[harris467]

There are several korean members of our allotment site and I have noticed they all have big lumps of what looks like cold firm porridge scattered through their crops.  There are bags of it lying around their plots too.  Does anyone know what it is and what the benefits are please?
Unable to attach photo as it's too large apparently. Not sure how to change that via mobile.

[mumofstig]

It could be oatbran as a slug killer
http://www.slugoff.co.uk/killing-slugs/more-ways#oats

[harris467]

Thanks for replying but I'm fairly sure that's not it. This stuff is already made up. It looks like a mixture of porridge and bread all soaked in liquid then squeezed out. One member had a whole load of it spread over the top of his compost bin.

I noticed yesterday that the stuff that's been left in the bags is starting to stink as it rots.

I rarely see any of the korean members to ask them.

[Norfolkgrey]

Could it be the contents from a bokashi bin? http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/composting/bokashi.html
I don't know much about them though, sorry 

[New shoot]

It could be the leftovers from making Makgeolli - Korean rice wine

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The straining process is shown at around 10 minutes in.  Not sure what the benefits would be to crops, but it may just be a way of getting rid of the spent rice.

[sunshineband]

Perhaps  you could ask them? If New Shoot is right then they might offer you a little taster perhaps? 

[harris467]

Thanks for this New shoot but I'm pretty sure if this was a by product of making rice wine then they must've been making it on a commercial scale given the volume of stuff they have on their plot! Very interesting video though, almost tempted to give it a try.
Sunshineband I would ask them but I just never really see them now that the summer is over. I have to say though, their sweetcorn plants are huge! They must be easily 7-8ft tall.
If I manage to find out I will let you know.

[8doubles]

Spent hops or mash from a local brewery ?

[Snoop]

Could it be a mix including rice?

Have a look at this document, especially point 3 onwards:

https://rooftopecology.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/korean-natural-farming-indigenous-microorganisms-imo/