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

From: Stephen Steyn <ssteyn_at_wcaccess.co.za>
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2011 06:54:38 +0200

John;

$ tons of compost is not too little. If it's a vineyard or row crop it can
be spread along the row. The nutrition is ample for a vineyard and with the
passage of time it should make an impact on the waterholding capacity around
the plant. Especially if irrigation is limited and there are a few rainfall
events prior to harvest.

SS

 

From: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com [mailto:compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of JB
Sent: 01 February 2011 04:08
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [compost_tea] Re: Compost vs Liquid Compost Extract application

 

  

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 response
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
machine using cheap dead commercial compost & the AACT machine using
homemade black gold compost, high quality worm castings & creek water. The
AACT machine would show better results. Would this prove that the AACT
machine is better? 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
quart of his extract is equal to 5 yards (135 cubic feet) of compost would
have put me in tears.

Good luck with the farm.

John Bridges
Bridges Native Plants

--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com <mailto:compost_tea%40yahoogroups.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 place
this spring in California. The size of the trial will be on an acerage
scale.
>
> 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
available dairy manure based compost per acre vs 50 gallons of liquid
compost extract, per acre (LCE). The LCE will be made from a variety of
compost and vermicompost types. Both these applications will be done 45 days
prior to seeding.
>
> 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
small amounts of specialty compost(s) and vermicompost specifically for
making 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
experience with comparing compost vs liquid compost extract applications.
>
> I look forward to your collective input and feedback.......
>
>
> Mike Flynn
> Green Quest LLC
> BioSpecific LLC
>



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Received on Tue Feb 01 2011 - 02:32:36 EST

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