[compost_tea] Re: Compost vs Liquid Compost Extract application

From: Tim Wilson <thegoodjob_at_hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:20:13 -0000

Hi Mike,

To put things into perspective here is something I posted some time ago.

"My little dump carries 4 yards packed high with medium moisture compost. T=
his weighs around 2.5 tons or 0.625 tons per yard. That is 1250 pounds per =
yard and estimates on the Internet put the weight of compost ranging from 1=
000 pounds to 1600 pounds per yard so I'm within the range but admittedly c=
ompost has different weights dependent on make up and moisture content.

There are (approx.) 43,560 square feet per acre or 6,272,640 square inches

A yard of material = 46,656 cubic inches

To calculate how many yards (approximate) of compost is required to cover o=
ne acre 1 inch thick with compost;
divide 6,272,640 by 46,656 = 134.4 yards (approximate)
OR to calculate in tons 134.4 x 0.625 = 84 tons of compost to cover 1 acr=
e 1 inch thick."

Using this, 4 tons on an acre will provide a covering of compost 0.047 or a=
bout 1/32nd of an inch

As a retired (recently) hay/alfalfa farmer I suggest that this slight dusti=
ng of compost may be ineffectual and you may wish to consider utilizing a s=
maller area if your resources are constricted.

I know you say that you are using different materials for spreading dry or =
in LCE because you can but if you wish to do a true test perhaps you might =
reconsider. Again if resources are a concern perhaps you could consider a s=
maller area or divide your study into another subgroup.

Salutations,
Tim

--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "mikethewormguy" <mikethewormguy_at_...> w=
rote:
>
>
>
>
> We are in the process of setting up an agricultural trial comparing the a=
pplication of compost vs liquid compost extract. The trial will take place=
 this spring in California. The size of the trial will be on an acerage sc=
ale.
>
> My hypothesis is : " Liquid Compost Extract application will be equal to=
 or better than a Compost application based upon plant response "
>
> At this time, we are looking at applying 4 tons of a commercially availab=
le dairy manure based compost per acre vs 50 gallons of liquid compost extr=
act, per acre (LCE). The LCE will be made from a variety of compost and ver=
micompost types. Both these applications will be done 45 days prior to see=
ding.
>
> I am purposely using the different compost types for LCE because I can. O=
ne of the strengths of making liquid compost extracts is that you can make =
small amounts of specialty compost(s) and vermicompost specifically for mak=
ing LCE.
>
> In regard to data collection, we are going to let the plants/crop tells u=
s which application they like best. As far as I know, plants always tell t=
he 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 proces=
s is being done onsite, at the farmer's location vs trucking in compost fro=
m another location.
>
> We are not necessarily trying to reduce the farmer's costs but provide th=
em more value. Value is defined by the farmer but produced by us.
>
> I would be interested in hearing from the list concerning other's experie=
nce 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 - 11:30:18 EST

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