Brief Summary
This video introduces Korean Natural Farming (KN&F), a method that empowers gardeners to create thriving ecosystems by harnessing local resources and microorganisms. It emphasizes feeding the soil life rather than directly feeding plants, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. The video details how to collect indigenous microorganisms (IMOs) and make fermented plant juice (FPJ), two foundational practices of KN&F, and highlights the benefits of this approach, including improved soil health, increased yields, and environmental sustainability.
- Korean Natural Farming (KN&F) is a sustainable and affordable method for growing healthier plants.
- It focuses on feeding the soil life to promote plant growth.
- Key techniques include collecting indigenous microorganisms (IMOs) and making fermented plant juice (FPJ).
- KN&F improves soil health, increases yields, and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Introduction to Korean Natural Farming
Korean Natural Farming (KN&F) is presented as a transformative approach to gardening that eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers. This method, developed by Korean farmers, focuses on utilizing local plants, kitchen ingredients, and the existing microscopic life in the soil to promote plant health. KN&F is portrayed as an affordable and effective alternative to conventional farming, empowering gardeners to partner with nature for stronger, healthier plants.
The Principles of Korean Natural Farming
KN&F is described as a mindset shift that views the garden as a living ecosystem rather than a place for synthetic inputs. The core principle is to feed the soil life, which in turn nourishes the plants. Every piece of land contains beneficial microorganisms adapted to its specific environment. KN&F teaches how to harvest and amplify these indigenous microorganisms, making external microbial inoculants unnecessary. The video emphasizes that healthy soil biology is crucial for effective nutrient absorption by plants.
Collecting Indigenous Microorganisms (IMOs)
The process of collecting indigenous microorganisms (IMOs) is explained as a foundational practice in KN&F. To collect IMOs, a small wooden box with a breathable lid is lined with plain cooked white rice and placed in a shaded area with natural leaf litter. After 3 to 5 days, a white mold will grow on the rice, indicating a concentrated culture of beneficial microbes. This rice is then mixed with an equal weight of brown sugar and stored to create an IMO2 culture. To apply, one tablespoon of IMO2 is diluted in one gallon of water and used as a soil drench or compost booster.
Making Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)
Fermented plant juice (FPJ) is introduced as a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer made from locally grown plants. To make FPJ, young, vigorous plant tips (weeds or wild plants) are collected, chopped, and mixed with an equal weight of brown sugar. This mixture is packed into a jar, covered loosely, and left to ferment in a cool, shaded spot for 5 to 7 days. The resulting liquid is strained, stored in a dark bottle, and diluted at a rate of one teaspoon per gallon of water for use as a foliar spray or soil drench.
Benefits and Impact of KN&F
The benefits of FPJ and KN&F methods are attributed to their synergy with natural systems, supporting the soil's underground network of life. This approach creates a feedback loop of fertility, improving the soil for future crops. Healthier soil leads to less disease, better moisture retention, and fewer pests. KN&F techniques also increase soil organic matter, aiding in carbon capture and storage. The video shares firsthand results from test beds, including stronger plant stems, richer leaf color, increased yields, and faster compost breakdown.
Getting Started with KN&F
The video encourages viewers to start with KN&F by collecting IMOs and making FPJ. It suggests mastering these two techniques before exploring other KN&F preparations like fish amino acid, water-soluble calcium, and calcium phosphate. Gardeners can expect to see changes in soil structure and plant resilience within a few weeks. KN&F empowers gardeners by breaking the cycle of dependency on synthetic fertilizers, allowing them to reclaim their soil and grow food with intention and care.
