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Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)

FPJ is a Korean Natural Farming (KNF) technique for providing the basis of necessary minerals and nutrients required for plant health. The nutrients and bio-stimulants are extracted from locally sourced ingredients through the process of anaerobic fermentation. It is a very simple, economical, and accessible method that can be implemented by home and large-scale growers alike.

Nature heals itself. Natural Farming is about using nature's material and processes. It's not about adding nutrients directly. It's about supplying the origin of the nutrients so the crops have everything they need to thrive. Our approach is based on letting natural processes unfold. It's a basic philosophy of non-interference. The emphasis is on creating a healthy foundation and then just observing as Mother Nature does her work. — Han-Kyu "Master" Cho

Purpose

To provide plants with the basis of minerals and nutrients as needed throughout all stages of life.

Background

FPJ allows us to harness the biological benefits of microbes that exist naturally on plant matter to promote the natural immunity and strength of plants to which FPJ is applied. The fermentation process essentially feeds and breeds the microbes which then produce a weak alcohol that dissolves the chlorophylls in the plant matter. The outcome is a robust solution of microbes and minerals that can be easily applied to plants and crops of all types and sizes.

Recipe

Early in the morning, either before or shortly after sunrise, collect your plant material. I usually aim for 1 pound of raw material. Select only one plant to ferment at a time. The finished products can be combined, but because the microbiology varies from plant to plant, it's best to ferment them individually.
Chop material into 1-2" pieces and place in a bowl on a kitchen scale.
Add an equal weight of raw, organic brown sugar (light or dark is fine - I usually use light).
Mix until all plant material is covered in the sugar, using your hands to mix it all is the easiest and most fun.
Place all the material in a quart jar or something around that size. Glass is best - do not use metal.
Cover with a paper towel, cheesecloth, or piece of fabric. The fermentation process will create gas that must be allowed to escape.
Leave on a flat surface, out of direct sunlight, for 7 days. (Warmer environments may allow for faster fermentation at about 5 days.)
Get a new jar, about half the size of the original, and place a jar funnel and seive on the top.
Turn the jar with the material over and let it naturally release into the seive for about an hour or until it is no longer dripping.
Label, date, and secure with a breathable lid such as a paper towel or cloth and string or band. The digestion process will continue and gas must be allowed to escape and not build up in the container.
Store in refrigerator for longest shelf life.

Application

Dilute to 1:500 with fresh water. Apply as foliar spray or soil drench in early morning or late afternoon when the plant's stoma are open. Can be combined with LAB for stronger bacterial influence.

farming.amendments.lab

Books

The Regenerative Grower's Guide to Garden Amendments - Nigel Palmer

Cho's Global Natural Farming - Han-Kyu Cho (provided by International Land Coalition - Asia)

JADAM Organic Farming - Youngsang Cho

Other Resources

Natural Farming: Fermented Plant Juice

Korean Natural Farming How To: FPJ