Compost Tea FAQ (part 2)
Are there easy methods to make compost tea?
The process of making tea can use complex fermentation
equipment or be the byproduct of other organic activity.
Some people use the liquid from worm bins or the liquid
from composting toilets, but most small scale tea production
is from fermenting finished compost in water. Another easy
approach is to ferment organic materials in a large tub
of water. This process can utilize summer temperatures
to speed the fermentation and dark containers to increase
solar heating. For most sites an easy method of making
tea can be found which utilizes existing materials
and fits the climate.
What ingredients can be used?
Most organic materials can be used to make tea. Teas
made from animal manures are preferred for some applications
but other teas also work. We still have a lot to learn
about ways to brew tea. Some of the materials mentioned
often are:
animal manure fish emulsion kitchen scraps
molasses citrus rinds grass clippings
kelp comfry leaves weeds
compost mushroom compost nettles
seaweed worm castings urine
cider vinegar straw animal bedding
How is compost tea made?
Quick tea can be made by mixing one gallon of finished
compost with 5 gallons of water and letting sit for 10
to 14 days. The ideal temperature for this is somewhere
over 50 degrees. Probably temperatures of 80 degrees would
reduce the time and increase the fermentation.
Commercial tea production usually requires a tank with
attached bubbler and enough heat to keep the mixture at
around 70 degrees. This method requires 2-3 days.
Home brew systems can be much simpler. Any tank
can be filled with water and a started mixture
added along with organic matter. In some cases it
is enough to just dump in organic matter and let
nature takes its course. This can take months.
A very simple biodigester can be made from two garbage
cans and works well for small urban sites. It provides
both compost and tea. This is described at the
Cornell composting site (see references).
To be continued with:
What are some common recipes?
Where can more information be found?
