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The Journal

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

This process 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

  1. 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.
  2. Chop material into 1-2" pieces and weigh on a kitchen scale.
  3. chopped plant material in jar on scale
  4. Pour material into bowl. Add an equal weight of raw, organic brown sugar (light or dark is fine - I usually use light).
  5. chopped plant material with sugar on top
  6. Mix until all plant material is covered in the sugar, using your hands to mix it all is the easiest and most fun.
  7. chopped plant material mixed with sugar in bowl
  8. Place all the material in a quart jar or something around that size. Glass is best - do not use metal.
  9. Cover with a paper towel, cheesecloth, or piece of fabric. The fermentation process will create gas that must be allowed to escape.
  10. plant and sugar mix in jar with paper cover
  11. Leave on a flat surface, out of direct sunlight, for 7 days. (Warmer environments may allow for faster fermentation at about 5 days.)
  12. Get a new jar, about half the size of the original, and place a jar funnel and seive on the top.
  13. 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.
  14. Label, date, and store in cool, dry area with a loose lid as the microorganisms will continue to produce gases. Alternatively it can be stored in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature before use.
  15. jar of finished fpj product with label

Application

Dilute to 1:500 with fresh water (~2 tsp per gallon of water). Apply as light mist 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 and/or WCA if applying during the flowering and fruiting stages.

Additional resources