Korean Natural Farming Input Schedule: When to Use FFJ, FPJ and Other KNF Inputs

Korean Natural Farming is a stage-specific system. Each input has a primary growth window, and applying inputs out of sequence reduces their effectiveness. This schedule documents how the six core KNF inputs are organized by growth stage — what each input is used for, at what dilution and when.

This is a reference for understanding the complete KNF system. Growers running the full system make or source each input independently. If you are primarily interested in the flowering stage and where FFJ fits, see our FFJ application guide and organic flowering input stack.

All dilutions are given as concentrate-to-water ratios. 1:500 means 1 mL of concentrate per 500 mL of water.

Seedling stage (weeks 1-3)

The seedling is establishing its first roots and building early leaf structure. Inputs should be minimal and gentle — an over-fed seedling shows nutrient stress more easily than an established plant.

LAB serum: 1:1000, soil drench, once per week. Establishes beneficial bacteria in the root zone from the beginning. Gentle on seedling roots.

FPJ: 1:1000, soil drench, once per week starting week 2. Very dilute FPJ provides the growth hormone signals that support healthy early development without pushing too hard. Skip the first week for newly germinated seedlings.

Skip: FFJ, OHN, WCA, FAA — too early.

Vegetative stage (weeks 4 through pre-flower transition)

The plant is growing rapidly, building structure, developing its root network. Nitrogen demand is high. Growth hormones are active.

FPJ: 1:500, soil drench, twice per week. This is the primary vegetative-stage input. The growth hormone compounds in FPJ support vigorous leafy development.

LAB serum: 1:500, soil drench, once per week. Continue building rhizosphere biology.

FAA (fish amino acid): 1:1000, soil drench, once per week or as needed. Use when the plant shows nitrogen demand (pale green new growth, slow development). FAA is the strongest nitrogen input in the KNF system.

OHN: 1:1000, soil or foliar, every two weeks. Preventive pest and pathogen deterrent. The aromatic compounds deter insect feeding. Do not over-apply.

WCA: 1:1000, soil drench, every two weeks through mid-veg. Calcium for developing cell walls and structural tissue.

Skip: FFJ — not yet needed.

Transition (1-2 weeks pre-flower)

The plant is beginning to signal reproductive development. This is the time to start transitioning the input program.

Reduce FPJ to once per week. The growth signals in FPJ are less relevant as the plant moves toward flower.

Introduce FFJ: 1:500, soil drench, once per week. Low frequency at this stage — you are establishing the rhizosphere conditions and beginning SAR activation before full flower demand arrives.

Continue WCA at 1:1000, twice per week. Calcium demand increases as flower structure begins developing.

Continue OHN every two weeks.

Flower weeks 1-4 (peak development window)

The most metabolically active period. Flower structures are forming, trichome initiation is occurring, secondary metabolite pathways are ramping up. This is the core FFJ window.

FFJ: 1:500, soil drench, twice per week. This is peak frequency. Some growers add one light foliar application (1:500) during weeks 2-3 when trichome initiation is highest and absorption of amino acids and salicylic acid through leaves is most useful. Stop foliar before flowers are large enough to trap moisture.

WCA: 1:1000, soil drench, twice per week. Calcium supports calyx hardening and flower structural integrity. Do not reduce during this window.

OHN: 1:1000, foliar, every two weeks. Preventive pathogen and pest deterrent. Apply early in the lights-on period.

Reduce or stop FPJ and FAA. High vegetative nitrogen inputs during this window can push leafy growth at the expense of flower development.

Flower weeks 5-7 (loading stage)

Flowers are bulking. Secondary metabolites are accumulating. The plant's metabolism is shifting toward ripening.

FFJ: 1:500, soil drench, once per week. Reduce from peak frequency. The biology is established — you are maintaining rather than building.

WCA: 1:1000, soil drench, once or twice per week. Continue through this window.

Stop OHN foliar if flowers are dense enough to trap moisture.

Final 7-14 days before harvest

The plant is completing its reproductive cycle. Metabolic demands are declining. Resin compounds are finishing accumulation and some volatile terpenes are at peak concentration.

Stop FFJ. Fermented inputs add biological activity to the root zone at a time when the plant is winding down. Let the plant finish without additional microbial load.

Stop WCA unless you see visible signs of calcium deficiency.

Water only. The standard guidance in organic programs is that a late-stage water-only period allows the plant to use stored nutrients and finish cleanly. In living soil, this is less critical because there is no synthetic salt accumulation to flush, but the principle of reducing inputs as the plant approaches harvest holds.

Notes on this schedule

This is a starting framework, not a prescription. Every cultivar responds differently. Every soil environment is different. The most reliable calibration is observation: watch how the plant responds to each input and adjust frequency and dilution based on what you see.

Signs of overfeeding with fermented inputs: dark green foliage when you expect mid-flower nitrogen decline, unusual smells from the root zone (fermented material accumulating in anaerobic pockets), or sluggish soil that is not cycling normally between waterings.

Signs of underfeeding: pale new growth mid-flower (nitrogen), soft and poorly defined calyx structure (calcium), reduced aromatic intensity in weeks 3-5 (biological input may be insufficient).

For individual input guides, see: FFJ application, FPJ guide, KNF inputs overview.