Re: [compost_tea] Re: Compost vs Liquid Compost Extract application

From: Tad Hussey <tadhussey_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:46:47 -0800

At these rates, I think just about anything could outperform the compost. I=
'd think you'd see better results with just an application of seaweed extra=
ct, humic acids, or fish hydrolysate. Seems like the study may not be very =
conclusive in comparing compost vs lce if the compost rates are so low.

Either way, glad to hear he's organic and willing to try new things.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 30, 2011, at 8:20 AM, "Tim Wilson" <thegoodjob_at_hotmail.com> wrote:

> 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.=
 This weighs around 2.5 tons or 0.625 tons per yard. That is 1250 pounds pe=
r yard and estimates on the Internet put the weight of compost ranging from=
 1000 pounds to 1600 pounds per yard so I'm within the range but admittedly=
 compost has different weights dependent on make up and moisture content.
>
> There are (approx.) 43,560 square feet per acre or 6,272,640 square inche=
s
>
> A yard of material = 46,656 cubic inches
>
> To calculate how many yards (approximate) of compost is required to cover=
 one 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 a=
cre 1 inch thick."
>
> Using this, 4 tons on an acre will provide a covering of compost 0.047 or=
 about 1/32nd of an inch
>
> As a retired (recently) hay/alfalfa farmer I suggest that this slight dus=
ting of compost may be ineffectual and you may wish to consider utilizing a=
 smaller area if your resources are constricted.
>
> I know you say that you are using different materials for spreading dry o=
r in LCE because you can but if you wish to do a true test perhaps you migh=
t reconsider. Again if resources are a concern perhaps you could consider a=
 smaller area or divide your study into another subgroup.
>
> Salutations,
> Tim
>
> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "mikethewormguy" <mikethewormguy_at_...>=
 wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > We are in the process of setting up an agricultural trial comparing the=
 application of compost vs liquid compost extract. The trial will take plac=
e 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 t=
o or better than a Compost application based upon plant response "
> >
> > At this time, we are looking at applying 4 tons of a commercially avail=
able dairy manure based compost per acre vs 50 gallons of liquid compost ex=
tract, per acre (LCE). The LCE will be made from a variety of compost and v=
ermicompost types. Both these applications will be done 45 days prior to se=
eding.
> >
> > 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 mak=
e small amounts of specialty compost(s) and vermicompost specifically for m=
aking 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 applicatio=
n vs the total cost of LCE application.
> >
> > Keep in mind that the LCE feedstock preparation and the extraction proc=
ess is being done onsite, at the farmer's location vs trucking in compost f=
rom 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 exper=
ience 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 - 14:59:04 EST

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