[compost_tea] Re: Compost Soup?

From: Kirk Leonard <kirk_at_oregonatural.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 2004 16:52:52 -0700
Enjoying this thread - newbie intro, what's compost/tea - and having been
dinged for a technical mis-use of a term recently, I have to chide Doc E on
"compost soup."  Huh?  I believe this will be an "extract" if and when NOSB
CTTF report makes it into the light of day.

Bill, agree with Ted, too, and what you're doing.  What you describe works
well, based on my experience.  Only thing I would add is occasional stirring
of the compost in the water - helps get nutrients and probably some more
organisms into the tea.  And pressure in the water increases oxygen
exchange.  Seems better than letting it sit, but I can't speak to herb or
weed teas.  Haven't tried them.

There is a large range of organic materials loosely called compost, as well
as compost teas.  All have value, normally.  Doc E aims for the best, which
I'm personally glad for.  In years of working with compost and vermicompost
and teas, I have learned an ancient biological lesson, repeated today by
Lynton:  If it doesn't smell good, it probably isn't.  The nose knows.
Trust your nose.  Compost should also not be shiny black or slimy, or feel
weird.

The main difference between simple tea and aerated tea "safety" is
nutrients.  A simple tea, without added organism food, is practically
guaranteed to be safe and beneficial if the compost smells ok.  Better if
you stir it occasionally.  If you want to add plants nutrients to a steeped
tea, it's probably ok if you do it just before you use it, but not if you
let it sit for a time.

The best tea with organism and plant nutrients, for maximum microbial
effect, is ACT.  Steeped, stirred teas or extracts, or compost soups, are
more appropriate for nutrients only, depending on what you do with the
residue - it's a good quick carbon source, too, usually an additional
benefit.

Kirk




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Received on Mon Sep 13 2004 - 21:14:24 EDT

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