[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: RES: [compost_tea] pH
Aerobic fungi make organic acids which buffer the medium in which they live between 5.5 and 7.0. Anaerobic fungi (possibly better recognized as yeats) produce organic acids with pH as low as 2.
Aerobic bacteria, on average and in general, produce alkaline slime layers and move pH in an alkaline direction. Anaerobic bacteria push pH below 4.5. Again, gross generalizations, you will find exceptions to each rule, but in general, on average, for the most part, these rules hold.
Can you influence which species of bacteria and /or fungi will be selcted for growth? Sure, but then as soon as the organisms start growing, they start altering the pH through the waste materials they produce. So, while you think you made the pH some certain thing, a second after you finish adding your material, the microbes are working on it to change that pH......
Elaine Ingham
President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
Corvallis, OR
Port Jefferson, NY
Lismore, NSW, Australia
Hilversum, The Netherlands
www.soilfoodweb.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
compost_tea-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
.