You might have heard about the Lomi instant kitchen composter, but you might not have realized that LomiPods are one of the most important components of its composting process. Adding LomiPods to each cycle is a great way to get the best compost out of your Lomi. There are so many other benefits to using LomiPods, as well, so let’s talk about all the ways you can use them in your countertop composter.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the following topics. Feel free to click on and jump ahead to any sections you are most interested in!
- What are LomiPods?
- Why use a LomiPod?
- What does a LomiPod do & how does it affect the end product?
- How to use a LomiPod?
- Top 5 FAQs about LomiPods
Let’s start with getting to know exactly what LomiPods are, and what they do in your Lomi countertop composter.
What are LomiPods?
LomiPods are a revolutionary blend of beneficial microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that help to accelerate the composting process. These microorganisms efficiently break down your food waste and any Lomi-approved biodegradable material.
Why use a LomiPod?
There are several reasons why you should use a LomiPod. Here are some of them:
- LomiPods reduce any smell coming from your compost
- LomiPods help create the best, healthiest nutrient-rich dirt to add to your garden and plants.
- LomiPods speed up the decomposition process
- LomiPods help break down Lomi-approved bioplastics
Now let’s take a more detailed look at what a LomiPod does and how it affects your end product!
What does a LomiPod do & how does it affect the end product?
LomiPod speeds up and facilitates the breakdown of kitchen scraps and other Lomi-approved biodegradable material to give you the best end product for your plants.
It also enhances nutrients in Lomi’s nutrient-rich dirt and features plant growth agents, which will make your plants thrive better than ever.
While LomiPod benefits your soil tremendously, it’s also made to help your nose! LomiPod works to suppress unpleasant odors, specifically by preventing hydrogen sulfide gas buildup, the toxic substance that gives compost that ‘rotten egg smell.’
Here’s some data we’ve collected about plant performance with and without LomiPods.
When Lomi was run in Grow mode with and without LomiPod, and the product was mixed in a 1:10 ratio with soil, the plants potted in the LomiPod dirt were 123% taller than those potted in the dirt made without the LomiPod.
Additionally, the dirt made with the LomiPod had 16% more microbial biomass than the dirt made without the LomiPod. Microbial biomass (fungi and bacteria) is the leading indicator of soil health and is measured in microgram carbon per gram of soil (ug C/g). Living soil (soil rich in microbes) fixes nutrients, improves plant health, stores water more efficiently, and builds soil structure. LomiPods helps give you that healthy soil for your plants.
The fungi to bacteria ratio (F:B ratio) is also very important to consider. LomiPods give your end product a higher F:B ratio (0.69:1) than if running a cycle without a LomiPod (0.56:1).
Research shows that soils with higher F:B ratios are linked to higher Carbon storage potential. This is because high F:B soils lose less carbon through respiration (CO2 evolved) in comparison to soils with low F:B ratios. This difference in CO2 evolution is due to altered carbon cycling that occurs in response to different fungal and bacterial ratios in the soil. Additionally, high F:B soils have a higher carbon contribution to the non-living soil organic matter (SOM) fraction of the soil, which means they have higher short-term soil carbon storage compared to low F:B soils.
All in all, using LomiPods allows you to lower your carbon footprint even more!
How to use a LomiPod?
Fortunately, LomiPods are super easy to use! Simply pop in a LomiPod on top of your food waste/bioplastics in the Lomi bucket, just like you would add a pod to your dishwasher or washing machine. Measure out about 50mL, or about a ¼ cup, of water and add this over the pod. Now, you’re ready to start your Lomi cycle!
Top 5 FAQs about LomiPods
If you have any questions about LomiPods, we’re more than happy to answer them. Check out these top 5 questions people ask about LomiPods.
1. Are LomiPods safe to eat?
LomiPods cannot be eaten, and should be kept away from pets and children. Avoid contact with your eyes, as well.
2. Do I need to add a LomiPod to every cycle?
It is always good to use LomiPods, but it is especially important when running a cycle with bioplastics (Lomi approved mode) or when planning to use Lomi’s nutrient-rich dirt in your garden or plants (Grow mode).
3. Should a LomiPod be added on top of the food waste or in the bucket first?
Add a LomiPod on top of food waste, pour 50 mL of water over it, and start the cycle!
4. What are the additives (LomiPods) and what do they do?
They are a unique blend of probiotics and microorganisms that speed up decomposition, reduce smell, and create a healthy end product for your plants.
5. Do LomiPods have a shelf life?
Store LomiPods in a cool dry place. When stored correctly, they have a shelf life of up to three years.
Using LomiPod allows you to get the most nutrient-rich and microbially-dense dirt, which is the healthiest product for your garden and plants. LomiPod also helps give you the best outcome when running a cycle with Lomi-approved bioplastics.
If you’re still curious about Lomi and LomiPods, read what people are saying about this smart composter.
Written by: Jess Savage