[compost_tea] Alaska Humus- 48 hours of feeding and no critters

From: Patricia Burnham <patriciaburnham_at_live.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:09:18 -0000

The Alaska Humus is Denali Gold and from a very reputable source, I doubt i=
t was stored improperly.
I assumed I would see different types of bacteria, ie. individual and strin=
gs, as well as some protozoa, slong with fungal activity.
I am sure if I wait long enough I will see fungi hyphae, is my expectation =
unreasonable that I should see protozoa?
I just added some molasses.....
Thanks for your help.
Patricia

--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, Tad Hussey <tadhussey_at_...> wrote:
>
> How did you source your Alaska Humus? Was it in a bag at some garden sho=
p?
> It's possible that the material could have been compromised through impr=
oper
> storage.
>
> Try Matt's recommendation, as you should see fungal activity at 18-24 hou=
rs.
>
> ~Tad
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Patricia Burnham <patriciaburnham_at_...>
> To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sun, January 23, 2011 10:29:38 AM
> Subject: [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
> hydrolysis I also initially added a bit of seaweed extract and some humi=
c 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 couldn=
'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=
 see if
> that makes a difference.
>
> Have done this method with Alaska Humus, what critters were you able to d=
etect?
> 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 - 21:50:28 EST

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