[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [compost_tea] Re: Low Fungi



For what it is worth and realizing that we all have our own biases and thoughts, here is how I looked at Dan's brew which resulted in low fungi.
 
(0.8
CFM max) 
 
Is this enough 02 for 18 gallons? . I have notes at work and will check this number, but Bob N knows off the top of his head if this is enough oxygen....BOB? It may be too low.
 
And does your configuration provide the energy to strip off the fungi? How "full" is your compost basket? If it is too full, it doesn't matter how much energy you put in there, you don't get the stripping action. Bob showed me a great trick: add a few wood chips to help this action.
 
Finally, because you have two aerators in the basket and only one in the mix, have you considered putting all three in the mix after 12 hours so you make sure there is enough oxygen there?
 
<<<Approx 4# compost>>
 
Have you tried using a pound or so less? Only more pound and you are at the rec amount for 25 gallons. Again, this has a lot to do with the size of your basket.
 
 
 
<Used 2
tblsp Maxicrop, 2 tblsp Humic Acid and 3 tblsp Org gem with the Org
Gem spaced at intervals during brew. Also about a tsp of Saponyn>
 
The liquid Maxicrop has chlorine in it so I suppose should be aerated first.Not sure if you used the powder or liquid. I find humic acid to be really strong stuff. My recipes use 1 teaspoon of humic acid (powder) per 5 gallons...you are using twice that. 
 
Finally, my limited experience has been that the fish H also feeds bacteria. Try making a tea using your recipe without the fish H.
 
Of course, what makes it difficult to finally come up with a decent recipe is that there are so many variables.  I would verify that the Oxygen is sufficient first. Then check how much compost is in the basket and if there is sufficient room for real stripping, and then consider a brew without the Fish H and if that didn't change things, one with lower humic. 
 
O.K. so that is what I think. No right answer here, but the above would be my initial thinking process as I read the report!  I would discuss these things during my free 15 minute SFI consulting session that comes with each test!
 
Cheers,
 
Jeff L
 
 

Yahoo! Groups Sponsor

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
compost_tea-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.