color.  (Date of photo is 15 July 2022)

 

 4.  At the time of harvest (after 1 month), the PSB color did not change much from the color observed after 14 days. 

Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (LABS)

Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (LABS)

(Source: e-TESDA material on Formulating Organic Concoctions and Extracts) 

Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (LABS) is an organic concoction made by culturing lactic acid bacteria present in milk. The recommended ratio for LABS is 1-part rice wash 9-parts milk, 10-parts molasses. LABS can be used in soils, animal beddings, and as composting agent. LABS is also useful improving plants’ resistance to diseases. 

 

Ingredients

• 100mL rice wash or hugas bigas 
• 900mL fresh milk 
• 1L molasses or muscovado sugar 

 

Materials

• plastic container or earthen jar 
• Manila paper 
• plastic straw 
• cheesecloth 

 

Procedures

First culture 

1. Pour 100mL rice wash into a container.
   
2. Leave at least 25% of air space in the container. 
3. Cover the container with a Manila paper and then secure it with a plastic straw. 
4. Leave to ferment in a cool, dry place for 5-7 days. 
5. The rice bran should float like a thin film on the surface of the liquid. 
6. Remove the bran in preparation for the second culture. 

Second culture 

1. Add 900mL of milk. 
2. Use a cheesecloth to strain milk clots. 
3. Cover and ferment for 7-10 days. 
4. After 7-10 days, the fat and milk solids will float on the surface, leaving the serum at the bottom. 
5. Remove the fat and milk solids and add them to your compost. 
6. Add equivalent amount of molasses to the mixture. The more you put, the more will be available for the lactic acid bacteria to consume. 
7. Ferment for another 5-7 days. 
8. Transfer to a clean container and store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. 
9. Transfer the mixture into a plastic bottle. Do not seal the cap too tightly because pressure will continue to build up for 2 weeks after harvest. 

 

Application 

Properly stored LABS will last for 6 months if unused. Apply as: 

• as immunity booster for animals Dilute 2 tbsps./20mL for every liter of water.
• as composting agent Dilute 2 tbsps./20mL for every liter of water. 
• as sanitizing agent for soil and beddings in poultry/livestock production Dilute 2 tbsps./20mL for every liter of water.

Oriental Herb Nutrient (OHN)

Oriental Herb Nutrient (OHN)

(Source: e-TESDA material on Formulating Organic Concoctions and Extracts)

Oriental Herb Nutrient or OHN is an organic extract made from plants and herbs. It is used in crop production for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is also used in pest control. OHN improves the immune system of plants and animals. 

 

Ingredients

• 1 kg garlic 
• 1 kg ginger 
• 400 g Muscovado sugar 
• 4.4 L pure coconut vinegar 
• 200g of red hot chili pepper or sili 
• 100g of makabuhay plant 

 

Materials

• plastic pail with lid/cover 
• wooden ladle
• masking tape
• strainer funnel

 

Procedures

 

First Extraction 

1. Skin the garlic and ginger. 
2. Cut the garlic in halves and slice the ginger into a quarter of an inch. 
3. Mix garlic with 400g muscovado sugar in a plastic pail. 
4. Wipe the rim of the plastic pail and cover with a lid. 
5. Seal with a masking tape on the side. 
6. Label with the name of the product, and the date of first fermentation. 
7. After 3 days, open the cover and add 2.4L of pure coconut vinegar. 
8. Once again, wipe the rim of the plastic pail and cover it with a lid.
9. Seal with a masking tape on the side. 
10. After 10 days, siphon 1L of the mixture into another container. The concoction is now ready for human and animal consumption. 

 

Second Extraction

1. Add 1L of coconut vinegar to the original mixture. 
2. Once again, wipe the rim of the plastic pail and cover it with a lid. 
3. Seal with a masking tape on the side. 
4. After 10 days, siphon 1L of the mixture into another container. The concoction is now ready for animal consumption and as foliar fertilizer. 

 

Third Extraction (OHN2)

1. Add 1L of coconut vinegar to the original mixture. 
2. Add 200g of red hot chili pepper or sili, 100g of makabuhay plant. 
3. Once again, wipe the rim of the plastic pail and cover it with a lid. 
4. Seal with a masking tape on the side. 
5. Strain and transfer the mixture into a plastic bottle. Do not seal the cap too tightly because pressure will continue to build up for 2 weeks after harvest. Use this 3rd extract as a bio-pesticide. 

 

Application 

 

Properly stored OHN will last for 6 months if unused. Apply them as: 

• as natural antibiotic for chicken For every liter of water, add 2 tbsps./20mL of OHN. 
• as bio-pesticide and fungicide for plants For every liter of water, add 2 tbsps./20mL of OHN. Drench/spray onto leaves or soil. as sanitizing agent for beddings

Natural Health Enhancer (3Cs)

Natural Health Enhancer (3Cs)

(Source: e-TESDA material on Formulating Organic Concoctions and Extracts)

 

Ingredients

• 250g celery 250g
• carrots 250g
• cucumber 250g
• muscovado sugar or coco sugar
• salt solution (one-part salt, 4-parts water) 

 

Materials

• vegetable peeler knife and chopping board
• plastic container
• strainer
• funnel 

 

Procedures

1. Soak the celery, carrot, and cucumber in salt solution for 5 minutes. 
2. Wash them and drain for another 5 minutes. 
3. Slice the celery, carrot, and cucumber into the size of an inch. 
4. Layer the ingredients in a container in the following sequence (from bottom to top): carrots, sugar, celery, sugar, cucumber sugar. The total amount of sugar must be divided by 3 for each layer. 
5. Cover and set aside for 7-14 days. 
6. After 7-14 days, strain the mixture and transfer into a bottle. Do not seal the cap too tightly because the pressure will continue to build up for 2 weeks after harvest and this might cause the contents to gush out. 
7. Store in a cool, dry place. 

 

Application

 

Properly stored 3Cs will last for 40 days. Apply as: 

• health drink for humans and animals: Dilute 20mL of 3Cs per 1L of water. 
• foliar fertilizer: Dilute 20mL of 3Cs per 1L of water

 

Natural Insect Attractant (NIA)

Natural Insect Attractant

(Source: e-TESDA material on Formulating Organic Concoctions and Extracts)

Natural Insect Attractant (NIA) is an organic extract used to lure away flying insects from crops. It works by attracting the insects into a makeshift trap. Unlike other organic concoctions and extracts, the natural insect attractant does not undergo fermentation. It is simply made from other fermented concoctions and extracts.

 

Ingredients

• 1gal coconut vinegar 
• 0.5L molasses 
• 300mL fermented plant juice 

 

Materials

• stove and pot wooden ladle
• container 

 

Procedure

1. Bring the coconut vinegar to a boil and then remove from heat.
2. Add 0.5L molasses and set aside to cool. 
3. Add 300mL FPJ. Mix well. 
4. Transfer into a clean container and store in a cool, dry place. 

 

Setting Up the Trap

Materials

• Natural Insect Attractant 1L plastic bottle or bigger cutter or scissors rope/straw/tie-wire

 

Procedure

1. Cut out holes on the sides of the plastic bottle. 
2. Pour at least 40mL of NIA at the bottom portion. 
3. Make a smaller hole on the cap with which a rope/straw/wire can come through. This will be used to hang the bottle in trees, or stick poles around the area for crop production. 
4. Dispose of the trapped insects regularly. And replenish the trap with insect attractant.

Fortified Organic Compost

Fortified Organic Compost 

(source: e-TESDA material on Organic Fertilizer, 31 May 2022)

Fortified Organic Compost is made from farm waste, fortified with several organic concoctions and extracts. 

 

Materials

• 100kg farm waste (dried leaves, vegetable trimmings, twigs, etc.) 
• 30L IMO solution 
• 100kg soil 
• 15L FAA solution 
• 100kg manure (pig manure/chicken dung) 
• 13 batches of 15L FAA/FFJ/CALPHOS Solution 

 

Procedures

1. Build a pile from 100kg of farm waste. The pile should not be less than 60cm in height. 
2. Drench with 30L IMO solution. Turn the pile for a more even distribution. 
3. Cover with plastic, jute bags, or canvas and allow to sit for 3 days. 
4. After 3 days, add 100kg of farm soil. 
5. Drench with 15L FAA solution. Turn the pile for a more even distribution. 
6. Cover with plastic, jute bags, or canvas and allow to sit for 3 days. 
7. After 3 days, add 100kg of manure. 
8. Drench with 15L FAA/FFJ/CALPHOS solution. 
9. Cover with plastic, jute bags, or canvas and allow to sit for 3 days. 
10. After that, drench the pile with 15L FAA/FFJ/CALPHOS solution for the next 12 days.
11. Allow the temperature of the pile to go down before placing them in sacks. 
12. Store in a shaded area.

 

Vermitea

Vermitea 

(source: e-TESDA material on Organic Fertilizer, 31 May 2022)

Vermictea is a type of liquid fertilizer derived from vermicompost. It is rich in micro-organisms, and nutrients needed for soil fertility and plant growth. It can be processed by manual means or with the help of a vermitea brewer. The former produces vermicompost extract while the latter produces vermitea. 

 

Vermitea vs. Vermicompost 

Vermitea has higher microbial activity and extracted nutrients. However, it requires the use of a brewer which may not be available to all farms. Meanwhile, the vermicompost extract can be made with simple equipment. The downside is that it has lesser microbes and nutrients.

 

Materials

• 1kg vermicompost 
• 30L water 1/2kg sugar or molasses 
• vermitea brewer 
• 250mL pure EMAS 
• 250 mL pure FAA 

 

Procedure

1. Add vermicompost, sugar, and water in the vermitea brewer. 
2. Allow to brew for 24 hours. 

 

Making Vermicompost Extract 

Materials

• 1/4kg vermicompost 
• 1 gallon of water old sock/cloth 

 

Procedure

1. Place vermicompost in an old sock/cloth. 
2. Let the sock/cloth, containing the compost, steep in a pail of water for 2 hours. 
3. You can squeeze the sock/cloth for faster extraction. 
4. You can stir the mixture for aeration.