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RE: [compost_tea] Tea Machine Challenge?



My suggestion was more so pointed to the types of machines – to give us a better idea for which ‘type’ (eg air pump, water pump, combo) produces better numbers.  This might send the mfg’s (or homemade systems) in the direction that produces the better results –in turn, urging the technology advancement in other areas. 

 

But also, as I was mentioning .. good old fashioned competition never hurt anybody, and always does a lot of good for the technology, and for the market.

 

But this standardized testing could also be used for folks to test certain compost batches in various machines under more controlled environments.  The compost producer (home piler, or commercial) could let us in on what ingredients went into the heap, what temps it reached, when it was turned, etc, etc – it could be run in several different types of brewers under the same conditions to get a general idea of how well the type of batch brewed.  If it turned out to average great on all machines, for a given type of brew, that compost making recipe should be published and tried to be duplicated as best as can be under environmental circumstances.

 

This brings up another idea that I’ve been pondering:  A testing document would be helpful to be used as a template guideline that helps lay out standard procedures for how best to conduct a test.  Say, for example, I want to run a given test on my tea, or compost, or….  This document would help me lay out a testing procedure so that my tests are better documented, and standard for comparison with other means, and used for later reproduction by myself or others.  I’m NOT saying the sfi testing is bypasssed, it should definitely be included as part of this test procedure. 

 

The procedure would be a guideline for how to conduct a test, a means of keeping it documented, so that it can be shared and standardized so that it can be understood by all of us to learn exactly what you performed to produce the results you achieved (good or bad).  This test information could be kept in our group page with the sfi reports for later review, and use.

 

So with this, say I want to brew 50g of a 50/50 b/f nutrient tea for my hay field.  I could look to our results page and find a test matching my needs – If found, I now have a better chance of duplicating it using the test guidelines that were performed and documented.  If not found, I download the test guideline template and conduct a test myself for sharing with the group.

 

This could go for composting, tea brewing, spraying, etc.  I’m really trying to get closer to apple/apple comparison – and reduce the amout of wheel reinvention that’s happening.

 

Mike

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Lowenfels [mailto:jeff@gardener.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2003 9:00 AM
To: compost_tea@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Tea Machine Challenge?

 

I've slept on Kirk/Mike's suggestion. IMHO,  this shouldn't be a contest to see which machine is best.  What really counts is the tea YOU make and if it meets YOUR needs.

 

If you get the minimum coverages suggested by SFI, you are doing fine no matter what machine or what compost/humus or what nutrient you are using. This is what SFI's "listing" of acceptable machines is all about.

 

We know which machines those are. May be we would be better off instead of a contest by helping those who have one of these particular machines, but can't get the proper numbers........

 

Cheers,

 

Jeff



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