Re: [compost_tea] what favors what
Hi folks, I am back...Costa Rica was fantastic....spending time with fellow=
member Henry K was one of the highlights of the trip. He is doing some fan=
tastic things with compost tea and is clearing making headway in introducin=
g it to farmers in a country where 500 to 1000 workers die of pesticide poi=
soning. I will report more when I get over the 24 hour trip back home......=
which could be next month!
However Gail asked a question about what F:B ratio particular plants want: =
In general, with lots of exceptions, to helps to think of where the plant r=
esides on a continuum from beach, to grasslands, to young forests, mature f=
orest and old growth forest. Bacterial to fungal.
Another way to look at it, again with lots of exceptions, is to think of ho=
w long the plant is in the ground.
And yet another way to look at it is to think of what happens when the plan=
t dies. Is it easy for bacteria to breakdown or are fungus going to be need=
ed to break down the plant's leaves? They are most probably breaking down p=
lant material for the plant in question and will tell you if the soils shou=
ld be bacterially dominated or fungally or a mix...
IMHO: Annuals are bacterial
Veggies are bacterial
Bulbs are bacterial
Grasses are bacterial and fungal
perennials are fungal
shrubs are fungal
trees are really fungal
Evergreen trees really, really fungal
Tropical plants, well that is one area of exceptions, as I learned. Hugh, n=
itrogen fixing legumes in the middle of an untouched jungle...
Anyhow, there are some general rules to use. I stand ready to be corrected.=
...just remember to keep it pleasant and civilized.(For those who don't kno=
w, I am the missing moderator of the list). I've noticed a bit of incivilit=
y in reviewing the messages posted while I was away. For those new to the p=
ost, the moderator has the right to require review of messages of those who=
don't treat others with respect and civility, feigned or otherwise!
Cheers,
Jeff
Received on Thu Jan 15 2004 - 00:21:45 EST
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