Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic matter like food scraps, yard waste and paper into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The benefits of composting are numerous. It helps keep waste out of landfills, improves soil health and structure, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
If you’re new to composting or looking to switch up your routine, you may be wondering which method is right for you. Two popular methods are Bokashi compost and vermicompost – both of which have their unique advantages.
What is Bokashi Compost?
Bokashi compost is a Japanese method that uses anaerobic fermentation to break down organic matter. It involves adding a mixture of bran, water and beneficial microorganisms to food scraps in an airtight container. The microbes quickly digest the material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used in the garden or added to potting mix.
This method has several benefits over traditional aerobic composting. It works faster, doesn’t produce strong odors, and can handle meat, dairy, and citrus – which are typically not recommended for traditional compost bins.
What is Vermicompost?
Vermicomposting is the process of using worms to break down organic matter into usable fertilizer. Red worms are added to bedding material such as shredded newspaper or leaves along with food scraps.
As they eat their way through the material, they excrete nutrient-rich castings (worm poop) that can be added directly to plants or mixed with potting soil. Vermicomposting has many benefits including producing high-quality castings that improve soil structure and fertility while reducing pests in the garden.
It’s also easy to set up indoors or outdoors, making it a great option for composting in small spaces. Now that you know the basics of Bokashi compost and vermicompost, let’s dive deeper into their differences to help you decide which method is best for your needs.
Bokashi Compost
Definition and Explanation of How It Works
Bokashi composting is a fermentation process that involves using a special mix of microorganisms to break down food scraps and other organic waste. The term “bokashi” comes from the Japanese word for “fermented organic matter.” During this process, anaerobic bacteria, yeasts, and fungi break down the waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be added to plants or soil.
Unlike traditional composting methods that use aerobic bacteria, Bokashi composting works without oxygen. Instead, the microorganisms used in Bokashi are facultative anaerobes, which means they can survive in both aerobic (oxygen-rich) and anaerobic (oxygen-poor) conditions.
Benefits of Using Bokashi Compost (e.g. Faster Breakdown, Less Odor)
One major advantage of using bokashi compost is its ability to quickly break down organic waste in just a few weeks compared to traditional aerobic composting which takes months. Another benefit is that it produces less odor since it’s an anaerobic process. In addition to these benefits, bokashi compost also helps improve soil structure by increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms present in the soil.
How to Make and Use Bokashi Compost
To make Bokashi compost you need specific equipment including an air-tight bucket with a spigot at the bottom for removing liquid produced during fermentation. Layer food scraps with bokashi mix (bran inoculated with microbes) inside the bucket until full then cover tightly and store in a warm area for 2-4 weeks.
When ready, take out fermented food scraps from the bucket using gloves before adding them into your garden or potted plants as a soil amendment. The liquid drained from the bucket makes an excellent plant nutrient-rich liquid which can be diluted and used as a foliar spray.
Vermicompost
Another popular method of composting is vermicomposting. Instead of using microbes to break down organic matter, vermicomposting relies on worms. Specifically, red wigglers are used to break down food scraps and other organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments.
Vermicomposting involves using red wigglers to break down organic matter. The worms feed on the material and then excrete it as a nutrient-rich castings that can be used as a soil amendment. This process is faster than traditional composting because the worms speed up decomposition by breaking down material into smaller pieces that decompose faster.
Benefits of using vermicompost
The benefits of vermicomposting include creating a rich soil amendment that can improve the overall health of your garden or houseplants. Vermicompost has higher levels of nutrients than traditional compost and can also improve soil structure, helping with water retention and drainage. Additionally, because it is created indoors in small containers, it is an ideal option for those who do not have outdoor space or live in urban areas with limited yard space.
How to make and use vermicompost
To make vermicompost, you will need a worm bin or container with holes in the bottom for drainage. Add bedding material, such as shredded newspaper or coconut coir, then add food scraps such as vegetable peels or coffee grounds. Introduce red wigglers to your bin and they will begin eating the food scraps while producing castings in return.
Vermicompost can be used as a soil amendment for houseplants or added to garden soil before planting vegetables or flowers.
It should be mixed into existing soil at a ratio of 10-20% and watered thoroughly. Be sure to avoid using too much vermicompost, as it can be high in nutrients and can cause damage to plants if used excessively.
Vermicomposting is a great option for those who want to create nutrient-rich compost indoors or have limited outdoor space. It’s easy to make and use, and the benefits of using vermicompost are clear- healthier soil leads to healthier plants!
Differences between Bokashi Compost and Vermicompost
Physical Differences: Appearance and Texture
One of the most noticeable physical differences between Bokashi compost and vermicompost is their appearance and texture. Bokashi compost is typically a dark, moist mixture that resembles damp coffee grounds or wet soil. It has a slightly sweet-sour smell due to the fermentation process used to create it.
In contrast, vermicompost, also known as worm castings, is made by red wiggler worms that break down organic matter into fine, black granules that resemble coffee grounds or potting soil. The texture of vermicompost is much finer than Bokashi compost due to the digestive process of the worms.
Chemical Differences: pH Levels and Nutrient Content
Another key difference between Bokashi compost and vermicompost lies in their chemical composition. Bokashi compost has a pH level of around 5-6, making it slightly acidic.
This acidity helps to break down organic matter more quickly while also preserving nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. On the other hand, vermicompost has a neutral pH level of around 7-8 and contains large amounts of beneficial microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that contribute to healthy soil.
In terms of nutrient content, both types of compost are beneficial for plant growth but differ in their nutrient profiles. Bokashi compost tends to be higher in nitrogen while vermicompost is richer in phosphorus and potassium, which are essential for root development and overall plant health.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
When considering which method is best for your needs, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each approach. Bokashi composting is great for those with limited space as it can be done indoors, and it’s odorless and fast-acting. It also preserves more nutrients than vermicomposting as there is less loss of nutrients due to evaporation.
However, it requires the use of a special container called a Bokashi bin and can be more expensive than other composting methods. Vermicomposting is an excellent choice for those who want to create nutrient-rich soil for their plants while also reducing their waste.
It’s relatively low maintenance once you set up your worm bin, and the resulting vermicompost can be used immediately in your garden or added to potting mixes. However, it does require a bit more space than Bokashi composting, as the worm bin should be kept in a cool, dark place.
Ultimately, the best choice between Bokashi composting and vermicomposting will depend on your individual needs and goals. Whether you choose one or both methods, incorporating compost into your gardening routine is an eco-friendly way to nurture your plants while reducing waste.
Which Method is Right for You?
Choosing between Bokashi compost and vermicompost can be a tough decision, but there are a few key factors to consider when deciding which method is right for you:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Composting Method
- Space: Do you live in an apartment or a small space? Vermicomposting might be the better fit since it doesn’t take up as much room as Bokashi composting. However, if you have some outdoor space, Bokashi composting might work better for you.
- Time commitment: Are you someone who has a busy schedule? Bokashi composting requires less maintenance and attention than vermicomposting. Vermicomposting requires regular feeding and monitoring of the worms, so it may not be the best choice for those who don’t have enough time.
- Type of waste: What type of waste do you plan on composting? If you have mostly food scraps, both methods will work well. However, if you also plan on composting yard waste or other organic materials, Bokashi composting may be a better option since vermicomposting can’t break down larger materials.
To help make your decision easier, here’s a handy chart that summarizes the main differences between Bokashi compost and vermicompost:
| Bokashi Compost | Vermicompost | |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Content | Less nutrient-rich | More nutrient-rich potential |
| Odor | Minimal odor if done correctly | Potential for odor if not properly maintained |
| Breakdown Time | Faster breakdown times | Lower breakdown time due to worms processing the waste |
Final Thoughts
In the end, choosing between Bokashi compost and vermicompost comes down to personal preference and your specific composting needs. Both methods have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one will work best for your lifestyle.
Remember to consider factors like space, time commitment, and type of waste when making your decision. No matter which method you choose, the benefits of composting are undeniable.
Not only does it reduce waste in landfills, but it also creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or farming. So go ahead and embrace the world of composting – your plants (and the planet) will thank you!
