Fermentation is a metabolic process that uses enzymes to cause chemical changes in organic substances.
It is described as the absorption of energy from carbohydrates in the lack of oxygen in biochemistry.
It can also refer to any procedure in which the action of microbes results in a beneficial alteration to a food or beverage in the food industry. Zymology is the scientific study of fermentation.
Fermentation is the most common way for bacteria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through an anaerobic breakdown of organic materials.
Fermentation has been utilized by humans to make meals and beverages since the Neolithic period.
Fermentation, for example, is used to preserve lactic acid, which is found in sour foods like pickled cucumbers, kombucha, kimchi, and yogurt, as well as to make alcoholic beverages like wine and beer.
Industrial fermentation is the use of microbes to produce chemicals, biofuels, enzymes, proteins, and medicines on a massive scale.
Fermentation takes place in all species’ gastrointestinal tracts, even humans. Alfalfa meals can also go through the process of fermentation and we’ll discuss that in this article.
How To Use Fermented Alfalfa
The decision to develop an alfalfa ferment stemmed from a desire to provide plants with more nitrogen organically than we could currently provide.
We can extract this important nutrient, as well as many others, from alfalfa using the fermentation process.
As we water it in or foliar spray the plants, it becomes readily available for the plants in the garden.
Furthermore, because alfalfa stimulates plant immune systems, we get not only great plant development but also strong immune systems that can withstand infections and pests.
Read also: Is Alfalfa Meal Good For A Vegetable Garden?
There are many products of fermented Alfalfa, however, Alfalfa Fermented Plant Extract is a liquid fertilizer that is designed to do the following:
- Increase the rate of plant growth.
- Soil diversity should be encouraged.
- Boost the immunological system of the plant.
To decompose the plant fibers, it is fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and molasses.
This allows your garden plants to benefit from the nutrients and optimum value found in alfalfa. As a result, whether you spray the fermented plant extract on the leaves or soak the soil in it, the plants may rapidly absorb it.
1 oz – 4 oz ferment per gallon of water is the recommended application rate. It can be applied as a drench or as a foliar spray. Filtered water, organic molasses, organic alfalfa, and lactic acid bacteria are among the ingredients.
You can store it in the following ways and take note of some precautions:
- Store at room temperature, between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C), and out of the full sun.
- Keep out of children’s reach.
- Prevent dealing with exposed wounds or eyes.
- It is not fit for human consumption.
Alfalfa benefits plant growth and vitality in a variety of ways, including:
Importance Of Alfalfa
- This is a fantastic source of nitrogen to help plants thrive.
- Triacontanol is a chemical found in alfalfa. It’s a hormone that encourages plants to develop stronger roots and produce more photosynthesis. As a result, the plants become stronger and larger.
- Triacontanol also promotes the growth of plant roots, improves photosynthesis, and intensifies the number of beneficial microbes. Many soil-borne diseases are suppressed as a result of this.
How Do You Extract Triacontanol From Alfalfa?
Extraction from alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) in one of the following methods is among the greatest sources of triacontanol:
Immerse 5 compressed alfalfa pills (500 to 600 mg) in one gallon of water for 24 hours. Agitate. Several times during the planting season, soak plants with the solution.
To ONE YARD OF SOIL OR GROWING MEDIA, add 2-3 cupfuls of alfalfa meal (bought from farm food stores; make sure the meal hasn’t been denatured by high temperature).
Apply alfalfa meal or shredded alfalfa hay to the soil around the plants as a light mulch or top dressing, then water.
Make use of strong solvents. The result is a solution that is far too concentrated. Only a small trace (0.01 cc) can be used, making it unsuitable for the normal grower.
Read also: Does Alfalfa Meal Attract Rodents?
What Is Alfalfa Meal Made Of?
Alfalfa meal is a well-known organic gardening soil supplement that has been around for a long time. It is composed of the dried, granulated alfalfa plant.
When dealing with an alfalfa meal in your garden, it’s always a good idea to start with non-GMO alfalfa. Alfalfa can be purchased as a meal or as pellets.
