Re: [compost_tea] Re: Organism survival on leaves

From: <soilfoodweb_at_aol.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 22:29:19 EST


The organisms have to attach to the leaf surface, so they have to be active
and growing when they land on the leaves. Bacteria have to make the glue
material they they use to glue themselves to things. Fungi as well - the
wonderful stuff called glomulin, for example - and the bind around things
like string on a package. Again, necessary to have active fungi.

They use the exudates on leaf surfaces to grow, as well as the foods in your
tea. No food, no growth, no stick.

So, mid-day sun is direct and very intense. Bare naked little bugs will die.
 You have to give them time to grow and put the protection around themselves.

If droplet sizes are large enough, however, we find that you don't have to
worry about mid--day sun.

Ah, trade-offs. Aren't they fun? Big drops mean not so much coverage.
Means you have to apply more often to maintain coverage. But then you can
apply anytime in the day. How big is big? Drops coming out of a pivot are
typically big enough. Dropsw from airplane applied equipment is big enough.
Drip emitters with the large size emitter holes - big enough.

Don't know how small a drop is too small. I don't know everything.......

yet :-)

Elaine Ingham
President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
www.soilfoodweb.com



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Received on Fri Jan 31 2003 - 00:23:25 EST

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