Episode Details

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" features a conversation with Marco, a proponent of natural farming practices and the owner of Microbes by Marco (@Marco_is_growing) . The discussion centers on the application of Korean Natural Farming (KNF) and Jadam techniques, emphasizing soil building, experimentation, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Beyond the White IMO: Embracing Diversity in Microorganisms

The conversation begins by addressing a common misconception in IMO (Indigenous Microorganism) collection. While the traditional goal is to harvest white, fluffy IMO colonies, Marco advocates for embracing the diversity of microorganisms present, including those with different colors. He believes that focusing solely on white IMO limits the potential benefits of a wider range of microbes and does not reflect the natural diversity found in ecosystems.

• Marco acknowledges the preference for white, fuzzy mycelium, which indicates the presence of bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter. However, he emphasizes that other colors, such as reds, greens, yellows, blues, and purples, represent different microbial communities that can contribute to soil health.
• He argues that selecting only white IMO reflects a human bias toward cleanliness and order, while nature thrives on diversity.
• Marco suggests that different fungi may offer varying benefits depending on the season and plant growth stage, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.

Experimentation and Innovation in Natural Farming

Both Marco and Andy highlight the importance of experimentation in natural farming, recognizing that the field is relatively new and lacks extensive research compared to conventional agriculture. They discuss the potential for discovering new applications for different IMO collections and other innovative practices, like using fish tank water as a microbial inoculant.

• Marco shares his experience using fish tank water, rich in aquatic microorganisms, as a beneficial input for his plants. He explains that he noticed similarities between the microbes found in his soil and those in his aquarium water, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between terrestrial and aquatic microbial communities.
• Andy connects this concept to his own practice of using silt from his duck ponds to fertilize fruit and nut trees.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of observation, intuition, and a willingness to try new things in natural farming, drawing inspiration from traditional practices and recognizing that many beneficial techniques were likely discovered through trial and error in the past.

Matching Inputs to Plant Needs and Growth Stages

Marco explains his approach to choosing inputs, emphasizing the need to match them with the specific growth stage of the plant. He rejects the rigid schedules often promoted by commercial fertilizer companies and instead advocates for a more intuitive approach that observes the plant's needs and responds accordingly.

• During the vegetative stage, Marco prioritizes leafy JLFs (fermented plant juices), like comfrey, which are rich in nitrogen and growth hormones.
• As plants transition to flowering, he incorporates more fruit-based FPJs and KNF inputs, like sugar, to support the plant's increased carbohydrate demands.
• Marco also emphasizes the importance of monitoring the strength of his feeds using EC meters to avoid burning plants.

The Potential for Scaling Up Natural Farming Practices

The episode explores the possibility of scaling up natural farming practices to feed a larger population. While acknowledging the challenges, both Marco and Andy express optimism about the potential impact of widespread adoption.

• Marco envisions a system where communities collect organic waste and invest in large-scale JLF and IMO productio