[compost_tea] Vermi tea as foliar fertilizer

From: RTS Friction - Carruthers <home_at_zim.co.zw>
Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:09:25 +0200

Hi Richard

I use granite dust from a local quarry in my compost unfortunately cannot g=
et hold of basalt dust or else would use it.
My worm feed & compost revolves around inputs that I can get for free in & =
around where I live & my route to work.
This being made up largely of Maize/Soya sweepings & rotting fruit & veg (m=
ostly whole bananas) this I mix into about
 the same quantity of compost made about a month prior. On the first turn (=
one week) I sprinkle over lime & quarry dust in equal quantities.
Dont measure it but is probably about a generous handful of each per wheelb=
arrow load. A further week and I open up the pile to cool then feed the wor=
ms weekly.

I add more lime if more fruit is put in & less if more veg waste goes in -T=
he fruit is acidic (despite not to much citrus) so is necessary to add the =
lime to balance the feed for the worms.
If you don't add the lime the worms shy away from it for some weeks before =
eventually consuming it, no doubt the low pH also affects the cocoon produc=
tion.

Only about a third goes to worm feed the balance in mixed in the standard m=
anner with chicken & goose manure browns & the odd greens (cuttings weeds e=
tc) then left for a further three months.
I should turn it during that period - however I simply leave it as is till =
ready.

Richard perhaps you could guide me as to what industry uses Basalt so I can=
 find a good local source of waste. What are your & other members views on =
Basalt vs Granite or other dust.
I am just a home gardener and have a variety of tropical plants with differ=
ent needs but as a general rule what are your feelings on the qty of dust I=
'm currently using
could I double it perhaps? I've got sticky red soil, did read somewhere tha=
t granite dust was a good input for red soil - but have only seen one refer=
ence to it.

Best rgds
Ian





  <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<snip>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  From: ezentrix_at_aol.com To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
    Howdy Ian
  Noting your recommendation of basalt and granite dusts. Are you doing a=
ny measurements of paramagnetic values?
  Kind Regards,
  Richard Jennings, Designer
  Earthwrights Designs / Dirtwrights Technologies


Received on Sun Jan 22 2012 - 12:37:49 EST

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