FAQ · TERRAFERM
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about TerraFerm kits, the ASAM brewing process, and how to run your own microbial program.
ABOUT TERRAFERM
Understanding TerraFerm Commercial ASAM and Activated ASAM Concentrate
What is TerraFerm?
TerraFerm is an agricultural biologicals division of PlanetaryCARE.org that provides pre-measured ASAM brewing kits, online education, and consulting for growers, distributors, and agricultural entrepreneurs building fermented microbial programs on-site.
What does ASAM stand for, and what is it?
ASAM stands for Advanced Syntropic Antioxidative Microbes. It is a fermented microbial liquid produced by combining EM-style Mother Culture, blackstrap molasses, water, and TerraFerm’s dry and liquid ingredient kits through an anaerobic fermentation process.
What is the difference between Commercial ASAM-C and Activated ASAM-A?
Commercial ASAM-C is the full-strength finished product brewed from TerraFerm’s kits — shelf-stable for 2+ years when stored properly. Activated ASAM-A is made by diluting ASAM-C with water and molasses to extend volume; it has a much shorter shelf life of weeks to a few months and should be used promptly.
Does TerraFerm brew for me or ship finished liquid product?
No. TerraFerm sells pre-measured brewing ingredient kits. You brew your own product on-site using TerraFerm’s kits combined with EM Inoculant/Mother Culture and blackstrap molasses, which you source independently. TerraFerm does not operate a private-label brewing or finished-product shipping program.
THE KITS
What’s Included and What You Source
What comes in the Dry Ingredient Brewing Kit?
The Dry Kit contains pre-measured amounts of fermented shrimp paste, shrimp powder, wheat bran, Azomite, sea salt, kelp meal, and Pascallite clay — all sourced for consistency and quality, pre-measured to your chosen batch size (5, 15, or 55 gallons).
What comes in the Liquid Concentrate Kit?
The Liquid Kit contains pre-measured volumes of ocean concentrate, fish hydrolysate, and other liquid inputs. Water, molasses, and EM Inoculant are sourced separately by the buyer.
What do I need to source independently?
You will need: EM style Inoculant/Mother Culture, unsulfured blackstrap molasses, cubitainers or food-grade storage vessels, pH test strips (3–6 range), and optionally an ORP meter and infrared thermometer. All are available through TerraFerm’s affiliate product listings. See Brewing Supplies →
What batch sizes are available?
TerraFerm kits are available in 5-gallon, 15-gallon, and 55-gallon batch sizes. Contact TerraFerm for custom or volume quantities.
Are enhancement add-ons available?
Yes. Optional enhancement inputs — including Super Cera Powder, magnetite sands, sodium molybdate, paramagnetic clay, and zeolite — are sold separately as pre-measured add-on kits for each batch size.
THE BREWING PROCESS
How Commercial ASAM-C Is Made — and How It’s Different from Compost Tea
How long does a brew take?
A standard Commercial ASAM-C brew typically requires 14–21 days under controlled anaerobic conditions at 95–104°F (35–40°C). Monitoring pH and ORP throughout the cycle confirms progress and completion.
What is the difference between ASAM and compost tea?
Compost tea is aerobically brewed — with continuous oxygen — from compost materials, producing a short-lived product that must be used within hours. Commercial ASAM-C is anaerobically fermented — sealed from oxygen — using EM-style cultures, producing a shelf-stable product with a documented shelf life of 2+ years. Compare ASAM and Compost Tea in depth →
What pH should my finished brew reach?
A well-completed ASAM-C brew typically reaches a pH of 3.5 or below, indicating successful lactic acid fermentation. Use pH test strips rated for the 3–6 range.
How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Signs of a complete brew: pH at or below 3.5, a pleasant sour/fermented aroma (not putrid), amber-to-dark brown color, and a stable ORP reading. Log temperature, pH, and ORP throughout. TerraFerm’s online courses include full batch documentation guidance. See the Usage Guide →
What sanitation practices are required?
Vessels, tools, and storage containers should be thoroughly cleaned before each brew. Contamination from soaps, solvents, or incompatible microbes can disrupt fermentation. Follow TerraFerm’s brewing SOP guidelines available in the Education section.
USAGE & APPLICATION
Applying Your Brew
How is ASAM applied?
ASAM can be used as a soil drench, foliar spray, compost inoculant, fertigation additive, or through irrigation and water delivery systems — depending on your crop type, facility, and program goals.
What dilution ratios are used for field application?
Typical dilutions for soil and foliar applications range from 1:100 to 1:500, depending on crop type, growth stage, and application method. Starting at lower concentrations and adjusting based on observation is recommended. Application methods and results may vary by crop, soil type, climate, and management practices.
How often should ASAM be applied?
Most programs apply ASAM every 1–4 weeks during the growing season, with more frequent applications during establishment or recovery periods. Frequency depends on crop type, soil conditions, and program design.
Can ASAM be used through drip or sprinkler irrigation?
Yes. ASAM is commonly applied through drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and fertigation injection. Ensure filters are appropriate and flush lines after application as part of standard program maintenance.
ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
Water Systems, Dosing & Results
How is ASAM used in animal operations?
ASAM is commonly added to livestock drinking water at dilution ratios of 1:500 to 1:1000 for most adult animals. It can also be applied to feed, bedding, manure management systems, and facility water lines to support microbial balance and reduce odor-contributing compounds.
What dilution is used for poultry drinking water?
Adult poultry: 1:5000, applied directly to the waterer. Chicks and poults: 1:10000 beginning on day 1, approximately ¾ teaspoon per 10 gallons of water. Results may vary by facility, breed, and management practices. See Poultry program details →
What dilution is used for dairy cattle?
A common dilution for dairy cattle water-line programs is 1:1500. At this ratio, a 500-head dairy operation may use approximately 334 gallons of ASAM-C per month. Consult TerraFerm’s consulting program for herd-specific program design. See Dairy program details →
Is ASAM safe for animals?
TerraFerm’s ASAM kits produce a fermented microbial product from food-grade ingredients. Buyers are responsible for verifying suitability, application rates, and compliance with local regulations for their specific species and operation. Application methods and results may vary.
CERTIFICATION & COMPLIANCE
Organic, Registration, and Regulatory Questions
Can ASAM be used in certified organic production?
Individual ingredients in TerraFerm kits may qualify for use in organic production, but organic eligibility must be confirmed with your certifying body before use. TerraFerm does not make organic certification claims on behalf of buyers.
Is state registration required to sell or distribute ASAM?
State fertilizer and soil amendment registration requirements vary significantly. Buyers who produce and sell ASAM as a product are responsible for confirming registration, labeling, and compliance requirements in their jurisdiction.
Can I build a business selling ASAM brewed with TerraFerm kits?
Yes — many TerraFerm buyers are agricultural entrepreneurs building on-site microbial supply programs for their own land or for local distribution. TerraFerm’s consulting programs are designed to support this use case. Buyers remain responsible for all regulatory, labeling, and compliance requirements. Explore consulting support →
Can I call my finished product EM-1® on a label?
No. EM-1® is a registered trademark. Use descriptors such as “Activated Microbial Inoculant,” “Fermented Microbial Soil Amendment,” or “ASAM” on your labels. Contact TeraGanix directly if you seek a licensed distribution arrangement.
EDUCATION & CONSULTING
Learning and Support
What courses does TerraFerm offer?
TerraFerm offers online courses covering EM brewing fundamentals, the ASAM process, soil biology, batch documentation, and program management — hosted at TerraFerm.org. Courses are designed for growers, consultants, and agricultural entrepreneurs at all experience levels.
What consulting packages are available?
TerraFerm offers Discovery Calls, Setup Packages, and Ongoing Support packages for growers, distributors, and agricultural entrepreneurs. See the Consulting page for current package details and pricing.
ORDERS & SHIPPING
Getting Your Kit
How do I order a kit?
Kits are available in the TerraFerm Shop. Select your batch size, add to cart, and check out. Questions? Use the Contact page or schedule a Discovery Call.
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship within 2–5 business days. Contact TerraFerm for volume orders, distributor pricing, or expedited shipping needs.
Do you ship internationally?
Contact TerraFerm to inquire about international shipping availability. Buyers are responsible for confirming import regulations and any restrictions on agricultural biological products in their destination country.
GET STARTED
Ready to Start Your Microbial Program?
Pick a kit size, follow the process, and brew your first batch.
Application methods and results may vary by crop, soil type, climate, water quality, and management practices. Buyers are responsible for confirming labeling, registration, and compliance requirements in their state, province, or country. This content is educational and does not replace professional agronomic, regulatory, or legal advice.
