Turning raw compost (after 24 hours of Oklin composting) into a soil conditioner

or organic fertilizer: The 2nd Fermentation process

Fig1. With no soil amendment Fig2. With compost after 24 hrs OKLIN composting Fig3. With fertilizer after 2nd fermentation

*In a ratio of 1:10 (compost:soil)

1. The process of 2nd Fermentation

A. Mix raw compost from the Oklin composting machine with other organic materials, such as dried leaves, dried garden
clippings, sawdust, bagasse, peanut shells, rice husks, etc. in equal parts (1:1). Mix completely.
B. Check if the pH value ranges from 6 to 7. If the pH value is below 6, add more organic material. If above 7.5, add more
compost. In the event of very low pH (5 or below), one can add lime (calcium carbonate).
C. Check if moisture content is from 20-40%. If not able to test, check by squeezing a fistful of material. If water runs out, it
is too wet. If material falls apart, it is too dry. If too dry, add water gradually. If too wet, add more dry organic material.
D. Place your mixed compost within a container no less that 1 cubic meter (m3) in size (the bigger the better due to numbers of
natural bacteria availability) & must be located in shady area. If a container is not available, heap it into a pile & cover with
tarp(s) in heavy rain.
E. Approximately 6 – 8 weeks time is required for 2nd fermentation to be complete.
*6 – 8 weeks is only for reference; the time varies depending on temperature and compost composition.
F. Stir twice per week. Stirring allows oxygen to get into the compost, enhancing the 2nd fermentation process.
G. Insert a thermometer into the compost to a depth of 20 cm or greater. Check & record the temperature every day. 2nd
fermentation will begin in approximately 1-3 weeks, after which the interior of the compost will reach a temperature of 50 –
60 C for 2-3 weeks.
H. Eventually, the interior of the compost will cool down to less than 10 C above the surrounding area. At that point, 2nd
fermentation is finished and the newly made mature compost (soil conditioner or organic fertilizer) is ready to use.
I. Locate your mature compost in a shady area; it can be preserved for years.
2. Using the compost directly from machine
You may use the compost straight out of machine after 24 hours. However, it must be diluted at a ratio of 1:10 (compost : soil)
or greater, or may result plant damage. Mix the compost into the soil ground with a rake or hoe to achieve best results!
3. Suggested procedure for organic fertilizer* packaging:
A. Check if pH value of organic fertilizer achieved 6 -8. Adjust as necessary.
B. Dry out the fertilizer until the moisture content is 30% or lower.
C. Mould in pieces or bag & seal the dried fertilizer in powder form directly.
* Note: To be considered an ‘organic fertilizer’ your mature compost must meet certain minimum nutrient (NPK) levels.