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Fermentation Explained


What is Fermentation, and why is it so much better than composting? 

Fermentation is a process of treating organic waste, which uses anaerobic microbes [assisted with Biosa], rather than aerobic microbes.  It is similar to the process of pickling - a pickled onion for example still looks like an onion, although inside it has changed completely.

The advantages of this process are many, including reduced greenhouse gas emission, a more nutritious end product, and far easier management. 

A comparison of the two processes is as follows:


Composting

Fermenting

Can produce foul odours

Sweet-smelling, or odourless

Can attract rodents

No rodents

Can attract flies and other insects

Does not attract any insects, including flies

Produces heat

Produces no heat, all energy retained

Requires mechanical and labour input

Done in-vessel and requires no turning

Produces significant greenhouse gases

Produces minimal greenhouse gases

Takes up to 6 months to produce

Takes about 4 weeks to produce

Is unstable and reactive until complete

Is stable and storable immediately

Low nutrient value of end-product

High nutrient value of end-product

Produces leachate

No leachate, all nutrients retained

Only certain products can be composted

ANY organic material can be fermented


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