Jeff,
I've done some nutrient testing on our compost as part of getting our WSDA =
organic cert. My understanding though is that the "nutrients" in comp=
ost and ACT are tied up typically in the bodies of microorganisms and there=
fore not available for conventional testing.Â
In addition, these rates would fluctuate in my opinion, based on your origi=
nal sources of compost ingredients. It's logical that a compost made =
primarily from manure would have higher N than a compost primarily composed=
of leaf mulch.
That being said, I see the main purpose of ACT as an increase in nutrient c=
ycling and efficiency (making whatever nutrients that do exist in your soil=
plant-available). Sure, some nutrients will provided with compost te=
a, I know of some growers who are using it as their primary source of nutri=
ents. Personally, I like to look at ACT more like human vitamins.Â=
Sure it's not your main source of nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates), =
but it will help in correcting any small mineral and nutrient imbalances, t=
hereby making you or the plant healthier overall.
Since Jeff just reminded me it's Sunday, I thought I'd also mention that we=
are expanding our business to a retail shop (we are getting Classic Nurser=
y in Redmond, WA back, as my parents own the land and the current lease is =
expiring). The plan is to open an Urban Farm Store with chickens and =
other related products, in addition to an Organic Hydroponic Shop. If=
you have an experience with this sort of endeavor, please don't hesitate t=
o send me an email off-list.
We've already added some new products to our current tea products, includin=
g a water-only soil mix, a mineral mix, and a nutrient pack (for people who=
mix their own soils).
Looking forward to an exciting New Year, and wishing everyone the best this=
MLK weekend. (It's snowing here in Seattle!)
Tad
www.kisorganics.com
________________________________
From: Jeff Lowenfels <jeff.lowenfels_at_gmail.com>
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2012 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: [compost_tea]NPK of compost tea?
Â
Great question, dan. But first, a few reminders from the Moderator.
1. Change the subject heading when appropriate. It makes it easier to follo=
w threads.
2. Do not be insulted when someone answers a question in a manner that you =
think makes you look like a dummy. There are no such things as stupid quest=
ions here; Only stupid answers! So sometimes we put in lots more informatio=
n because lots of others are lurking and reading this stuff. Do not be insu=
lted. Keep on asking.
3. Sunday's you can advertise compost teas and "stuff."
4. Happy New Year to all. Compost on!
O.K. As I noted, great question. I have not done any tests! I have all sort=
s of lists of what the NPK of stuff is going in, but have never done an NPK=
test on compost or compost tea! Here is a site that has NPK of compost, at=
least:
http://www.allotment.org.uk/fertilizer/npk-manures-compost.php
The reason I haven't tested for nutrients is because I consider compost a =
great condominium for the soil food web members and I let them and the plan=
ts worry about supply nutrients to the plants. I know the compost has enoug=
h organics to provide their nutrients and I leave it at that! To me, compos=
t is a soil amendment that provides a place and the components for the soil=
food web to make fertilizer. So is compost tea, IMHO.
Tad? Doc E?, Done any nutrient testing on teas?
Teaming with microbes,
jeff
Received on Sun Jan 15 2012 - 16:45:42 EST