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

From: Tim Wilson <thegoodjob_at_hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 22:51:56 -0000

Hi Patricia,

As the others have suggested try the black strap molasses. Some hyphae take=
s longer to sprout than others so be patient up to 72 hours to see what you=
 get. Here is a test I ran; http://www.microbeorganics.com/#Canadian_Sphagn=
um_Peat

Cysts are tough. Generally flagellate cysts are round and look like they ha=
ve an interior hat (like a beret) or crescent moon but sometimes ciliate cy=
sts are like this too. Amoebae cysts are usually round or oval with a doubl=
e wall all the way around. Sometimes the inner wall is uneven. Also some po=
llen looks like this too throwing you off. I gave up trying to pick out cys=
ts but it is fascinating to watch flagellates encysting (forming cysts).

Tim

--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Patricia Burnham" <patriciaburnham_at_...=
> wrote:
>
> Hi Matt,
> Thanks for the resonse. I did what you described, as well as the fish hy=
drolysis I also initially added a bit of seaweed extract and some humic ac=
id, 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=
 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 - 21:50:39 EST

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