Re: [compost_tea] SFI Testing

From: soilfoodweb@aol.com
Date: Sat Mar 15 2003 - 00:04:54 EST


Hi Steve -

Denis Hronek in Colorado makes a machine very like what you are describing.
I have worked extensively with Denis, and the aeration and high numbers of
active organisms that compete with the non-desirables limit the E. coli. The
numbers of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes in Denis' machine reflect
what is in the compost.

BUT, you have to remember that manure does not have the FUNGAL component.
And manure is typically high in NITRATE, which is not something you
particularly want to add in high concentration on your leaf surfaces.
Nitrate helps out the disease fungi, and weeds more than it helps the crops
you want. You want to have the organisms holding the nitrogen, and have the
plant provide the foods to grow the bacteria and fungi in the root zone,
which attracts the protozoa and nematodes, which then releases N, P, S, etc
at the rate the plant determines. No excess mineral nutrients, and thus no
leaching.

So, extracting manure isn't a good idea. Recall that by putting liquid
manure on fields from dairy lagoons, we have managed to just about destroy
crop production on those fields. High nitrate is not a good idea.

Unless he was really using COMPOSTED manure, it is hard to believe that ALL
E. coli are done away with from liquid manure. I would like to see Sabino's
data, and find out what method he was using to detect E. coli. Just like to
see the data, that's all. Not disbelieving, just would like the data in
front of me, ok?

Any chance of finding this out? I'm in Australia right now, and have not
seen my copy of ACRES. Is it available e-mail?

Elaine
President, SFI






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