SPOR KNOWLEDGE HUB

LEARN THE SYSTEM. NOT JUST THE RECIPE.

Practical regenerative-agriculture knowledge for growers who want to understand their soil, plants, biology and inputs.

SPOR Cultivation brings together:

Korean Natural Farming • JADAM • Soil Biology • Biochar • Syntropic Agroforestry • Biological Nutrition • Integrated Pest Management • Industrial Hemp • Regenerative Agriculture

with a particular focus on adapting these systems to Australian and Western Australian growing conditions.

Our philosophy is simple:

UNDERSTAND IT.

MAKE IT.

APPLY IT.

OBSERVE IT.

IMPROVE IT.

SOIL • PLANTS • ORGANISMS • REGENERATION

START HERE

BIOLOGICAL FARMING DOESN'T BEGIN WITH A BOTTLE.

It begins with observation.

Before applying anything, ask:

What is happening in the soil?

What stage is the plant in?

What biological activity already exists?

What problem am I actually trying to solve?

What result am I trying to achieve?

Biological farming isn't about applying every natural input you can find.

It is about using appropriate tools to support a functioning agricultural ecosystem.

The objective is not maximum input.

The objective is:

Better nutrient cycling.

Better soil structure.

Stronger root systems.

Greater biological diversity.

Better use of farm-generated resources.

Reduced unnecessary dependence on external inputs.

THE SPOR SYSTEM

SOIL • PLANTS • ORGANISMS • REGENERATION

S — SOIL

Healthy crops begin below ground.

Soil should be considered a living environment containing:

Minerals
Organic matter
Water
Air
Plant roots
Bacteria
Fungi
Protozoa
Arthropods
Earthworms
Countless other organisms

Good soil management aims to improve the conditions that allow these components to function together.

P — PLANTS

Plants change throughout their life cycle.

A seedling is trying to establish roots.

A vegetative plant is producing leaves and stems.

A flowering plant is changing its physiology.

A fruiting plant is allocating resources differently again.

Instead of asking only:

"What fertiliser should I apply?"

also ask:

"What is the plant trying to do right now?"

O — ORGANISMS

Agriculture depends on living organisms.

Microorganisms contribute to decomposition, nutrient cycling and organic-matter transformation.

Fungi can form extensive networks through soil.

Beneficial insects can suppress pest populations.

Plants create habitat and carbon inputs through their roots.

The objective is not to sterilise the farm.

It is to build conditions that favour useful biological processes.

R — REGENERATION

A regenerative system aims to improve through repeated cycles.

Plants → Biomass → Carbon → Biology → Soil → Plants

Crop residues, prunings, weeds and other biomass can potentially become:

Mulch
Compost
Fermentation materials
Animal feed
Biochar
Habitat
Organic matter

Regeneration means finding ways to return useful resources to the farming system.

KOREAN NATURAL FARMING

BUILD BIOLOGY FROM LOCAL RESOURCES.

Korean Natural Farming, usually shortened to KNF, is associated with the work of Han-Kyu Cho.

KNF uses locally sourced microorganisms, fermented biological inputs and mineral preparations within an agricultural system that places strong emphasis on working with natural biological processes.

Common KNF preparations include:

IMO — Indigenous Microorganisms

LAB — Lactic Acid Bacteria

FPJ — Fermented Plant Juice

FFJ — Fermented Fruit Juice

FAA — Fish Amino Acid

OHN — Oriental Herbal Nutrient

WCA — Water-Soluble Calcium

WCP — Water-Soluble Calcium Phosphate

BRV — Brown Rice Vinegar

KNF inputs should not automatically be applied together or at identical concentrations.

Different preparations have different purposes.

IMO — INDIGENOUS MICROORGANISMS

CULTIVATE LOCAL BIOLOGY.

Indigenous Microorganisms are microorganisms collected from biologically active local environments and progressively cultivated for agricultural use.

The basic progression is:

IMO-1 — COLLECT

↓

IMO-2 — STABILISE

↓

IMO-3 — EXPAND

↓

IMO-4 — ADAPT TO SOIL

↓

APPLY TO THE FARM

IMO is primarily a soil-building technique, not simply another liquid fertiliser.

IMO-1

COLLECTING INDIGENOUS MICROORGANISMS

IMO-1 begins by exposing cooked rice to microorganisms present in a healthy local environment.

GOOD COLLECTION LOCATIONS

Look for biologically active areas such as:

Healthy forest litter

Undisturbed leaf litter

Established bamboo areas

Healthy perennial vegetation

Long-established composting environments

Areas containing visible fungal activity

Choose a location that represents the biology you would like to encourage.

Avoid contaminated areas, heavily disturbed ground and obvious chemical spills.

BASIC IMO-1 METHOD

Cook rice so it is firm rather than wet or sticky.

Place the rice loosely into a breathable collection container.

Do not compress it.

Leave enough air space for oxygen movement.

Cover the container with breathable material that allows gas exchange while limiting insects and debris.

Place the container in contact with or immediately above biologically active leaf litter.

Protect it from:

Direct rain

Strong sunlight

Extreme heat

Animals

Allow the microorganisms present in the surrounding environment to colonise the rice.

Collection time changes considerably with temperature, moisture and microbial activity.

WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE

Healthy white fungal growth is generally considered desirable.

The rice may become strongly colonised and bound together.

WARNING SIGNS

Large areas of:

Black growth

Dark green growth

Strong rotten odours

Slimy anaerobic material

may indicate an unsuitable collection.

When uncertain, discard the collection and repeat it.

SPOR FIELD NOTE

Don't chase an exact number of days.

Observe the rice.

Microbiology responds to the environment, not the calendar.

IMO-2

STABILISING THE COLLECTION

IMO-2 preserves the successfully collected IMO-1 material using sugar.

A common KNF approach is to combine the colonised rice with approximately an equal weight of brown sugar.

METHOD

Weigh the collected IMO-1.

Measure approximately the same weight of brown sugar.

Mix thoroughly without crushing the material excessively.

Place the mixture into a clean container.

Leave adequate headspace.

Cover appropriately.

Label with:

Preparation

Date

Collection location

Batch number

WHY SUGAR?

High sugar concentration reduces available water and helps stabilise the microbial material.

IMO-2 can then be used to create larger solid microbial cultures.

IMO-3

EXPANDING THE BIOLOGY

IMO-3 expands a relatively small quantity of IMO-2 across a larger carbohydrate-rich substrate.

Suitable materials commonly include agricultural bran or similar organic materials.

The purpose is to massively increase the microbial population.

THE IMPORTANT VARIABLES

Moisture

Temperature

Oxygen

Substrate

Microbial activity

Pile depth

MOISTURE

The material should be moist enough to support microbial activity but should not become waterlogged.

Excess moisture encourages anaerobic conditions.

OXYGEN

IMO-3 is generally managed as an aerobic process.

Compacted or waterlogged material can develop undesirable anaerobic conditions.

TEMPERATURE

Microbial activity generates heat.

The pile needs active observation.

If temperatures become excessive, the material may need turning, thinning or other management to prevent overheating.

SUCCESSFUL IMO-3

The finished material should show extensive biological activity without developing strong rotten or putrid conditions.

IMO-4

ADAPTING IMO TO FARM SOIL

IMO-4 takes the expanded microbial culture from IMO-3 and combines it with local soil.

This stage helps connect the cultivated microbial community with the mineral and biological environment of the farm where it will eventually be used.

Use suitable local soil rather than contaminated material.

Mix evenly.

Manage moisture and aeration.

Allow the biological material and soil to interact.

The result can then become part of a broader soil-building program.

APPLYING IMO

IMO can be incorporated into:

Compost

Mulched systems

Planting beds

Orchards

Syntropic rows

Market gardens

Soil rehabilitation

Biochar-conditioning systems

The objective is not simply to spread microorganisms.

Microorganisms require a suitable habitat.

Support IMO applications with:

Organic matter

Moisture

Living roots

Mulch

Aeration

Suitable soil conditions

Applying microorganisms into extremely dry, bare and carbon-poor soil without improving habitat may produce limited results.

LAB — LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

A USEFUL MICROBIAL CULTURE.

LAB is one of the most widely recognised KNF preparations.

Lactic acid bacteria occur naturally in many environments and are associated with fermentation and organic-matter transformation.

BASIC LAB PREPARATION

STEP 1 — RICE WASH

Wash uncooked rice in clean water.

Collect the cloudy rice-wash water.

Place it in a clean container with sufficient air space.

Cover loosely or with breathable material.

Allow the rice wash to ferment.

The objective is to allow naturally occurring microorganisms to establish.

STEP 2 — ADD MILK

After the rice-wash culture has developed, combine a portion with milk.

A commonly used natural-farming approach uses approximately:

1 part fermented rice wash to 10 parts milk.

Do not completely fill the container.

Allow room for separation.

During fermentation, the milk will normally separate into:

Curds

and

yellowish liquid whey

The liquid fraction contains the LAB culture used agriculturally.

STEP 3 — SEPARATE

Remove the curds.

Retain the liquid portion.

Label the preparation clearly.

Storage method will influence shelf life.

Some natural-farming systems stabilise LAB using sugar.

LAB USES

LAB may be incorporated into biological programs involving:

Organic matter decomposition

Composting

Soil drenches

Odour management

Fermentation

Microbial cultivation

Plant and root-zone management

Do not assume the same concentration is appropriate for every application.

FPJ — FERMENTED PLANT JUICE

CAPTURE ACTIVE PLANT GROWTH.

Fermented Plant Juice is produced using fresh plant material and sugar.

KNF commonly uses vigorous, actively growing plant material.

The idea is to capture soluble compounds from plants during strong vegetative growth.

SELECTING PLANTS

Choose healthy, actively growing material.

Good characteristics include:

Rapid growth

Strong new shoots

Healthy vegetation

No obvious disease

Collection is often performed when plants contain good internal moisture.

Avoid contaminated plants or material recently treated with inappropriate chemicals.

BASIC FPJ RECIPE

Use approximately:

1 part fresh plant material

to

1 part brown sugar by weight

METHOD

Collect plant material.

Remove obvious contamination.

Cut or break into manageable pieces where appropriate.

Weigh the material.

Mix thoroughly with approximately equal weight brown sugar.

Place into a suitable fermentation container.

Do not compact excessively.

Cover appropriately while allowing fermentation gases to escape.

Allow the material to ferment.

The sugar draws liquid from the plant tissues through osmotic pressure.

Separate the liquid when fermentation has developed appropriately.

Filter as necessary.

Bottle and label.

FPJ APPLICATION

FPJ is commonly associated with:

Vegetative development

Plant vigour

Biological cultivation programs

Use according to crop condition and growth stage rather than automatically applying throughout the entire crop.

FFJ — FERMENTED FRUIT JUICE

FERMENTED INPUT FOR REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT.

FFJ follows similar fermentation principles to FPJ but uses fruit material.

It is generally associated within KNF with later plant-development stages.

BASIC FFJ METHOD

Use healthy fruit material.

Avoid mouldy or rotten fruit.

Mix approximately:

1 part fruit

to

1 part brown sugar by weight

Allow the sugar to draw liquid from the fruit while fermentation progresses.

Separate and filter the finished liquid.

Store appropriately.

Label:

Preparation

Ingredients

Date

Batch

FFJ USE

FFJ is commonly associated with:

Flowering

Fruit formation

Fruit development

Maturation

Actual crop requirements vary.

Do not treat FFJ as a universal flowering fertiliser.

FAA — FISH AMINO ACID

FERMENTED FISH-BASED NUTRITION.

Fish Amino Acid is produced by fermenting fish material with sugar.

It is commonly used as a nitrogen-rich input within natural-farming systems.

BASIC FAA METHOD

Use fresh fish waste or suitable fish material.

A common natural-farming preparation uses approximately:

1 part fish material

to

1 part brown sugar by weight

Mix thoroughly.

Place into a suitable fermentation container.

Avoid sealing a fermenting mixture in a way that allows dangerous pressure to accumulate.

Store out of direct sunlight.

Allow the material to ferment gradually.

Filter the liquid as required before use.

WHEN FAA MAY BE USED

FAA is commonly associated with:

Vegetative growth

Nitrogen-demanding crops

Soil-building programs

Plant establishment

Do not continue applying nitrogen-rich inputs automatically during reproductive stages where excessive nitrogen could become counterproductive.

OHN — ORIENTAL HERBAL NUTRIENT

BOTANICAL KNF PREPARATION.

Oriental Herbal Nutrient is a traditional KNF preparation based on fermented or extracted aromatic plant materials.

Traditional formulations commonly include ingredients such as:

Garlic

Ginger

Cinnamon

Liquorice

Angelica

Recipes differ according to tradition, ingredient availability and preparation method.

OHN is commonly incorporated into KNF plant-management programs.

Because concentrated botanical extracts can be biologically active, they should be handled and applied responsibly.

WCA — WATER-SOLUBLE CALCIUM

CALCIUM PREPARATION.

WCA is traditionally produced using calcined eggshell and vinegar.

Heating eggshells removes organic residues and changes the material before the calcium is reacted with vinegar.

BASIC CONCEPT

Clean eggshells.

Remove internal membranes where practical.

Dry thoroughly.

Heat until appropriately calcined without reducing them completely to ash.

Allow to cool.

Slowly combine with vinegar in an appropriate non-reactive container.

The reaction can produce visible bubbling.

Do not tightly seal an actively reacting preparation.

After the reaction subsides and extraction has progressed, filter and store appropriately.

A commonly referenced KNF starting proportion is around:

1 part prepared eggshell to 10 parts vinegar

but actual preparation methods vary.

WCA APPLICATION

Calcium plays important roles in:

Cell walls

Plant structure

Membrane function

Root development

Fruit quality

Plant requirements still depend on crop, soil and existing nutrient status.

More calcium is not automatically better.

WCP — WATER-SOLUBLE CALCIUM PHOSPHATE

CALCIUM + PHOSPHORUS PREPARATION.

WCP is traditionally produced from appropriately charred animal bones reacted with vinegar.

It is associated with reproductive stages within KNF programs.

Production should be done hygienically and responsibly.

The resulting preparation should not be treated as a complete phosphorus fertiliser program without understanding soil and crop requirements.

BRV — BROWN RICE VINEGAR

Brown Rice Vinegar is used in various KNF preparations and formulations.

Vinegar is acidic.

Its use can influence solution pH and extraction processes.

Do not assume adding more vinegar improves a biological spray.

Always consider:

Final concentration

Plant sensitivity

Compatibility

Solution pH

SEAWATER & MINERAL WATER

Diluted seawater is sometimes used in natural-farming systems as a broad mineral source.

This requires considerable caution in Western Australia because many soils and irrigation systems already experience salinity challenges.

IMPORTANT

Do not apply seawater indiscriminately.

Consider:

Existing soil salinity

Irrigation-water salinity

Crop salt tolerance

Drainage

Application concentration

Soil texture

Repeated applications can accumulate salts.

KNF AND PLANT GROWTH STAGES

WHAT IS THE PLANT TRYING TO DO?

ESTABLISHMENT

Primary objectives:

Root growth

Soil contact

Microbial establishment

Water management

Avoid excessive feeding of very young plants.

VEGETATIVE GROWTH

Primary objectives:

Leaves

Stems

Roots

Photosynthetic capacity

Potential KNF tools may include appropriately selected biological and nitrogen-supporting inputs.

TRANSITION

The plant begins changing from vegetative growth toward reproductive development.

Avoid simply continuing a high-nitrogen vegetative program without considering the crop's changing requirements.

FLOWERING

Priorities may change toward:

Reproductive development

Calcium

Phosphorus

Potassium

Micronutrients

Water consistency

Pollination

FRUIT DEVELOPMENT

Consider:

Calcium movement

Potassium

Water management

Canopy balance

Photosynthesis

Disease pressure

MATURATION

Avoid assuming that more fertiliser automatically produces better quality.

Observe crop development and reduce unnecessary inputs.

JADAM

SIMPLE. SCALABLE. FARM-MADE.

JADAM is another Korean agricultural system.

It is not simply another name for KNF.

JADAM places particularly strong emphasis on:

Low-cost agriculture

Locally available materials

Farm-made inputs

Simple processes

Scalability

Reduced dependence on purchased agricultural chemicals

Common JADAM preparations include:

JMS — JADAM Microbial Solution

JLF — JADAM Liquid Fertiliser

JWA — JADAM Wetting Agent

JHS — JADAM Herbal Solution

JS — JADAM Sulfur

JMS — JADAM MICROBIAL SOLUTION

RAPID MICROBIAL CULTIVATION.

JMS is a short-cycle microbial solution generally produced using microorganisms collected from biologically active leaf mould or soil together with a simple food source.

Unlike long fermentations, JMS is typically prepared and used during active microbial growth.

GENERAL JMS PROCESS

Collect healthy leaf mould from an undisturbed environment.

Use clean water.

Add the microbial source and appropriate food materials according to the intended JMS method.

Maintain suitable temperature and aeration conditions.

Observe microbial development.

Use during the appropriate active phase rather than storing indefinitely.

IMPORTANT

Microbial development speed varies strongly with temperature.

Hot conditions can dramatically accelerate the process.

Cool conditions can slow it considerably.

JLF — JADAM LIQUID FERTILISER

TURN LOCAL BIOMASS INTO LIQUID NUTRITION.

JLF is based around decomposing plant or other organic materials in water.

Potential materials may include:

Weeds

Crop residues

Plant material

Specific nutrient-rich biomass

The nutrient profile of the finished liquid reflects the materials used.

GENERAL JLF PROCESS

Place selected plant material into an appropriate container.

Add water.

Introduce a suitable microbial source where required.

Allow decomposition to occur.

The material can develop a strong smell.

This does not automatically mean failure.

JLF is different from aerobic compost tea and should not be evaluated using identical standards.

Dilution should be appropriate for:

Material used

Crop

Application method

Strength of preparation

JWA — JADAM WETTING AGENT

IMPROVE SPRAY COVERAGE.

JWA is a soap-based wetting agent used to improve:

Spreading

Coverage

Contact

Wetting of plant surfaces

It can be useful in compatible foliar and pest-management sprays.

JWA DOES NOT:

Automatically make every spray safe.

Automatically make every pesticide effective.

Need to be included in every biological application.

Use it where improved wetting is beneficial and compatibility is established.

SAFETY

Manufacturing JWA from raw materials involves concentrated alkali and requires proper chemical PPE and handling.

Growers unfamiliar with concentrated alkali chemistry should use a properly prepared product or obtain appropriate training rather than improvising the manufacturing process.

JHS — JADAM HERBAL SOLUTION

BOTANICAL PLANT-MANAGEMENT INPUTS.

JHS refers to concentrated botanical preparations produced from selected plant materials.

Different plants contain different active compounds.

Therefore:

Plant identification matters.

Concentration matters.

Crop sensitivity matters.

Application timing matters.

Natural botanical compounds can still injure plants, beneficial insects or the applicator if used incorrectly.

Trial unfamiliar botanical preparations on a small area first.

JS — JADAM SULFUR

SULFUR-BASED CROP MANAGEMENT.

JADAM Sulfur is a concentrated sulfur preparation used in specific plant-management situations.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

Its manufacture involves hazardous alkaline chemistry and should only be undertaken by people who fully understand:

Chemical handling

Caustic burns

Heat generation

Correct PPE

Appropriate containers

Emergency procedures

For this reason, SPOR does not recommend inexperienced growers improvise JS manufacture from incomplete internet instructions.

Use established technical guidance and appropriate safety procedures.

Sulfur products can also cause phytotoxicity under unsuitable conditions.

Avoid assuming that stronger concentrations are better.

KNF VS JADAM

RELATED IDEAS. DIFFERENT SYSTEMS.

KNF

Common focus:

Indigenous microorganisms

Fermented plant inputs

Plant-stage management

Farm-produced mineral preparations

Common inputs:

IMO

LAB

FPJ

FFJ

FAA

OHN

WCA

WCP

JADAM

Common focus:

Low-cost farming

Scalable farm-made inputs

Microbial solutions

Liquid fertilisers

Wetting agents

Botanical preparations

Common inputs:

JMS

JLF

JWA

JHS

JS

SPOR APPROACH

We don't believe a grower needs to choose a farming philosophy like a football team.

Different systems contain useful tools.

UNDERSTAND THE TOOL.

UNDERSTAND THE FARM.

USE WHAT MAKES SENSE.

SOIL BIOLOGY

THE FARM BENEATH THE FARM.

The soil beneath a crop contains a complex biological community.

Important groups include:

Bacteria

Fungi

Protozoa

Nematodes

Arthropods

Earthworms

Plant roots

These organisms interact with:

Organic matter

Minerals

Water

Air

Carbon compounds

THE SOIL FOOD WEB

Plants capture solar energy through photosynthesis.

Some of the carbon produced by plants enters the soil through:

Roots

Root exudates

Dead root material

Leaf litter

Crop residues

These carbon resources support soil organisms.

Microorganisms process organic materials.

Other organisms feed on microorganisms.

Nutrients are transformed and recycled.

A simplified cycle looks like:

SUNLIGHT

↓

PLANT

↓

ROOT EXUDATES & BIOMASS

↓

BACTERIA & FUNGI

↓

SOIL FOOD WEB

↓

NUTRIENT CYCLING

↓

ROOT UPTAKE

↓

PLANT

BACTERIA

Bacteria perform many different roles.

Some contribute to:

Organic matter decomposition

Nitrogen transformations

Mineral cycling

Plant interactions

Disease suppression

Not all bacteria are beneficial.

The goal is not simply to maximise bacteria.

It is to create a diverse and functional soil environment.

FUNGI

Fungi can:

Break down complex organic materials

Form extensive soil networks

Interact with plant roots

Influence aggregation

Cycle nutrients

Decompose woody material

Fungal-dominated decomposition often becomes particularly important in systems containing:

Trees

Woody mulch

Perennial plants

Forest litter

Agroforestry

MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with many plant species.

The fungi receive carbon from the plant.

In return, fungal hyphae can increase the effective area explored by the root system.

This can influence access to:

Phosphorus

Micronutrients

Water

Mycorrhizae should not be treated as a magic powder.

Successful colonisation depends on:

Compatible plants

Soil conditions

Root growth

Chemical management

Phosphorus conditions

Environmental stress

ROOT EXUDATES

Plants release carbon-containing compounds through their roots.

These compounds help influence the microbial community around the rhizosphere.

This creates one of the most important concepts in regenerative agriculture:

LIVING ROOTS FEED SOIL BIOLOGY.

Keeping living roots present for more of the year can therefore support biological activity.

ORGANIC MATTER

Organic matter contributes to:

Water retention

Nutrient cycling

Soil structure

Microbial habitat

Cation exchange

Aggregation

Carbon storage

Organic matter is especially important in many Western Australian sandy soils.

Sources can include:

Compost

Mulch

Cover crops

Crop residues

Manures

Root biomass

Biochar-associated organic material

BIOCHAR

TURN BIOMASS INTO A LONG-TERM SOIL RESOURCE.

Biochar is a carbon-rich material created by heating biomass under limited oxygen conditions.

This process is called pyrolysis.

Suitable feedstocks may include clean:

Wood

Prunings

Agricultural residues

Nut shells

Woody crop waste

Avoid contaminated or treated materials.

WHAT BIOCHAR DOES

Depending on the biochar and soil, it can influence:

Water relations

Nutrient retention

Soil structure

Microbial habitat

Carbon storage

Bulk density

Biochar is highly variable.

Feedstock and production temperature strongly influence its properties.

FRESH BIOCHAR VS CHARGED BIOCHAR

Fresh biochar contains extensive pore space and reactive surfaces.

Rather than immediately incorporating large amounts of fresh biochar, SPOR generally favours conditioning or charging it first.

Charging materials may include:

Compost

Compost extract

LAB

IMO

JMS

Diluted nutrients

Manure-based compost

Worm-cast extracts

The objective is to introduce:

Moisture

Nutrients

Organic compounds

Microbial life

before incorporation into soil.

BIOCHAR + COMPOST

One of the simplest approaches is blending biochar with compost.

This allows the biochar to interact with:

Nutrients

Humic materials

Microorganisms

Moisture

before field application.

Biochar can also be incorporated during composting.

BIOCHAR + IMO

Biochar can provide physical habitat that can be combined with IMO-based soil-building systems.

A possible approach is:

BIOCHAR

↓

MOISTEN

↓

CONDITION WITH COMPOST / BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL

↓

INCORPORATE IMO

↓

ALLOW INTERACTION

↓

APPLY TO SOIL

The biological input still requires good soil habitat after application.

BIOCHAR FOR WA SANDY SOILS

Western Australian sands often present challenges such as:

Low organic matter

Low nutrient-holding capacity

Rapid drainage

Water repellence

Low carbon

Biochar may become one tool within a wider strategy.

It should be combined with:

Organic matter

Living roots

Mulch

Appropriate minerals

Water management

Biology

Do not expect biochar alone to transform poor sand into fertile soil.

SYNTROPIC AGROFORESTRY

FARM WITH SUCCESSION.

Syntropic agroforestry designs productive plant communities using ecological principles.

Important concepts include:

Stratification

Succession

High plant density

Biomass production

Pruning

Soil coverage

Species diversity

STRATIFICATION

Plants naturally occupy different vertical positions.

A simplified system might include:

EMERGENT

Very tall trees.

HIGH

Upper-canopy species.

MEDIUM

Mid-canopy productive trees.

LOW

Shrubs and low trees.

GROUND LAYER

Groundcovers, herbs and creeping species.

A productive agroforestry design considers how much light each species needs.

SUCCESSION

Plant communities change over time.

A new agricultural system may begin with:

Fast-growing pioneers

Groundcovers

Biomass species

Annual crops

Over time, these can be joined or replaced by:

Longer-lived shrubs

Fruit trees

Timber species

Nut trees

Perennial systems

Design should consider not just:

"Where does this plant go?"

but:

"When does this plant belong here?"

BIOMASS MANAGEMENT

Biomass is central to syntropic systems.

Pruning can produce material for:

Mulch

Soil protection

Organic matter

Carbon cycling

Microbial feeding

Pruning can also change:

Light

Competition

Plant architecture

Growth response

System succession

WINDBREAKS

Windbreaks can help reduce:

Wind damage

Evaporation

Spray drift

Soil erosion

Crop stress

They can also provide:

Habitat

Biomass

Flowers

Pollen

Carbon

Potential productive yields

WA designs should consider:

Fire risk

Water availability

Salt tolerance

Root competition

Prevailing winds

Native vegetation

BIOLOGICAL PLANT NUTRITION

FEED THE SYSTEM — NOT JUST THE CROP.

Plants require essential nutrients.

Biological agriculture does not eliminate this requirement.

The objective is to improve how nutrients are:

Stored

Released

Cycled

Accessed

Balanced

NITROGEN

Nitrogen is strongly associated with:

Vegetative growth

Chlorophyll

Proteins

Enzymes

Excess nitrogen can contribute to:

Soft growth

Delayed maturation

Nutrient imbalance

Increased susceptibility to certain pests and diseases

The right amount depends on crop and stage.

PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus contributes to:

Energy transfer

Root development

Reproductive development

Cellular metabolism

In many soils phosphorus can become chemically bound and poorly available even when total phosphorus is present.

POTASSIUM

Potassium contributes to:

Water regulation

Stomatal function

Enzyme activity

Plant strength

Fruit development

Stress tolerance

CALCIUM

Calcium contributes to:

Cell-wall structure

Membrane stability

Growth points

Root development

Fruit quality

Calcium movement through plants is strongly influenced by water movement and transpiration.

Applying calcium cannot compensate for every irrigation or root problem.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll.

It also contributes to numerous enzyme systems.

Deficiency can affect photosynthetic performance.

MICRONUTRIENTS

Plants require smaller quantities of elements such as:

Iron

Manganese

Zinc

Copper

Boron

Molybdenum

Chlorine

Nickel

Small requirement does not mean unimportant.

It also means excessive application can become toxic.

pH

pH influences:

Nutrient availability

Microbial activity

Chemical reactions

Root environment

Different crops tolerate different pH ranges.

Don't adjust pH simply because a chart says one number is always correct.

Understand:

Soil type

Growing medium

Irrigation water

Crop

Nutrient program

EC — ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

EC provides an indication of soluble salt concentration.

High EC can contribute to:

Root stress

Reduced water uptake

Leaf burn

Poor germination

Plant damage

Western Australian growers using saline bore water should monitor this carefully.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

OBSERVE BEFORE YOU SPRAY.

IPM means managing pests through multiple strategies rather than automatically relying on pesticides.

The basic process is:

MONITOR

↓

IDENTIFY

↓

ASSESS

↓

PREVENT

↓

ENCOURAGE BENEFICIALS

↓

INTERVENE IF REQUIRED

↓

REVIEW

MONITORING

Inspect crops regularly.

Look:

Under leaves

At growing tips

Along stems

Around flowers

At roots

Near irrigation points

At field edges

Record:

Pest numbers

Beneficial insects

Damage

Weather

Crop stage

Treatment

Outcome

APHIDS

Aphids commonly occur on soft new growth.

Look for:

Clusters of small insects

Sticky honeydew

Leaf distortion

Ant activity

Sooty mould

Natural enemies can include:

Ladybirds

Hoverfly larvae

Lacewings

Parasitic wasps

Before spraying, determine whether beneficial organisms are already controlling the population.

MITES

Spider mites often become problematic in:

Hot

Dry

Dusty

Stressed conditions

Look for:

Fine stippling

Leaf bronzing

Webbing

Tiny mites underneath leaves

Management should consider both the pest and the conditions encouraging it.

CATERPILLARS

Inspect for:

Chewed leaves

Frass

Eggs

Young larvae

Early detection often makes management easier.

Biological tools such as appropriate Bacillus thuringiensis products may be useful for susceptible caterpillar species when legally and appropriately used.

FUNGAL DISEASE

Don't automatically assume every leaf spot is fungal.

Correct diagnosis matters.

Disease development can be influenced by:

Humidity

Leaf wetness

Airflow

Crop density

Plant stress

Temperature

Irrigation timing

Infected debris

Management should address the environment as well as the pathogen.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GROWING

GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE. LOCAL CONDITIONS.

Western Australia presents unusual agricultural challenges.

Large areas contain highly weathered soils.

Many Perth-region soils are:

Sandy

Low in organic matter

Low in nutrient-holding capacity

Highly free draining

Potentially water repellent

The climate also creates:

Hot dry summers

High evaporation

Intense sunlight

Seasonal rainfall

Water-quality challenges

BUILDING WA SANDY SOIL

A stronger soil-building program may combine:

ORGANIC MATTER

Compost

Mulch

Crop residues

Cover crops

CARBON

Conditioned biochar

Woody biomass

Root carbon

BIOLOGY

IMO

Compost organisms

Living roots

MINERALS

Correct genuine deficiencies.

WATER

Improve infiltration and irrigation efficiency.

COVER

Never leave soil bare unnecessarily.

WATER-REPELLENT SAND

Hydrophobic sand is common in parts of WA.

Potential management tools include:

Organic matter incorporation

Compost

Suitable wetting agents

Mulch

Clay amendments where appropriate

Biochar

Living roots

Improved irrigation management

No single treatment solves every hydrophobic soil.

SUMMER MANAGEMENT

WA summer conditions can rapidly stress crops.

Priorities include:

Mulch

Irrigation consistency

Morning irrigation where appropriate

Wind protection

Shade for susceptible crops

Soil organic matter

Root-zone protection

Avoiding unnecessary high-salt inputs

Avoid foliar spraying during extreme heat.

WINTER MANAGEMENT

Cooler conditions slow many biological processes.

Fermentations may take longer.

Microbial solutions may develop more slowly.

Soils may remain wet longer.

Adapt the program to temperature rather than blindly following a summer timetable.

SEASONAL APPROACH

AUTUMN

Potential priorities:

Soil rebuilding

Compost

Biochar

Cover crops

Tree establishment

Biological inoculation

WINTER

Potential priorities:

Soil protection

Drainage

Organic matter

Cool-season cropping

Monitoring fungal pressure

Preparing biomass systems

SPRING

Potential priorities:

Rapid vegetative growth

Biological activity

Plant nutrition

Pest monitoring

Flowering preparation

SUMMER

Potential priorities:

Water

Mulch

Heat protection

Salinity management

Wind protection

Root-zone health

Careful application timing

INDUSTRIAL HEMP

REGENERATIVE SYSTEMS AT FIELD SCALE.

Industrial hemp can be grown for uses including:

Fibre

Seed

Grain

Biomass

Industrial products

Hemp can produce substantial biomass but also requires sound agronomy.

Important factors include:

Genetics

Soil preparation

Plant population

Nutrition

Water

Weed control

Pest management

Harvest timing

Processing

REGENERATIVE HEMP MANAGEMENT

Potential regenerative practices include:

Cover cropping

Reduced soil disturbance where practical

Organic matter management

Biological soil improvement

Biochar

Integrated pest management

Crop rotation

Residue cycling

Windbreaks

Water efficiency

Hemp should not be described as automatically regenerative simply because it is hemp.

Management determines the outcome.

REGULATORY NOTICE

Industrial hemp production is regulated.

Growers must comply with applicable licensing, approved seed, crop, testing, THC and other requirements in their jurisdiction.

BIOLOGICAL INPUT TROUBLESHOOTING

MY FERMENT SMELLS BAD.

Not every strong smell means failure.

Some agricultural ferments naturally smell powerful.

However, investigate:

Unexpected putrid odours

Abnormal colours

Unusual mould growth

Contamination

Waterlogging

Insects

Incorrect ingredients

THERE IS MOULD ON MY FERMENT.

Some surface microbial growth can occur naturally.

Colour and context matter.

Healthy fermentation should not automatically be discarded because microorganisms are visible.

However, extensive:

Black

Bright green

Unusual coloured

or clearly contaminating growth deserves caution.

When uncertain, do not apply questionable material to valuable crops.

MY FERMENT STOPPED BUBBLING.

Bubbling is not the only sign of fermentation.

Fermentation activity can change with:

Temperature

Sugar concentration

Microbial population

Age

Oxygen

Substrate

Assess the complete preparation rather than relying on bubbles alone.

MY PRODUCT HAS SEPARATED.

Separation or sediment can be normal in some natural inputs.

Check:

Smell

Colour

Storage history

Container condition

Product-specific guidance

Filter preparations appropriately before using small spray nozzles.

PLANT TROUBLESHOOTING

YELLOW LEAVES

Possible causes include:

Nitrogen deficiency

Magnesium deficiency

Iron availability problems

Waterlogging

Drought

Root disease

High EC

Incorrect pH

Root damage

Natural senescence

Do not diagnose yellow leaves as nitrogen deficiency automatically.

LEAF CURL

Possible causes include:

Heat

Water stress

Pests

Herbicide injury

Virus

Root stress

High salinity

Nutrient imbalance

Environmental conditions

Inspect the whole plant.

SLOW GROWTH

Investigate:

Root health

Soil temperature

Water

Compaction

pH

EC

Nutrition

Sunlight

Pests

Disease

Crop genetics

ROOT PROBLEMS

Healthy roots generally require:

Oxygen

Moisture

Suitable temperature

Good structure

Appropriate EC

Biological balance

Waterlogged soil can become oxygen deficient.

Constantly dry soil can stop root growth.

Both extremes create problems.

MIXING & DILUTION

KNOW WHAT THE RATIO MEANS.

A dilution of:

1:1000

is approximately:

1 mL input per 1 L water

Therefore:

5 L = 5 mL

10 L = 10 mL

20 L = 20 mL

100 L = 100 mL

200 L = 200 mL

500 L = 500 mL

1000 L = 1 L

1:500

Approximately:

2 mL per litre

5 L = 10 mL

10 L = 20 mL

20 L = 40 mL

100 L = 200 mL

1:100

Approximately:

10 mL per litre

5 L = 50 mL

10 L = 100 mL

20 L = 200 mL

100 L = 1 L

IMPORTANT

A dilution calculation tells you how much product to add.

It does not tell you whether that dilution is appropriate.

Application rate depends on:

Product

Crop

Plant stage

Application method

Environment

Growing system

Water quality

FOLIAR APPLICATION

Many biological and nutritional inputs can be used as foliar sprays where appropriate.

Good foliar-spraying practice includes:

Correct dilution

Clean equipment

Appropriate filtration

Even coverage

Suitable weather

Avoiding extreme heat

Managing drift

Early morning or late afternoon may often be preferable to the hottest part of the day.

SOIL DRENCHES

Soil drenches can be used for:

Microbial applications

Root-zone inputs

Biological establishment

Organic matter cycling

Ensure the soil has appropriate moisture and oxygen conditions.

Applying microbes to severely dry soil without follow-up moisture may reduce effectiveness.

WATER QUALITY

WATER IS PART OF THE RECIPE.

Consider:

pH

EC

Chlorine

Chloramine

Salinity

Hardness

Bicarbonates

Bore water quality

Rainwater is often useful for biological preparations where available and clean.

Highly chlorinated water may interfere with sensitive microbial preparations.

RECORD KEEPING

DON'T RELY ON MEMORY.

Record every meaningful application.

Useful fields include:

Date

Crop

Block

Growth stage

Product

Batch number

Tank size

Dilution

Actual product quantity

pH

EC

Weather

Application method

Observation before treatment

Observation after treatment

This allows you to determine what actually worked.

FIELD TRIALS

TEST. OBSERVE. RECORD. ADAPT.

Whenever practical, compare a treatment against something.

A simple trial might include:

CONTROL

Normal management.

TREATMENT

Normal management plus the experimental practice.

Record:

Soil

Crop

Dates

Rates

Weather

Photos

Plant measurements

Yield where possible

Root observations

Pest pressure

Cost

Result

Not every experiment will work.

A FAILED TRIAL IS STILL DATA.

RECIPE LIBRARY — QUICK REFERENCE

IMO-1

Cooked rice + local biological environment.

Purpose:

Collect Indigenous Microorganisms.

IMO-2

IMO-1 + approximately equal weight brown sugar.

Purpose:

Stabilise the collected microbial culture.

IMO-3

IMO-2 expanded through a larger carbohydrate-rich solid substrate.

Purpose:

Increase microbial biomass.

IMO-4

IMO-3 + local soil.

Purpose:

Adapt the cultivated microorganisms toward the farm soil environment.

LAB

Rice-wash culture followed by milk fermentation and separation of whey.

Purpose:

Lactic acid bacteria culture.

FPJ

Fresh vigorous plant material + approximately equal weight brown sugar.

Purpose:

Fermented plant extract commonly associated with vegetative growth.

FFJ

Suitable fruit + approximately equal weight brown sugar.

Purpose:

Fermented fruit preparation associated with reproductive development.

FAA

Fish material + approximately equal weight brown sugar.

Purpose:

Nitrogen-rich fermented agricultural input.

WCA

Prepared eggshell + vinegar.

Purpose:

Water-soluble calcium preparation.

WCP

Prepared bone material + vinegar.

Purpose:

Calcium/phosphorus preparation.

JMS

Leaf-mould-derived microbial culture produced for rapid use.

Purpose:

Microbial soil application.

JLF

Organic biomass decomposed in water.

Purpose:

Low-cost liquid nutrient preparation.

JWA

Soap-based wetting agent.

Purpose:

Improve spray wetting and coverage.

SAFETY

NATURAL DOES NOT MEAN HARMLESS.

Agricultural preparations can contain:

Acids

Alkalis

Alcohol

Sulfur

Microorganisms

Concentrated botanical compounds

Minerals

Fermentation gases

Use appropriate:

Gloves

Eye protection

Protective clothing

Ventilation

Chemical-resistant equipment where required

Clearly label every container.

Never place agricultural preparations into drink bottles or food containers that could cause accidental consumption.

Keep preparations away from:

Children

Animals

Food

Drinking water

ARE SPOR INPUTS SAFE TO DRINK?

NO.

SPOR agricultural inputs are supplied for agricultural use.

Do not consume agricultural preparations unless a product is specifically manufactured, labelled and legally sold for human consumption.

Fermented does not automatically mean food-safe.

STORAGE

Different inputs require different storage methods.

General principles include:

Protect from excessive heat.

Protect from direct sunlight.

Prevent contamination.

Keep containers labelled.

Keep lids and dispensing equipment clean.

Allow appropriate gas management for actively fermenting materials.

Do not assume every biological preparation has the same shelf life.

SPOR FIELD PRINCIPLES

1 — OBSERVE BEFORE YOU APPLY.

Understand the problem.

2 — KNOW WHY YOU ARE USING AN INPUT.

Don't spray because it appears on a chart.

3 — BUILD HABITAT FOR BIOLOGY.

Microorganisms need food, water and suitable conditions.

4 — KEEP SOIL COVERED.

Bare soil loses moisture and biological opportunity.

5 — KEEP LIVING ROOTS WHERE PRACTICAL.

Roots feed the soil.

6 — RETURN BIOMASS.

Prunings and residues can become resources.

7 — TEST BEFORE SCALING.

Start small.

8 — RECORD WHAT HAPPENS.

Observation without records quickly becomes guesswork.

9 — ADAPT TO LOCAL CONDITIONS.

Western Australia isn't Korea, Brazil, Europe or the eastern United States.

10 — BUILD THE SYSTEM, NOT THE DEPENDENCY.

The long-term objective is a farm that becomes increasingly capable of cycling its own resources.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN REGENERATIVE FARMING

OUR LOCAL FOCUS.

SPOR is particularly interested in combining biological farming with the realities of Western Australian agriculture.

That means working with:

Sandy soils

Mediterranean climate

Low organic matter

Water limitations

Salinity

Extreme summer heat

Strong sunlight

Native biodiversity

Local biomass

Local microorganisms

Australian agricultural regulations

We believe regenerative agriculture works best when it is adapted to the actual environment rather than copied blindly from another country.

MAKE IT YOURSELF OR BUY IT READY-MADE.

KNOWLEDGE FIRST.

SPOR believes growers should be able to understand how biological inputs are made.

If you have the time and resources:

MAKE IT.

Use the guides above.

Learn the process.

Understand the fermentation.

Observe the biology.

Become more self-reliant.

DON'T HAVE TIME TO MAKE EVERYTHING?

That's why SPOR also produces selected biological cultivation inputs.

A working farm doesn't always have time to ferment every preparation from scratch.

LEARN IT.

OR BUY IT READY TO USE.

[ SHOP SPOR BIOLOGICAL INPUTS ]

NEED HELP APPLYING IT?

Products are only one part of the system.

SPOR's regenerative-agriculture direction includes:

Biological cultivation programs

KNF

JADAM

Biochar

Soil regeneration

Syntropic agroforestry

Integrated pest management

Small-farm systems

Industrial hemp

Education and workshops

THE SPOR KNOWLEDGE HUB

THIS PAGE WILL KEEP GROWING.

As SPOR develops new trials, growing systems and products, this Knowledge Hub can expand with:

Field observations

WA seasonal information

Plant guides

Crop programs

Biochar trials

Syntropic designs

KNF recipes

JADAM information

Soil biology

Industrial hemp

Pest management

Application charts

Mixing information

Troubleshooting

The goal is not to create another collection of agricultural claims.

THE GOAL IS TO BUILD A USEFUL FIELD RESOURCE.

SOIL.

Build the foundation.

PLANTS.

Understand their growth.

ORGANISMS.

Work with biology.

REGENERATION.

Return resources to the system.

SPOR CULTIVATION

SOIL • PLANTS • ORGANISMS • REGENERATION

BUILD SOIL.

GROW BIOLOGY.

REGENERATE LAND.

Western Australia • Australia

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SPOR Knowledge Hub content is provided for general agricultural and educational purposes.

Biological preparations, application rates and cultivation techniques are not universally appropriate for every crop, soil or production system.

Results can vary according to:

Ingredients

Preparation method

Water quality

Climate

Soil

Crop

Growth stage

Application method

Equipment

Environmental conditions

Application requirements should be assessed for the particular situation.

Trial unfamiliar applications on a small area before treating a valuable crop or entire production area.

Natural and biologically derived agricultural materials can still present hazards.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment and safe handling procedures.

Follow applicable product labels, workplace safety requirements and Australian agricultural and environmental regulations.