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Re: [compost_tea] Vegetable quality
From: Judi Stewart
Hi Judi - you wrote
> Suggest that the first step (1) of your test is to take a Brix reading
> of
> the crop you're testing, and THEN spray, and next take your second
> brix readings.
I do this differently and here's why - in an actively growing crop - with
changeable weather conditions, sunlight, temperature etc, there should be a
wide range in the "normal" brix throughout the day, (Hugh Lovel refers to
'the ebb and flow of sap' and thats whats happening). I think its extremely
important to do the measurements of treated vs untreated at the same time of
day, under the same conditions, otherwise we can get misleading results -
30 minutes can easily turn into an hour - and an hour of increasing sunlight
and warmth can easily raise the reading a couple of brix points. With any
testing method we must always strive to eliminate the un necessary variables
that cloud the results.
If I remember correctly, the plant's brix number will
> rise within
> say 30 minutes, to indicate whether or not the material you just sprayed
> has a benefit to the plant.
>
> In the same vein, if the brix falls, the indication is not to use that
> spray on that plant.
Unless the plant is a weed and we can decrease the brix of the weed and at
the same time increase the brix of the crop - can you see where this might
lead?
> It's my understanding that this is done as a test to
> determine if the plant needs what you put in your sprayer. You can come
> back and spray the plant again later trying a different solution, and
> again, the brix numbers will give you an indication. It's just as though
> you and the plant are in "conversation."
>
> From what I remember, I don't believe brix numbers following the test
> remain high (or low) for an extended period of time.
With the brews we use we usually get our elevated brix to hold above the
untreated for at least several days - beyond that I havent tested - we are
using stuff with a good nutritional load.
> It takes more time
> than you've given to expect plant brix to increase suddenly and
> stabilize from a spritz test.
I dont think we want stable brix (thats clogged arteries) we want brix
elevated above the untreated level
> And I have no doubts about our mental
> state being important in our fields, gardens, and elsewhere. In the
> hopes of maintaining mine, I like to think I impart good energy or vibes
> in my garden and my garden returns that to me a hundred fold.
And if you felt like it and had the correct equipment you could measure this
scientifically too.
Cheers
Lloyd Charles
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