[compost_tea] Compost vs Liquid Compost Extract application

From: mikethewormguy <mikethewormguy_at_aol.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:40:45 -0000




We are in the process of setting up an agricultural trial comparing the app=
lication of compost vs liquid compost extract. The trial will take place t=
his spring in California. The size of the trial will be on an acerage scal=
e.

My hypothesis is : " Liquid Compost Extract application will be equal to o=
r better than a Compost application based upon plant response "

At this time, we are looking at applying 4 tons of a commercially available=
 dairy manure based compost per acre vs 50 gallons of liquid compost extrac=
t, per acre (LCE). The LCE will be made from a variety of compost and vermi=
compost types. Both these applications will be done 45 days prior to seedi=
ng.

I am purposely using the different compost types for LCE because I can. One=
 of the strengths of making liquid compost extracts is that you can make sm=
all amounts of specialty compost(s) and vermicompost specifically for makin=
g LCE.

In regard to data collection, we are going to let the plants/crop tells us =
which application they like best. As far as I know, plants always tell the=
 truth, as well as, this is what the farmer is interested in.

In addition, we are looking at the total cost of the compost application vs=
 the total cost of LCE application.

Keep in mind that the LCE feedstock preparation and the extraction process =
is being done onsite, at the farmer's location vs trucking in compost from =
another location.

We are not necessarily trying to reduce the farmer's costs but provide them=
 more value. Value is defined by the farmer but produced by us.

I would be interested in hearing from the list concerning other's experienc=
e with comparing compost vs liquid compost extract applications.

I look forward to your collective input and feedback.......


Mike Flynn
Green Quest LLC
BioSpecific LLC






Received on Sun Jan 30 2011 - 10:10:40 EST

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