I suppose I need to "reply via webpost" to keep your thread visible.
In regards to aquaponics I am aware that microbes need to process the fish =
effluent to create plant food. No different than in soil really. This cyclu=
ing must be monitored over time by testing pH and Nitrates until they regua=
lte themselves, which is what I was referring to "maturing". I'm no expert,=
but we do have a simple AP system set up in our retail store and it is int=
eresting to monitor it over time and see how much it can change before it r=
egulates.
In regards to "sequestered" you made a comment that I was interested in reg=
arding nutrients being "sequestered" and unavailable to the meters. You cle=
ared it up in this post, although it is still unclear exactly why and what =
is happening.
I think we're talking past each other on the fish hydrolosate. You made a c=
omment how fish hydrolosate was killing microbes in a previous post and i w=
as merely using it as justification for the importance of knowing where you=
r inputs come from.
No, down south we're accustomed to just about everything else synthetic (un=
fortunately), but not fish hydrolosate. :)
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Tim Wilson" <thegoodjob_at_...> wrote:
>
> Hi Evan, In future please leave my post attached with your reply.
>
> When researching, my experience was that I seemed to get erattic readings=
using the EC meter with organics mixed in water. When I discovered that EC=
meters are used to evaluate salts in compost, I was dubious as to reliabil=
ity so I tracked down one of the experts with the US Composting Council (or=
some such organization) to get an opinion. The opinion given was that this=
testing method was less accurate when organic matter was involved due to e=
lectrical interference and was therefore not very reliable. I can send you =
the short email I got from their expert if you like. I'm not saying it is a=
ll wrong as a testing method, I just don't trust it, the same as I do not t=
rust many tests.
>
> I do use an EC/TDS meter to check water quality.
>
> I don't know what you mean; "biological cycling being capable of complete=
ly feeding the fish" I was considering the aquaculture effluent being utili=
zed to feed plants. I suppose you may know that this effluent still require=
s mostly microbial processing to be utilized by the plants. [as mentioned i=
n my previous post]
>
> I'm unsure what you mean "elaborate on your knowledge of nutrients in "se=
questered" form?" Do you mean everything I know or what do I think it is o=
r....?
>
> There was nothing synthetic about the fish hydrolysate we used...well exc=
ept it came in a plastic pail. I picked it up direct from the processing pl=
ant and special ordered it without phosphoric acid. The stuff I get is also=
made without phosphoric acid. It is 100% organic.
>
> Are you guys down south accustomed to synthetic fish hydrolysate? <GRIN>
>
> Salutations,
> Tim
>
>
> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Evan Folds" <evan_at_> wrote:
> >
> > Hey Tim, how is the ppm info "compromised" with organic nutrients. Your
> > description of aquaponics is correct. Mature simply refers to the biolo=
gical
> > cycling being capable of completely feeding the fish. It can take 3-6 m=
onths
> > to get to where it cycles correctly.
> >
> >
> >
> > Could you also elaborate on your knowledge of nutrients in "sequestered=
"
> > form?
> >
> >
> >
> > Your success with horse manure is interesting, and not our experience. =
I
> > suppose one would need to investigate the sources and feedstock of thos=
e
> > animals to get a clearer understanding. Most commercial animals are dos=
ed
> > with countless synthetics, which in your evaluation of the fish hydrolo=
sate
> > illustrates that these synthetic materials can have significant negativ=
e
> > effects. The cow manure we work with is from Scottish Highlanders that =
are
> > kept for their manure. In other words, they are spoiled. J
> >
> >
> >
> > Be a farmer, start a garden.
> >
> >
> >
> > Evan Folds
> >
> > Progress Earth
> >
> > 6005 Oleander Dr
> >
> > Wilmington, NC 28403
> >
> > 910-777-5372 ext # 1
> >
> > <http://www.ProgressEarth.com> www.ProgressEarth.com
> >
> >
> >
> > The Progress Report - Please join our newsletter!!
> >
> >
> > <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001_bi8dmDxLrua=
y1kaYaa
> > PRA%3D%3D>
> > http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001_bi8dmDxLruay=
1kaYaaP
> > RA%3D%3D
> >
>
Received on Tue Apr 26 2011 - 00:11:42 EDT