[compost_tea] Re: Sawdust in compost tea
Thanks for catching my mistake. The point is that the end result can be an=
undesirable pH level.
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "KuukieChristo" <chris.severance_at_...> w=
rote:
>
>
>
> You state: "These tend to contain tannic acid and if used in higher quant=
ities will raise the pH of the compost resulting in detrimental effects on =
the microorganisms"
>
> I'm thinking typo? Tannins would be associated with acid conditions and t=
he reduction of pH.
>
> It is all about the microbes, always has been...
>
> Chris
> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "dblsixteenout" <jseegert_at_> wrote:
> >
> > It is generally acceptable to use sawdust and wood chips as a component=
of compost. However, care should be taken when choosing the wood source. =
First and foremost, never use black walnut since this tree emits a chemical=
that will prohibit plant growth. This is a type of defense against weed a=
nd cover growth inhibiting sapling growth. The other type of wood that sho=
uld be limited is oak or other woods containing high levels of tannins. Th=
ese tend to contain tannic acid and if used in higher quantities will raise=
the pH of the compost resulting in detrimental effects on the microorganis=
ms. Most of us don't have access to oleander but this also emits a deadly =
toxin that should not be used around gardens intended for human consumption=
. Also, plywood sawdust should be steered clear of since the chemicals that=
are used in the resins are typically not intended for human consumption.
> >
> > Wood fiber is high in carbon (200:1 C:N) content and is best used as to=
pical application (10 tonnes/acre or about 4.5 lbs per 100 square foot) but=
will definitely lock up a good portion of Nitrogen in the compost since th=
e type of organisms that break down cellulose will also demand Nitrogen. I=
f using wood fiber in compost, you must add about 14 oz of blood meal (_at_11%=
N) or 2 lb of a 5% N granular product per 20lbs of wood fiber to offset th=
e amount of N used to compost it (this is equivalent to about 10 lbs of N p=
er tonne of sawdust). One good source of N to add with sawdust is poultry m=
anure. This is a great way to "cool" down this type of waste.
> >
> > Another option is to boost the level of N before adding the sawdust by =
adding food sources to the worm pile that results in a compost that contain=
s enough N for the cellulose consuming organisms and allows for an adequate=
level of N left after the sawdust is decomposed.
> >
> > If you are going to use this sawdust mixed compost for ACT without addi=
ng any additional Nitrogen source, remember that making a bacterial based A=
CT utilizing sawdust blended compost will continue to consume any nitrogen =
from the compost. Allowing the mix to run longer to propagate a significant=
level of bacterial organisms to feed the protozoa and other N-producing or=
ganisms, will allow the bacteria consuming organisms to resupply the levels=
of available/free N as a byproduct. In other words the propagation of Bac=
teria is dependent upon the consumption of available/free N in your compost=
. Allowing significant levels of bacteria to develop will allow the protoz=
oa and other N generating organisms to increase in numbers. This allows the=
organisms breaking down the cellulose a source of N but should also leave =
enough availble/free N for an effective tea.
> >
> > The process is dependent upon the types of compost, additives and times=
of brewing but can easily be confirmed by microscopic evaluation (making s=
ure there are high levels of bacteria at first and then protozoa).
> >
> > If your intent is only to allow the vermicompost to be easily handled, =
remember that any compost will easily dissolve in the brewer regardless of =
its consistency and how it is added. It sounds like there might be a concer=
n with storing the "wet" vermicompost until it can be used for ACT (possibl=
y turning anaerobic). Consider allowing the soil to sit in an open containe=
r or spread it out until the desired moisture content is satisfactory for s=
torage.
> >
> > Also, wood fiber will take longer to compost 6 months - 1 year dependin=
g on the size of the wood fiber.
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, Cameron Jenkins <milkman_at_> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > Been a lurker for a month or so, but this is my first post.
> > >
> > > I live on a small suburban block in Melbourne, Australia. I have a nu=
mber of worm farms, two of these are can-o-worms. They work well for me, ex=
cept the castings in the bottom tray always seems to be quite wet and the c=
astings are all clumpy and not really suited for the 44 gallon drum I brew =
my compost teas in.
> > >
> > > Today, I emptied the bottom tray out of one of the can-o-worms, and m=
ixed it with some non treated sawdust. As the sawdust drew in some of the m=
oisture, it allowed the worm castings to break apart into smaller bits. I t=
hen used a sieve to sift the castings to use into my compost tea.
> > >
> > > So the question is, how would sawdust go in a compost tea? I'll only =
be adding some molasses and fish emulsion to my next brew, so I'd be intere=
sted in feedback as to whether there would be anything wrong with sawdust m=
ixed with fine worm castings would go in a brew.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > Cameron Jenkins
> > >
> >
>
Received on Wed Mar 09 2011 - 14:04:31 EST
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: Tue Feb 07 2012 - 13:58:06 EST