Trials, Data Logs & Scaling for Whole-System Use

Implementing LAB Strategically Across the Farm

At Level 4, we move beyond small batches and basic applications. This is where LAB becomes a strategic, data-driven part of your KNF system — integrated across soil, plants, animals, and even water systems. We’ll explore how to conduct your own field trials, maintain fermentation quality, and plan for year-round use.

This level is especially useful for farmers, consultants, researchers, and serious homesteaders who want to document, compare, and scale their inputs with confidence.

Designing a LAB Trial for Your Farm

Field trials don’t have to be complex. Start with a question:

• Does LAB reduce disease pressure on tomato plants?

• Does adding LAB to chicken water improve feed conversion?

• Will soil drenches with LAB improve compost breakdown?

Trial Design Basics:

1. Control vs Treatment: Use one area or group without LAB and one with it.

2. Consistency: Apply the same water, feed, and care to both.

3. Observation Windows: Weekly notes on color, growth, health, smell, etc.

4. Data Logging: Use notebooks, spreadsheets, or digital apps.

Setting Up a LAB Production System

For ongoing use, set up a dedicated fermentation area:

• Fermentation Calendar: Stagger your rice water starts to always have fresh LAB in the pipeline.

• Shelf-stabilized Backup: Keep a molasses-stabilized batch on hand.

• Label Everything: Date, batch notes, temperature ranges, raw materials used.

Fermentation Variables to Track

• Type of milk (raw, pasteurized, organic, goat, etc.)

• Temperature range during fermentation

• Smell and separation time

• Storage method and longevity

This info helps refine your method and compare batch effectiveness over time.

Scaling LAB for Field, Livestock, and Infrastructure

• Field: Use a backpack sprayer or 25–50 gallon tank with a dilution of 1:1000.

• Livestock: Mix daily into troughs, or set up dosing in water lines.

• Compost/Manure Pits: Spray or drench during turning or addition of fresh materials.

• Ponds/Water Troughs: Small amounts of LAB can reduce algae and biofilm.

Pro-Level Strategy: Integrating with Seasonal Cycles

• Spring: Combine with IMO and FPJ to prep beds and boost microbial activity.

• Summer: Add to foliar sprays to reduce mildew and heat stress.

• Fall: Drench in compost piles, manure bins, and post-harvest cover crops.

• Winter: Stabilize and store batches, maintain indoor fermentation with temperature control.

Final Notes: LAB as a Keystone Input

By now, you’ve likely seen how LAB serves as a bridge across systems. It connects animals to soil, ferments to plant health, and microbes to fieldwork. In KNF, it’s more than a recipe — it’s a tool for stewardship, resilience, and regeneration.

What’s Next? LAB + Data in Community Trials

Want to go further? Consider designing community-scale experiments or joining KNF research networks. Share your results and contribute to open-source learning.