[compost_tea] Re: necessary to add carbs or sugar after applying a compost tea?

From: madcalf0000 <ch_vancouver_at_mail.com>
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2004 20:27:25 -0000

> Fungi can utilize carbohydrates, but
> generally more complex carbohydrates than ones in green plants.
Not until the
> simple carbohydrates are gone will the fungi get into the act and
use the more
> complex carbs.
>
> So, is the point of what is being asked here that fungi use things
in the
> soil first, and then in plants? Don't know any evidence of that
sequencing.
>
>
>
> Glucose and galactose would be bacterial foods more than fungal
foods.
> Glucose is a very simple food, and thus mostly bacteria would use
it, unless at
> high concentrations. Galactose might be a touch less strongly
bacterial than
> gluocse, but not much less bacterial food then glucose.
>
> But adding sugars every-so-often after tea would be fine, as long
as you know
> you want the bacteria maintained in an active condition.
>
> Elaine Ingham
>



Thanks for that response Elaine,

I think I worded my question poorly.

I apply a tea of worm castings, oats and molasses (plus alfalfa meal
and humics) about every month to the soil in my tomato greenhouse.

Doing only this, I've been told, won't supply a month's worth of
carbs for the colony and "they" will have to take carbs from the
tomato plants to survive (even though the sugars in the plants aren't
ideal.)
To keep the fungi and bacteria happy, and keep my plants from being
robbed of carbs (and me of my yield) it's been suggested I add a
blend of proper carbs about once a week.

I was told the above from a company selling such a blend of carbs.
Is it sound science or just marketing?
And/or could I, alternatively, just add some diluted molasses or a
homemade blend of complex and simple carbs from different sugar
sources?


Many thanks again to all in here.
Chuck



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Received on Sat Feb 14 2004 - 16:23:23 EST

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