here is my examination
http://www.microbeorganics.com/#Canadian_Sphagnum_Peat
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Patricia Burnham" <patriciaburnham_at_...=
> wrote:
>
> The Alaska Humus is Denali Gold and from a very reputable source, I doubt=
it was stored improperly.
> I assumed I would see different types of bacteria, ie. individual and str=
ings, as well as some protozoa, slong with fungal activity.
> I am sure if I wait long enough I will see fungi hyphae, is my expectatio=
n 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 s=
hop?
> > It's possible that the material could have been compromised through im=
proper
> > storage.
> >
> > Try Matt's recommendation, as you should see fungal activity at 18-24 h=
ours.
> >
> > ~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 critter=
s
> >
> >
> > 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 hu=
mic acid,
> > but no molasses. I have been testing off and on for the past 48 hours, =
and as I
> > said - no critters. I would normally have added the molasses, but coul=
dn'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, a=
nd see if
> > that makes a difference.
> >
> > Have done this method with Alaska Humus, what critters were you able to=
detect?
> > 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 sampl=
e
> > > 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 Sphagnu=
m
> > > > 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 m=
e
> > > > 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 - 21:50:30 EST