[compost_tea] Compost vs Liquid Compost Extract application
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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