[compost_tea] Re: Vermi tea as foliar fertilizer
Jason;
ABSOLUTELY READ TEAMING WITH MICROBES! But it is not just about compost tea=
and it will validate what you just stated concerning using compost and mul=
ch. It is probably the best book for the regular person to introduce and ex=
plain the microbial activity going on in the soil. Compost tea is just one =
tool for organic growing.
I did not say there was no benefit from spraying ACT on leaves, just that I=
doubt nutrient uptake is one of them.
As Jeff mentioned it helps to populate the leaf surface with microorganisms=
which help deter pathogenic microorganisms (eg. powdery mildew)
Tim
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, Jason Kalka <shortstop42000_at_...> wrote:
>
>
> I suppose I will have to read Teaming with Microbes to figure out why I n=
eed to use ACT instead of simply composting and mulching. If you aren't ge=
tting a benefit from spraying it on the leaves, why use it?
>
> Tim, you sound like you know what you are talking about, but you are on a=
whole other level that is beyond my grasp at the moment.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tim Wilson <thegoodjob_at_...>
> Sent: January 18, 2012 11:30 AM
> To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [compost_tea] Re: Vermi tea as foliar fertilizer
>
>
> Hi Burkhard;
>
> When I mentioned soluble nutrients I was actually referring to chemical =
fertilizers which are already in ionic form. I was not recommending them bu=
t asking what you intended to foliar feed with. There is very little in sol=
uble form in organics. As stated, I am dubious about the efficacy of foliar=
feeding.
>
> There was a powerpoint posted by another member but because it was a sal=
es pitch it is hardly credible.
>
> If indeed, foliar feeding is an efficient way of providing nutrients, I'=
m very interested in reading solid data on the subject. There are attibutes=
to spraying certain substances onto plant leaves, including compost tea. J=
eff has already covered this.
>
> I used to spray (back in my chemical days) my plants with chemical
> 20-20-20 and thought I was feeding them because they all perked up and l=
ooked 'happy' afterwards. Later I learned that they were just responding (m=
ost likely) to the moisture.
>
> I suggest that you feed your soil as Jeff has recommended. You can use f=
ish hydrolysate, compost tea, humic acid, etc. in liquid form and you can t=
opdress [vermi]compost (and vermicompost slurries), kelpmeal, alfalfa meal,=
etc.
>
> Tim
>
> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, Burkhard Kiehne <burkhardkiehne_at_> wr=
ote:
> >
> > Thank you for all your input, especially the one from Tim. It always l=
ets me see things clearer. To summerize my point again I assume it is a goo=
d idea to prepare the soil with plenty of compost, plant my peppers, t
>
> [The entire original message is not included]
>
Received on Wed Jan 18 2012 - 17:00:05 EST
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