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DIY Lacto Bacillus Culture

 
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This could be places under numerous forum handles, so i figured permaculture was the most encompassing...

One of the major workhorse beneficial indigenous microorganism used in natural farming is lacto bacilli. This particular beneficial microorganism is popularly used in composting that specifically arrest foul odors associated with anaerobic decomposition. Lactic acid bacteria thrive and feed on the ammonia released in the decomposition normally associated with foul odors. So if you need to decompose or ferment wastes less foul odors, lactic acid bacteria is the specific bacteria to use. Its application in organic farming is enormous. In aquaculture, one of the problem is related to water quality. Poor water quality stresses the fish which in turn stunts their growth and affects their health. This is very evident specially on high density and tank aquaculture. The ammonia produced through fish excretions pollute the water and stress the fish. With regular addition of this beneficial microorganisms to the water, this ammonia problem is minimized, if not fully arrested. It helps hasten or complete the denitrification or converting wastes into forms not harmful to fish.

Spraying diluted solution of lactic acid bacteria serum to the plant and soil helps plant growth and makes them more healthy. As it is applied to the soil or the leaves, these beneficial bacteria aid in the decomposition process, thus allowing more food to be available and assimilated by the plant.

Lactic acid bacteria is also known to produce enzymes and natural antibiotics aiding effective digestion and has antibacterial properties, including control of salmonella and e. Coli. To farmers, what are observed are the general health of the plants and animals, better nutrient assimilation, feed conversion and certain toxins eliminations.

Here’s a simple method of collecting this type of microorganism. Lactic acid bacteria can be collected from the air. Pour rice wash (solution generated when you wash the rice with water) on a container like plastic pot with lid. Allow air gap at least 50-75% of the container. The key here is the air space. Cover the (not vacuum tight, allowing air still to move into the container) container with lid loosely. Put the container in a quiet area with no direct sunlight. Allow the rice was to ferment for at least 5-7 days. Lactic acid bacteria will gather in 5-7 days when temperature is 20-25 degrees C. Rice bran will be separated and float in the liquid, like a thin film, smelling sour. Strain and simply get the liquid. Put this liquid in a bigger container and pour ten parts milk. The original liquid has been infected with different type of microbes including lacto bacilli. And in order to get the pure lacto bacilli, saturation of milk will eliminate the other microorganisms and the pure lacto bacilli will be left. You may use skim or powdered milk, although fresh milk is best. In 5-7 days, carbohydrate, protein and fat will float leaving yellow liquid (serum), which contain the lactic acid bacteria. You can dispose the coagulated carbohydrate, protein and fat, add them to your compost pile or feed them to your animals. The pure lactic acid bacteria serum can be stored in the refrigerator or simply add equal amount of crude sugar (dilute with 1/3 water) or molasses. Do not use refined sugar as they are chemically bleached and may affect the lactic acid bacteria. The sugar or molasses will keep the lactic acid bacteria alive at room temperature. One to one ratio is suggested although sugar, regardless of quantity is meant simply, serving as food for the bacteria to keep them alive. Now, these lactic acid bacteria serum with sugar or molasses will be your pure culture. To use, you can dilute this pure culture with 20 parts water. Make sure water is not chemically treated with, like chlorine. Remember, we are dealing with live microorganisms and chlorine can kill them. This diluted form 1:20 ratio will be your basic lactic acid bacteria concoction. Two to four tablespoons added to water of one gallon can be used as your basic spray and can be added to water and feeds of animals. For bigger animals, the 2-4 tablespoons of this diluted lactic acid bacteria serum should be used without diluting it further with water. Lactic acid bacteria serum can be applied to plant leaves to fortify phyllosphere microbes, to soil and compost. Of course, it will help improve digestion and nutrient assimilation for animals and other applications mentioned before. For any kind of imbalance, be it in the soil or digestive system, lacto bacilli can be of help.

One of the popular beneficial microorganism innoculants from Japan (EM) contains lactic acid bacteria as its major component, including photosynthetic bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes and fermenting fungi. These are pure culture imported from Japan and can be subcultured through the use of sugar or molasses. These other microbes can be cultured in several ways by farmers themselves.
 
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Definitely want to do this, with an eye toward Bokashi composting.

One thing I've been wondering about: since good quality milk is pretty expensive, and since you're going to discard (or use elsewhere) the fat, protein, and carbs anyway, could you get by with a mixture of water and pure lactose, for the LAB to eat? I'm sure there are other things in the milk contributing goodness, but for composting purposes, would that matter?
 
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I clicked on this post because I'm trying to heal my gut and my lacto bacillus is essentially dead.

Then I read it's for compost, such is my life. lol

If animals can eat it and I am an animal, then...
 
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A friend gave me this same recipe about 6 months ago and it has worked really well!  I sprayed it on plants and they noticeably perked up.  And I added it to my compost pile as I was building it, and wow!  It really heated up.  Normally my compost takes a few days to get up to about 120, but with the culture added, it was at about 130 overnight!

Also, Rebecca:

I clicked on this post because I'm trying to heal my gut and my lacto bacillus is essentially dead.

Then I read it's for compost, such is my life. lol



The person I got the recipe from also has trouble with her gut, and has been taking small amounts of the serum with food every day.  This is definitely NOT medical advice, just passing along that a human I know thinks this is a good source of lacto bacilli for her!  
 
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Could you please elaborate? I'm uncertain if I must use only rice wash or if I have to include rice too to the plastic recipient. Is the bran already present in the rice wash?

If I were to make yoghurt, could I just use the serum in my compost pile and eat the rest with whatever sugar I please?
 
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For folks who want to know more about this process here are some interesting threads:

https://permies.com/t/54482/Homemade-Lactobacillus-Serum

https://permies.com/t/157902/Substituting-Yogurt-milk-Lactic-Acid

https://permies.com/t/73479/composting/Journey-Fermentation-LAB-Cheesemaking-Korean

https://permies.com/t/58918/homemade-lacto-EM-culture
 
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