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Re: [compost_tea] SFI Testing
Hi Steve -
Denis Hronek in Colorado makes a machine very like what you are describing. I have worked extensively with Denis, and the aeration and high numbers of active organisms that compete with the non-desirables limit the E. coli. The numbers of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes in Denis' machine reflect what is in the compost.
BUT, you have to remember that manure does not have the FUNGAL component. And manure is typically high in NITRATE, which is not something you particularly want to add in high concentration on your leaf surfaces. Nitrate helps out the disease fungi, and weeds more than it helps the crops you want. You want to have the organisms holding the nitrogen, and have the plant provide the foods to grow the bacteria and fungi in the root zone, which attracts the protozoa and nematodes, which then releases N, P, S, etc at the rate the plant determines. No excess mineral nutrients, and thus no leaching.
So, extracting manure isn't a good idea. Recall that by putting liquid manure on fields from dairy lagoons, we have managed to just about destroy crop production on those fields. High nitrate is not a good idea.
Unless he was really using COMPOSTED manure, it is hard to believe that ALL E. coli are done away with from liquid manure. I would like to see Sabino's data, and find out what method he was using to detect E. coli. Just like to see the data, that's all. Not disbelieving, just would like the data in front of me, ok?
Any chance of finding this out? I'm in Australia right now, and have not seen my copy of ACRES. Is it available e-mail?
Elaine
President, SFI
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