[compost_tea] Soil Biology and Compost Tea

From: Steve Diver <steved_at_ncat.org>
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 05:38:08 -0000

Soil Biology and Compost Tea

Through molecular analysis it was determined that compost and
peat humus possess 25,000 to 35,000 species of bacteria and
5,000 to 8,000 species of fungi.  This is what drives interest
in compost teas, soil biology. 

More specifically, it is the microbial abundance and diversity
in soils, composts, and compost teas that drive ecological
functions and result in a steady supply of nutrients, builds
soil structure, and generally helps controls pests and
suppresses diseases.  Microbial abundance and diversity is
a universal principle of organic agriculture.  It is achieved
through humus farming and providing food and shelter for
soil biota.

An interesting thing happened in 1999.  The USDA published the
Soil Biology Primer.  It is the most popular selling USDA
publication in modern history. 

Pearlie Reed, the Chief of USDA-NRCS), wrote in the preface
?The Soil Biology Primer represents a new era in our agency's
soil science contributions to natural resource conservation. 
In the past we have focused primarily on the chemical and
physical properties of soil.  This publication highlights
another integral component of soil, its biological features.
The Primer explains the importance of biological functions
for productive and healthy agricultural systems, rangelands,
and forest lands."

In my opinion the Soil Biology Primer belongs on the library
shelf of every farmer, crop advisor, and university teacher.  
It is available for sale through the Soil and Water
Conservation Society(2) and it is also available on the Web
(3).

Annie Dillard, in her book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, wrote,
?I had been my whole life a bell, and never knew it until
at that moment I was lifted and struck.?  For many farmers,
the realization that biological mechanisms underlie every
aspect of crop production and that biological farming practices
like composting, cover cropping, and compost tea bioagumentation
can enhance these biological mechanisms as a complete alternative
to NPK fertilizers and pesticides has been a similar awakening.

Steve Diver




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Received on Sun Oct 10 2004 - 06:35:34 EDT

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