Re: [compost_tea] Re: Searching for basic instructions on compost tea brewing
On Sat, 20 Nov 2004 09:17:40 -0800, Tom Jaszewski <tom_at_livesoil.com> wrote:
> [Tom Jaszewski] There is no problem with my confidence, my successes have
> been stellar and beyond my original expectations.
That is far more important than any study.unless your goal is to
convince scientists. Even there, the volume of anecdotal evidence is
what causes the studies. Any scientist that takes the attitude that if
there aren't studies, that there is no proof, is practicing bad
science.
Anecdotal evidence is observation over time.
Scientific evidence is observation in a controlled situation over limited time.
There is no such thing as a controlled situation in agriculture.
Therefore, any scientific study is basically organized and funded
anecdotal evidence.
Yeah, telling them that their studies aren't worth any more than a
farmer's observations might not go over well with their egos, but it
is the truth.
> The difficulty comes when
> others are asked to make decisions affecting their livelihood based on
> faith.
Is it so easy to convince them with studies?
I would expect that they would be resitant to change no matter what if
what they are currently doing is paying the bills.
> I continue to see organic gardening, as an example, as anything but
> mainstream.
I seem to recall you hail from Las Vegas, where there is not much that
is natural. You should come check out the Maritime Northwest. Organic
produce is incredibly easy to come by, and if you walk the stands at
the farmer's markets and talk to the growers, you will find that even
thowe with non-organic farms are using more and more organic
techniques except when they have a specific need to go chemical.
Hell, it's even becoming more common in the heartland, not just on the
coasts. And it is the "I've done it, and it works" statements that
will change over the growers, not some study.
It is going to take time, but it is happening.
> My personal goals involve moving this technology into a broader
> acceptance.
That is a great goal, and I'm sure we all support you.
> [Tom Jaszewski] What I meant here is that we are not a likely picture of
> mainstream horticulture and agriculture. Most here believe in the principles
> espoused by Dr. E, but this isn't a faith movement. Many of us are working
> hard to find, support, and fund better data. I have no problem with those
> here that don't have that same need, but there are many more out there that
> need accurate, defined and meaningful direction based on science.
And any scientist that disregards anecdotal evidence really needs a
refresher course in scientific thought.
Dave
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Received on Sat Nov 20 2004 - 16:11:57 EST
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: Tue Feb 07 2012 - 14:15:36 EST