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IMO4: How to Integrate Indigenous Microorganisms

IMO4 refers to the fourth stage in indigenous microorganism cultivation. For a full overview of Indigenous Microorganisms, check out this article.

To get a visual idea of IMO4 — check out the video below.

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What is IMO4?

IMO4 is the final stage of indigenous microorganism cultivation. In this step, you introduce your cultivated forest microbes into your native garden soil, encouraging them to adapt, multiply, and form long-term symbiotic relationships with the biology already present in your land. This is where wild meets home—and where IMOs can begin transforming your soil on a deep, lasting level.

Below is a simple recipe to get you started.

Materials

  • Finished IMO3
  • Native soil (from your garden, ideally from a healthy area)
  • Optional: biochar (activated charcoal, up to 25% of the soil portion)
  • Non-chlorinated water
  • Optional: KNF inputs (e.g. BRV, OHN, FPJ, SW)
  • Mixing tools, tarp, shovel
  • Compost thermometer
  • Breathable cover (tarp, burlap, straw)

Instructions

  1. Spread out your IMO3
    • Lay out at least 5 lbs of IMO3 in a pile. More is fine—just be sure it’s enough to generate microbial heat. Size and speed may vary depending on climate.
  2. Add native soil
    • Mix in equal parts (by weight or volume) of native soil from your property.
    • Optionally, replace up to 25**% of the soil portion with activated biochar**.
  3. Mix thoroughly
    • Combine well to evenly distribute IMO microbes into the new substrate.
  4. Create a well in the center
    • Make a shallow crater in the middle of the pile.
  5. Prepare your inoculant solution
    • In a bucket, mix your water with any optional KNF inputs (FPJ, BRV, OHN, SW.) and/or humic acid. Stir well. This will be the solution you use to inoculate the pile.
    • For a 5 gallon bucket of water:
      1. Fill with 4 gallons of non-chlorinated water
      2. Add the following amounts of each KNF input:
        1. FPJ – 30 grams / 1 ounce
        2. BRV – 30 grams / 1 ounce
        3. OHN – 10 grams / 0.25 ounce
        4. SW – 500 grams / 17 ounces
        5. Vermi-Humic Acid – 60 grams / 2 ounces (half for store-bought)
  6. Hydrate the mix
    • Slowly pour the solution into the well, mixing as you go.
    • Target moisture level: slightly damp, clumps in your hand, and just barely yields a drop of liquid when squeezed hard.
  7. Form the pile
    • Shape the mixture into a mound 12–18 inches tall.
  8. Cover and insert thermometer
    • Cover the pile with breathable mulch (dried leaves, straw, etc.).
    • Insert a compost thermometer into the center.
  9. Monitor heat
    • Check the pile every 12 hours (or less).
    • Ideal internal temperature: 110–120°F (43–49°C).
    • If it exceeds 120°F, cool it down by turning or spreading it out briefly, then re-pile.
  10. Repeat if needed
    • Like with IMO3, you may need to re-form the pile and repeat the heating process a few times until activity slows.
  11. Cool and use
    • Once the pile cools to ambient temperature, the IMO4 is ready to use.
    • IMO4 is shelf stable for 6-12 months (perhaps longer), stored in a cool, dry, dark location (as you would with IMO3).

Tips & Notes:

  • Use soil from your most fertile garden or field area if possible.
  • Water in IMO4 applications with LIMO after mulching

Application

  • Garden beds – Mix into the top 1–3 inches of soil, or simply top-dress and mulch overtop.
  • Compost piles – Use as a microbial inoculant — Also referred to as IMO5.
  • Pasture or orchard soils – Broadcast and rake in lightly
  • **Recommended rate: 1/4 lbs per 100 square feet and ALWAYS cover with a mulch.
  • Aerated Tea – Use IMO4 to make Liquid IMO (LIMO).

Get the eBook: “A Beginner’s Guide to IMO” by accessing our Free Resource Library below!

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