Organic Farming with Jakaba and Natural Calcium Solutions

Organic farming with Jakaba and natural calcium solutions is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to agriculture. This article compiles proven organic farming techniques, including the use of Jakaba mushroom fermentation, natural microbial inputs, and organic calcium sources to enhance soil health and plant growth. By applying these natural methods, farmers can improve crop productivity and soil quality while minimizing dependence on synthetic chemicals.

Synthetic Balancer (by Puja Shera)

Ingredients:

• 20 kg of goat manure
• 5 liters of urine
• 500 ml fermented tea or MbP (Microbial Bokashi Powder)
• 10 liters of ice washing water (water from rinsing rice) or coconut water
• 500–1000 grams of palm sugar
• 1 kg of fish pellets
• 1 pineapple
• 200-liter drum
• Yeast

Preparation:
Use anaerobic fermentation for at least 14 days. Adjust doses according to crop needs, typically between 1:2 to 1:10 dilution ratios. Apply early in plant growth as a synthetic balancer to restore soil microbial balance.

Benefits of POC Waste (by Choirul Anam)

For those who have made Organic Liquid Fertilizer (POC), do not discard the sediment residue. Place it in a shaded area, cover it with a cloth, and allow it to dry. Once dried, grind it into a powder that can serve as a microbial inoculant or decomposer source. Store it in a jar for future use in organic fertilizer production.

Jakaba (The Luck Fungus)

Inventor: H. Aba Junaidi Sahidj
Author: Halik Setiadi

Jakaba is a unique fungus discovered by chance by H. Aba Junaidi Sahidj from the Sumbe Rezeki Timurcurah Farmer Group. Its appearance resembles coral: initially soft and flexible, then it hardens over time like sea coral.

Origin

Jakaba forms spontaneously in rice washing water (called “leri”) stored in a bucket covered with cloth. This accidental emergence is considered a stroke of luck.

Benefits of Jakaba

• Accelerates the Growth of Stunted Plants:
  Plants that lag in development compared to their peers might suffer from genetic issues, uneven planting media, or soil-borne diseases. Jakaba stimulates growth to overcome these limitations.
• Extends Plant Lifespan:
  While some plants naturally die after fruiting, the application prolongs plant life and productivity.
• Controls Fusarium Disease:
  Fusarium is a soil fungus that causes wilt and root rot. Jakaba helps suppress this pathogen, promoting healthier crops.

How to Obtain Jakaba

Collect rice washing water before cooking rice and pour it into a clean container like a plastic drum or bucket. Cover with a cloth and keep it in a shaded place indoors for about 15 days. If lucky, coral-like fungi will appear. If it grows, allow it to develop to the desired size; otherwise, start over.

How to Multiply Jakaba

Multiplying Jakaba is easier than finding it initially. Take a small piece of Jakaba fungus, add fresh rice washing water, and cover as before. Keep in the shade for 14 days. The fungus should develop, confirming successful multiplication.

Application of Jakaba

Use the liquid from the Jakaba culture or crush the fungus finely in a blender, then dilute with rice washing water. Mix 400 ml of this solution with 10 liters of water. Apply as a soil drench or foliar spray evenly on plants.

Notes on Jakaba

Jakaba is considered a natural “lucky” fungus and cannot be artificially formulated like other microbial products. Success depends on fortunate environmental conditions.

Tips to Multiply Commercial Organic Liquid Fertilizer (POC) by Bu Deni Ikbal

Ingredients:

• 180–200 liters of water
• 1 bottle commercial POC (usually 1 liter; preferably containing micronutrients)
• 1 bottle EM4 (Effective Microorganisms, yellow type; alternatives allowed)
• 15–20 kg of goat manure (without grass, well decomposed)

Process:
Mix all ingredients in a drum and ferment for 1 week. Optional: cover with black plastic to intensify fermentation.

Spray Dose:

• Rainy season: 500 ml per 20 liters of water
• Dry season: 1 liter per 20 liters of water

Soil Drench Dose:

• Rainy season: 1 liter per 20 liters of water
• Dry season: 2 liters per 20 liters of water

Accelerated POC Production Trick by New Bangsa Putera

To produce larger quantities and speed up POC fermentation:

1. Prepare the primary batch (e.g., 200-liter drum).
2. After 1–2 weeks, prepare secondary batches (POC 2 and 3).
3. Use the same finely ground materials.
4. Divide the liquid from the first batch into the new containers.
5. Add materials and top up with water and boiled sugar water.
6. Let ferment until completion.

This method uses developed microbes from the first batch to accelerate fermentation.

Converting Chemical Fertilizer into Organic Fertilizer

Dilute 1 gram of chemical fertilizer in 1 liter of water, add citrus extract (citric acid), and adjust pH to 6 before application. This process reduces chemical intensity and converts fertilizer into a more organic-friendly form.

Agricultural Lime (Calcium) for Soil Amendment

Lime is essential to neutralize acidic soils and improve nutrient availability. Types of lime include:

• Calcite Lime (CaCO3): Primarily calcium carbonate; raises pH to about 8.
• Dolomite Lime (CaMg(CO3)2): Contains magnesium; preferred for acidic soils lacking Mg.
• Quicklime (CaO): Highly reactive, raises pH drastically (up to 14).
• Hydrated Lime (Ca(OH)2): Produced by mixing quicklime with water; strong pH effect.

Application Tips:

• Use dolomite for highly acidic soils like Ultisols (0.5–2 tons/ha).
• Avoid excessive lime to prevent nutrient imbalances and organic matter loss.
• Combine lime with organic amendments to buffer effects and maintain soil health.

Organic Calcium from Eggshells by New Bangsa Putera

1. Collect clean eggshells and discard the thin inner membranes.
2. Soak shells in a non-metal container with vinegar and water (1 bottle of vinegar: 2–3 liters of water) for one day.
3. Strain the liquid and dilute with 20 liters of water for use.

Alternatively, boil eggshells and use the cooled water containing dissolved calcium. Use TDS meters to measure calcium concentration if available.

Microbial-Based Organic Calcium Production Concept

1. Produce organic acids via microbes (e.g., using Yakult and sugar), converting sugar into lactic or acetic acid.
2. Add a calcium source (e.g., ground eggshell) at a controlled pH (below 7) to bind calcium ions.
3. Allow anaerobic fermentation to proceed, forming bioavailable calcium complexes.

This approach mimics chelation processes and avoids excessive insoluble residues.

Calcium Ragem Wahid by Hasan Real

Ingredients:

• 1 oz sugar
• 1 oz carbide waste
• 1 oz monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• 3 liters of water

Mix ingredients to improve soil and water quality in aquaculture. Calcium peroxide formed increases redox potential and helps eliminate harmful plankton causing red tides.

Calcium Peroxide Preparation

• 100 g hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
• 46 g hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2)

Slowly mix lime into H2O2 and monitor pH. When neutral and calcium are fully dissolved, calcium peroxide is ready. Optionally add sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to enhance the effect.

Conclusion

This collection of natural farming techniques emphasizes the synergy between microbial activity, organic inputs, and soil chemistry management. From the lucky Jakaba fungus to smart fermentation of organic fertilizers and calcium amendments, these methods foster healthier plants and sustainable agriculture. Understanding soil pH, microbial balance, and organic nutrient sources empowers farmers to reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals, promote environmental health, and achieve better crop yields organically.

Also read: Natural Organic Farming Guide