Re: [compost_tea]NPK of compost tea?

From: Tad Hussey <tadhussey_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:38:28 -0800 (PST)

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. 


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?
 

 
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

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