Re: [compost_tea]NPK of compost tea?

From: Tim Wilson <thegoodjob_at_hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:02:55 -0000

Jeff,

I got some compost tea tested for npk about 12 years ago. It tested in a si=
milar range to compost but as you know that is pretty meaningless because n=
utrients are sequestered and not testable in typical fashion.

I was not satisfied that the results were reliable anyway because of the ex=
traction techniques applied in testing. [How can this work in a liquid?] I'=
ve thought recently about trying to find a lab which might do the testing w=
ithout extraction. Talking a lab into this may be challenging.

I do have the reagent chemicals here but really doubt the validity of using=
 a color chart.

Tim

--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, Jeff Lowenfels <jeff.lowenfels_at_...> wro=
te:
>
> Great question, dan. But first, a few reminders from the Moderator.
>
> 1. Change the subject heading when appropriate. It makes it easier to fol=
low threads.
> 2. Do not be insulted when someone answers a question in a manner that yo=
u think makes you look like a dummy. There are no such things as stupid que=
stions here; Only stupid answers! So sometimes we put in lots more informat=
ion because lots of others are lurking and reading this stuff. Do not be in=
sulted. 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 so=
rts of lists of what the NPK of stuff is going in, but have never done an N=
PK 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 pl=
ants worry about supply nutrients to the plants. I know the compost has eno=
ugh organics to provide their nutrients and I leave it at that! To me, comp=
ost is a soil amendment that provides a place and the components for the so=
il 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 - 16:45:44 EST

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