RE: [compost_tea]NPK of compost tea?

From: Stephen Steyn <ssteyn_at_wcaccess.co.za>
Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:34:14 +0200

Tad;

Please send some snow. Its 41 degrees C (106F) here today at the southern t=
ip of Africa. Africa’s burning.

SS

 

From: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com [mailto:compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com] On B=
ehalf Of Tad Hussey
Sent: 15 January 2012 21:38
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [compost_tea]NPK of compost tea?

 

  

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 compost a=
nd ACT are tied up typically in the bodies of microorganisms and therefore =
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 prima=
rily from manure would have higher N than a compost primarily composed of l=
eaf 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 tea, I =
know of some growers who are using it as their primary source of nutrients.=
  Personally, I like to look at ACT more like human vitamins. Sure it's no=
t your main source of nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates), but it will help=
 in correcting any small mineral and nutrient imbalances, thereby making yo=
u 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 to 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 g=
reat condominium for the soil food web members and I let them and the plant=
s worry about supply nutrients to the plants. I know the compost has enough=
 organics to provide their nutrients and I leave it at that! To me, compost=
 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 Mon Jan 16 2012 - 00:35:25 EST

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