How to Grow a Jerusalem Artichoke

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" introduces listeners to Jadam, a Korean natural farming method emphasizing soil building and microbial diversity. The hosts, Andy and Elliott, contrast Jadam with Korean Natural Farming (KNF), exploring the nuances and benefits of each approach while emphasizing the importance of adapting these practices to local conditions and personal preferences.

Challenging Conventional Notions of "Good" and "Bad" Bacteria

Jadam distinguishes itself from KNF by advocating for a holistic view of the soil microbiome. While KNF often focuses on cultivating specific "good" bacteria, Jadam embraces the concept of microbial diversity, recognizing the vital roles of both beneficial and potentially harmful microorganisms in a balanced ecosystem.

• Diversity as the Key: Jadam argues that attempting to eliminate so-called "bad" bacteria disrupts the natural balance and can lead to unintended consequences.
• Nature's Complexity: The hosts point out that our understanding of soil microbiology is limited, and that focusing solely on a few known "good" bacteria oversimplifies the intricate web of interactions within the soil.
• Self-Regulation through Diversity: Jadam proposes that a diverse microbial community, including pathogens in small amounts, can self-regulate and contribute to a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

Rethinking the Role of Sugar and Anaerobic Activity

Jadam diverges from KNF in its approach to using sugar and fostering anaerobic activity. While KNF frequently utilizes brown sugar to extract nutrients and encourage microbial growth, Jadam suggests that excessive sugar can acidify the soil and potentially lead to disease outbreaks.

• The Role of Anaerobics: Jadam acknowledges the importance of anaerobic processes in nutrient cycling, arguing that while aerobic fermentation may destroy some vitamins and amino acids, anaerobic digestion can make nutrients more accessible.
• Fermented Foods as an Analogy: The hosts draw a parallel to fermented foods, which undergo anaerobic fermentation to increase nutrient availability and digestibility.
• Sugar's Potential Drawbacks: The episode explores the possibility that adding large amounts of sugar to IMO or food production could hinder the natural decomposition process.

Practical Jadam Techniques: Building Soil and Managing Inputs

The hosts detail several key Jadam techniques, including methods for creating microbial solutions, fertilizers, and pest control solutions. They emphasize the simplicity and accessibility of these practices, encouraging listeners to experiment and adapt them to their specific needs.

• Jadam Microorganism Solution (JMS): The episode provides a recipe for JMS, a microbial inoculant similar to KNF's IMO, but created without brown sugar. This solution utilizes readily available materials like potatoes, leaf litter, and dechlorinated water to cultivate a diverse range of microorganisms.
• Jadam Liquid Fertilizer (JLF): JLF is another simple and effective input created by fermenting plant material in water. The hosts highlight the flexibility of this method, noting that it can be adapted to various crops and even used to create water-soluble calcium and other mineral solutions.
• Jadam Herbal Solution (JHS): This natural pesticide is made by boiling and extracting compounds from plants that repel or deter pests. The recipe provided utilizes Jerusalem artichoke, a readily available and easily grown plant.

Embracing the Long-Term Vision of Jadam

The episode concludes by emphasizing the long-term benefits and philosophical underpinnings of Jadam. The hosts highlight its focus on soil building as a foundational step and its alignment with anti-capitalist principles.

• Building Soil First: Jadam emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy and diverse soil ecosystem before focusing on plant growth.
• Challenging Capitalism: The hosts point out that Jadam's creator, Cho, advocates for sharing this knowledge freely and criticizes the commodification of natural farming practices.

Balancing KNF and Jadam

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their personal experiences and preferences, blending KNF and Jadam techniques to suit their individual needs and goals. They encourage listeners to experiment with both approaches, finding the balance that works best for them.

Overall, this episode offers a detailed introduction to the principles and practices of Jadam, emphasizing its focus on microbial diversity, the responsible use of inputs like sugar, and the importance of a long-term perspective on soil health and natural farming. The hosts encourage a spirit of experimentation and adaptation, recognizing that both KNF and Jadam offer valuable tools for creating more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

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