Re: [compost_tea] CT & Septic systems

From: Steve Bridges <kimas_at_texasgrown.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 20:50:27 -0600

There is another problem with drain fields and the plants around them. A se=
ptic system operates on the bacterial side of the equation. If you have pla=
nts that need a fungal dominated soil, such as trees and woody shrubs, then=
 the bacterially dominated drain field can post problems.

I built a house about five years ago. There is a large oak tree between the=
 house and the drain field. The distance from the house to the drain field =
is about thirty feet. The oak trees sits in the middle of the thirty feet. =
The tree (a Post Oak) showed some decline the third year after the house wa=
s built. I applied a Sick Tree Treatment (http://www.dirtdoctor.com/) and s=
ome compost and it regained some vigor. Two years later it started it's to =
show some stress again. Mainly tip die back, and a canker fungal degenerati=
on (peeling bark) at the base of the tree, on the septic side of the tree.

My query,,,Is the bacterial dominated soil of the septic system causing the=
 degeneration of the tree. Common sense would say yes. If so, with an aerat=
ion procedure (3" holes, drilled on 2' centers, about 18" deep, to 10' beyo=
nd the dripline of the tree) followed by a fungal dominated soil drench (an=
d application of a plant based compost) correct the decline in the tree?

Here in Texas, we value the trees on the western side of the house. Any adv=
ice would be appreciated.
Steve
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Susan Cruver
  To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 1:42 PM
  Subject: Re: [compost_tea] CT & Septic systems


  Nick--Ann Lovejoy kept her failing septic system going for a couple of ye=
ars by spraying CT on the drain field. If you have shallow rooting plants =
on the drain field, roots should be no problem even with increased depth of=
 root penetration. I have, however, seen funky drain fields in which the d=
rainage pipes are too close to the surface. This is rare and the homeowner=
 has bigger problems than turf grass roots! You might want to talk to Ann =
for more details. She even plants rhodies (also quite shallow rooters) and=
 other carefully chosen shrubs between the drainage runs.

  Susan

    I was wondering if you should spray CT over septic systems. Was
    wondering if you'd get too much root growth or would it be better to
    use a fungal dominated tea to promote good soil aggregate? Allowing
    oxygen to diffuse into the soil and carbon dioxide to diffuse out of
    the soil. And, since a septic system is manure, would it have root
    feeding nematodes? Am going to a meeting on septic systems tonight,
    and was curious as to your thoughts and ideas on the subject.

    Thanks,

    Nick


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Received on Fri Feb 14 2003 - 01:45:08 EST

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