[compost_tea] Re: Compost vs Liquid Compost Extract application

From: JB <jbridgestx_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:07:58 -0000

Sorry, but I don't see this as being a compost vs LCE test as much as a LCE=
 vs nothing test. I sure hope the LCE wins.

As Tim said, 4 tons of compost spread over a acre is like 1/32 of a inch of=
 compost. Basically useless as far as expecting any noticeable plant respon=
se from it.

If you're trying to compare compost to LCE? You need to use the same inputs=
 (compost) to test different methods & get any credible results.

It would be like me testing AACT machines against LCE machines with LCE mac=
hine using cheap dead commercial compost & the AACT machine using homemade =
black gold compost, high quality worm castings & creek water. The AACT mach=
ine would show better results. Would this prove that the AACT machine is be=
tter? Swap inputs & the LCE machine would look better.

Thanks for forewarning me about Cow Wow. I'm pretty good at not laughing at=
 salesman. But going to a trade show & having some salesman claim that a qu=
art of his extract is equal to 5 yards (135 cubic feet) of compost would ha=
ve put me in tears.

Good luck with the farm.


John Bridges
Bridges Native Plants

--- 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 Tue Feb 01 2011 - 02:32:33 EST

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.0 : Tue Feb 07 2012 - 13:58:04 EST