An independent scientific study that compares traditional composting (oxidization) of manure with fermentation of manure using the bokashi method shows the latter has significant advantages. The carbon footprint is presented on page 17.
The results from the two methods are somewhat different. The study shows that composting of conventional manure releases significant amounts of energy in the form of greenhouse gases while fermentation conserves energy and nitrogen in the manure.
The following was observed in compost made using the fermentation method:
— The energy in manure is retained during fermentation and stimulates the probiotic soil microbes when applied to agricultural land. This makes the soil more fertile.
— Much of the nitrogen in the manure is conserved during fermentation, which significantly improves the NPK balance. (Nitrogen in the traditional compost is converted to gases such as nitrous oxide, a highly aggressive greenhouse gas.)
– Greenhouse gases are are fixated and can be returned to farmland.
Read the report: Fermentation versus composting
