Throw mudballs into the water, and allow the microbes found in Bokashi Bran get to work
What are Bokashi mudballs?
Bokashi mudballs are made of dried soil & clay into which Bokashi Bran and water is added. They're used to clean up waterways, rivers, stream and lakes where there are concentrated deposits of sludge & slime.
The essential microorganisms that exist in Bokashi Bran follow the principle of EM-1, which has well documented successes by Dr. Teruo Higa in water remediation via beneficial microbes for decades!
Mud balls can become a positive vessel of change, by providing a way to throw microbes into damaged waters from a distance.
There is no instant solution, but a barrage of microbes is a worthy endeavor!
How can Bokakshi mudballs be used?
Everyone can "pitch in" in the mudball challenge. From making mudballs, to having a community pitching event, Bokashi mudballs can be something to bring the community together.
What exactly is going on?
Certain microbes can help clean up pollution. Some bacteria found in compost can eat toxins in raw sewage. They break it down and "poop out" nutrients. Long term, this makes the area less polluted and allows plants and animals to come back.
Some of these same microbes are in foods like yogurt, cheese and beer too. They eat organic material and make enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants. This feeds other organisms in the environment. So in a way, these microbes are natural cleaners that can help restore balance.
Will this work everywhere?
We think it's worth exploring more. There's value in your own experiments. Try it out and observe what changes, as not everyone agrees. We're sharing a few papers below for reference.
Scientific Reference:
Park, GS., Khan, A.R., Kwak, Y. et al. An improved effective microorganism (EM) soil ball-making method for water quality restoration. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23, 1100–1107 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-5617-x
Tomczyk, P., Wierzchowski, P.S., Dobrzyński, J. et al. Effective microorganism water treatment method for rapid eutrophic reservoir restoration. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 2377–2393 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31354-2
Lurling, M., Tolman, Y. & van Oosterhout, F. Cyanobacteria blooms cannot be controlled by Effective Microorganisms (EM®) from mud- or Bokashi-balls. Hydrobiologia 646, 133–143 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-010-0173-3
Did you know? International EM Mud Ball Day has been held across the world on August 8th.
There is no instant solution, but a barrage of microbes is a worthy endeavor.
Why do we want to do this?
It can be a struggle for folks to actually believe that natural products can heal the earth and overcome a pro-chemical mindset. Over the past few decades, humans have managed to really injure the land in the name of progress.
Chemicals often harm the environment, whereas something like Bokashi mudballs only has naturally healthy inputs. Our goal is to keep educating others on microbes and their uses in cleaning, fertilizing, and pest control as part of our daily lives.
Improved water clarity and quality
The microorganisms in Bokashi mudballs can help reduce suspended particles, break down organic matter and pollutants, and prevent excess algae growth, leading to clearer, cleaner water.
Algae control
Bokashi mudballs contain microbes that can outcompete harmful algal species for nutrients, limiting excessive algae blooms that degrade water quality.
How we can help
Bokashi Bran may donate Bokashi Bran for your local community genki/mudball project. Please contact us for more details.
What are some examples of success?
One event in Malaysia a few years ago has proven to become a wonderful case study.
Over 1.2 million mud balls were thrown into polluted rivers by more than 18,000 people.
The result? It got rid of algae blooms and red tides, brought back oysters and fish, and make the water safe enough to use in emergencies.
Their bay went from lifeless mud to a thriving ocean habitat again!
Resources on Bokashi Mudballs
Key benefits
Bokashi mudballs offer an accessible, natural way to combat factors degrading water quality like excess nutrients, erosion, and algal overgrowth.
Using them is a small step any gardener or homeowner can take to reduce pollution flowing from their property into cherished local waterways. Getting involved creates an opportunity to connect more deeply with nature right in one's own backyard!
Algae Control
Bokashi mudballs contain microbes that can outcompete harmful algal species for nutrients, limiting excessive algae blooms that degrade water quality.
Habitat restoration
The mudballs allow reintroduction of native aquatic plants that provide food and shelter for local wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
Natural filtration
The mudballs trap polluting particles and provide a natural filtration system as water flows over them.
Engages community
Making and dispersing mudballs gets people involved in stewarding and restoring local water ecosystems.
Improved water clarity and quality
The microorganisms in Bokashi mudballs can help reduce suspended particles, break down organic matter and pollutants, and prevent excess algae growth, leading to clearer, cleaner water.
Erosion control
Strategic placement of mudballs along shorelines and erosion-prone areas helps stabilize soil and prevents sediment runoff that can cloud water.
Nutrient recycling
Aquatic plants grown from seeds in the mudballs take up excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, preventing imbalances.
Bokashi Mudballs Recipe
Keep it simple. Here's a simple way to make your own Bokashi mudballs!
Materials needed:
Bokashi Bran (or EM-1, wheat bran & molasses)
Water
Local soil mixed with clay or mud. (A mixture of local clay is preferred. This allows an easy way to form balls that can be thrown.)
Steps:
Lightly mix in about bokashi bran to a moist mud or clay mix at a 1:10 ratio.
Example: 1 part bokashi bran to 10 parts soil & clay mix.
Thoroughly mix the Bokashi Bran material in and form into small balls.Line and dry out of direct sunlight.
The Bokashi mudballs will dry and start to get "fuzzy" after time.After dried, gather for a community event to throw them all away!
Note: You could also mix in EM-1 or other mother culture in place of Bokashi Bran. There are plenty of variations on making bokashi mudballs. Be sure to adapt the recipe to your local environment where possible!
