Fermented forest litter or li-fo-fer

Li-Fo-Fer introduces a variety of microorganisms into an agroecosystem that we wish to nurture, thereby accelerating the natural processes that lead to balance

Difficulty level: Easy Time required: To be determined Material cost: €30 Tools and supplies needed: Li-Fo-Fer is a mixture of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi produced by fermenting forest litter. While this community occurs naturally in forest litter, the fermentation process causes the population of microorganisms specific to this ecosystem to multiply. Within a natural ecosystem, the interaction of microorganisms leads to the decomposition of organic matter, which is then transformed into nutrients necessary for the continued growth of the ecosystem’s vegetation. Microorganisms in decomposing forest litter proliferate during the rainy seasons and are then easy to spot. Forest litter for this preparation must be collected in an ecosystem free from human activity in order to find the greatest possible diversity of microorganisms. Through Li-Fo-Fer, we introduce a variety of microorganisms into an agroecosystem we wish to nurture, thereby accelerating the natural processes that promote the balance of that ecosystem. By introducing a diversity of microorganisms, we encourage the development of synergies within the ecosystem and the breakdown of organic matter, thereby increasing the availability of nutrients for vegetation. The introduction of microorganisms also enables the elimination (or at least biological control) of pathogens harmful to crops or of unpleasant odors in livestock facilities. Thus, Li-Fo-Fer is an inexpensive biological catalyst that supports the proper functioning of our agroecosystems. Its artisanal production is highly beneficial from both ecological and economic perspectives.Production StepsThe first production step involves creating a “solid phase” of Fermented Forest Litter (Li-Fo-Fer): the basic resource for the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms. This solid phase will be used directly as organic fertilizer or will subsequently be used to produce a “liquid phase.”Raw MaterialsThe raw materials used vary depending on the soil and climate conditions, with the goal of utilizing local resources for this preparation. In all cases, the following are required:forest litter a source of simple sugars (sugar, fruit juice, honey, molasses)a source of starch and fiber (wheat bran, corn, sorghum)a source of lactic acid bacteria (whey, milk, yogurt). Table 1 lists the raw materials and quantities used at T&H (Ardèche) to prepare a 60-liter container of Li-Fo-Fer in the solid phase.Forest litter: 12 kgWheat bran: 16 kgWhey: 4 litersMolasses (sugar): 4 liters (1.6 kg)Spring or rainwater: 5 to 20 liters (depending on the fist test)Airtight container: 60-liter capacity 1st production phase: solid phase Collect decomposing forest litter. On flat ground, spread out the litter, add the bran, then mix everything together until a uniform mixture is obtained. Mix the whey and sugar and moisten the litter-bran mixture with this mixture. Use the fist test to determine how much water to add: take a handful of the mixture and squeeze it tightly in your hand. If water runs out, add a little more bran. If it’s still dry, add more sugar water. Mix well. Once the mixture is ready, fill the container, packing it down regularly to remove air (the process must be mostly anaerobic). Place a plastic sheet covered with sand on top to compact the mixture, then close the container and store it in a location between 25 and 30°C for one month. After one month, open the container and smell the odor emanating from it. A pleasant sweet-and-sour smell means that the solid-phase Li-Fo-Fer is ready for use. It will keep for two years if anaerobic conditions are maintained in the container. However, if a foul smell of rot or vinegar emanates from the container, discard the product, as the preparation has failed. Note: the whey must be fresh or kept refrigerated. If it has fermented, discard it in the compost. Obtaining an activated liquid phaseThe activated liquid phase is produced by activating the previously prepared solid phase.The liquid phase is the most suitable for most uses, although the solid phase is itself already usable. Activation allows the consortium of microorganisms to reproduce exponentially. It results in a product that is more convenient to apply. Finally, it makes this technique more cost-effective: 60 kg of solid-phase Li-Fo-Fer yields between 1,200 and 2,000 liters of liquid phase, to be diluted upon use. As in the first preparation phase, the choice of raw materials should be adapted to local resources.Table 2 lists the raw materials and quantities used to prepare a 60-liter container, which will yield 50 liters of activated liquid Li-Fo-Fer.LFF: 3 kgWhey: 3 litersMolasses (sugar): 3 kgSpring or rainwater: 55 to 58 liters (until the container is full)Airtight container: 60 liters Materials for the liquid phase Filtered Li-Fo-Fer must be stored in airtight containers filled to the brim. Wine bags are well-suited for this purpose. The product yields the best results during the first three weeks after production, as the population density of microorganisms decreases day by day. In agricultural use, some therefore recommend not using Li-Fo-Fer that is more than two months old, except for application to soil or compost. Li-Fo-Fer can be reactivated by adding a source of sugar, water, and possibly whey. The product’s quality must then be reassessed based on its odor and pH. 2nd production phase: liquid phaseWeigh 3 kg of molasses or 1.2 kg of sugar, 3 kg of Li-Fo-Fer, and 3 L of whey.Dissolve the sugar in the container with 30 L of water, then mix in the Li-Fo-Fer and whey, stir, and add the remaining water at 30°C until the container is full.Once filled, seal the container tightly and install an airlock to allow gases to escape and prevent air from entering. Leave the mixture at 25°C for 2 days to start fermentation, then maintain at 15–20°C for 5 days. Total fermentation time: one week. Once fermentation is complete, the solution should have a pH between 3.5 and 4. If the pH is lower or higher, do not use the product. The odor is also a good indicator of viability (see solid phase). Caution: the whey must be fresh or kept refrigerated. If it has fermented, discard it in the compost. Soil is one of nature’s most complex ecosystems, due to the diversity of organisms that exist within it: microorganisms, plants, and animals. Their collective interactions form a system of dynamic interactions. Soil microorganisms, for example, carry out synthetic processes that facilitate nutrient absorption by plants. Soil biodiversity therefore promotes better crop health. Microorganisms also contribute to several biogeochemical cycles, including the carbon and nitrogen cycles; and thus to the dynamics of organic matter, soil evolution, CO2 sequestration, and greenhouse gas emissions.The richness and diversity of microorganisms in the soil are therefore essential for healthy and productive agriculture, and for this reason, we recommend applying Li-Fo-Fer to the soil. For maximum effectiveness, Li-Fo-Fer should be combined with high-quality organic matter (compost, manure, mulch, shredded plant material, etc.). Beneficial effects of Li-Fo-Fer on soils: summaryPromotes root growth and crop developmentCombats soil pathogensSupports the plant immune system against diseases and pestsSolubilizes soil nutrientsAccelerates the decomposition of crop residuesImproves the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the soil CAUTION: Li-Fo-Fer should be applied using a watering can or a sprayer. If using a sprayer, do not exceed 3 bar of pressure (risk of bursting the microorganisms). Since the pressure of manual sprayers can reach up to 4 bar, do not pump fully.