Re: [compost_tea] Alaska Humus- 48 hours of feeding and no critters
Patricia,
How are you testing? When I test samples I put them in a small sample
jar with distilled water, the material, and then a drop of molasses. =
Shake for 30 seconds to a minute and then test. I tend to keep the
samples up to 72 hours to take a look at things as well. Tim Wilson
told me about this method. He should chime in if he sees this post.
Molasses is a good bacterial and fungal food, but is mainly know for
it's bacterial properties in this community. There are some issues
with using fish as a "starter" food.
Matt from PA
On Jan 23, 2011, at 6:55 AM, burnhampatricia_at_ymail.com wrote:
> Hi Tim,
>
> Thanks so much for your thoughtful answer, that does make sense.
>
> I was curious to see what all the fuss was about with Alaska humus,
> so I purchased some and took a look at it under the microscope when
> it arrived- nothing moving -- hense the first email.... thought I
> might have been completely on the wrong track.
>
> Since the first post, I have been feeding the humus with fish
> hydrolyse for close to 48 hours, --- so far there are no critters. I
> do think I might have some fungi starting to grow which is exciting.
>
> I have been doing lots of looking at my worm compost, and other
> things, so do know what flagellates, cilia, bacteria and bacteria
> strands look like (although my spelling might be off). I have to
> admit, I am not sure I can identify a cyst.
>
> Any suggestions? am I just being too impatient?
>
> Thanks again for your help
>
> Patricia
>
>
> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Tim Wilson" <thegoodjob_at_...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Patricia,
> >
> > My take: In substances like the Alaska humus and Canadian Sphagnum
> peat moss, the material has aerobically decomposed to a degree and
> then had the decomposition stopped (and sometimes started again off
> and on) by being submerged in water and/or frozen. When this
> decomposition is halted the aerobic microorganisms form cysts and
> other stages of dormancy. In this state many microbes can remain
> viable indefinitely. When the substance is harvested and exposed to
> oxygen the organisms come to life again, feeding on the high levels
> of carbon and if you use it in soil or provide feedstock (like
> molasses in compost tea) the microbes multiply even more.
> >
> > Tim
> >
> > --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "burnhampatricia_at_"
> <patriciaburnham_at_> wrote:
> > >
> > > question- if Alaska Humus is from ancient humus deposits, does
> this mean the organisms are also ancient?
> > > sorry if this is a dumb question... but doesn't make sense to me
> how one would grow active bacteria, protozoa and fungi from such a
> material.
> > > Your help is appreciated
> > > Patricia Burnham
> > >
> >
>
>
>
Received on Sun Jan 23 2011 - 14:00:30 EST
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