[compost_tea] Alaska Humus- 48 hours of feeding and no critters
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the resonse. I did what you described, as well as the fish hydr=
olysis I also initially added a bit of seaweed extract and some humic acid=
, but no molasses. I have been testing off and on for the past 48 hours, an=
d as I said - no critters. I would normally have added the molasses, but c=
ouldn't find my jar of it at the time.
I think I will take a stroll over to the market to pick up a new jar, and s=
ee if that makes a difference.
Have done this method with Alaska Humus, what critters were you able to det=
ect?
Thanks again
Patricia
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, Matthew Graeff <phishphan12_at_...> wrote:
>
> 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_... 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 - 21:50:26 EST
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