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Re: [compost_tea] CT & Septic systems



There is another problem with drain fields and the plants around them. A septic system operates on the bacterial side of the equation. If you have plants that need a fungal dominated soil, such as trees and woody shrubs, then the bacterially dominated drain field can post problems. 
 
I built a house about five years ago. There is a large oak tree between the house and the drain field. The distance from the house to the drain field is about thirty feet. The oak trees sits in the middle of the thirty feet. The tree (a Post Oak) showed some decline the third year after the house was built. I applied a Sick Tree Treatment (http://www.dirtdoctor.com/) and some compost and it regained some vigor. Two years later it started it's to show some stress again. Mainly tip die back, and a canker fungal degeneration (peeling bark) at the base of the tree, on the septic side of the tree.
 
My query,,,Is the bacterial dominated soil of the septic system causing the degeneration of the tree. Common sense would say yes. If so, with an aeration procedure (3" holes, drilled on 2' centers, about 18" deep, to 10' beyond the dripline of the tree) followed by a fungal dominated soil drench (and application of a plant based compost) correct the decline in the tree?
 
Here in Texas, we value the trees on the western side of the house. Any advice would be appreciated.
Steve
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 1:42 PM
Subject: Re: [compost_tea] CT & Septic systems

Nick--Ann Lovejoy kept her failing septic system going for a couple of years by spraying CT on the drain field.  If you have shallow rooting plants on the drain field, roots should be no problem even with increased depth of root penetration.  I have, however, seen funky drain fields in which the drainage pipes are too close to the surface.  This is rare and the homeowner has bigger problems than turf grass roots!  You might want to talk to Ann for more details.  She even plants rhodies (also quite shallow rooters) and other carefully chosen shrubs between the drainage runs.
 
Susan

I was wondering if you should spray CT over septic systems. Was
wondering if you'd get too much root growth or would it be better to
use a fungal dominated tea to promote good soil aggregate? Allowing
oxygen to diffuse into the soil and carbon dioxide to diffuse out of
the soil. And, since a septic system is manure, would it have root
feeding nematodes? Am going to a meeting on septic systems tonight,
and was curious as to your thoughts and ideas on the subject.

Thanks,

Nick


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