Whew! i finally finished revising the compost tea faq.
A few comments are still comming in but most of the
big changes have been made. There is also a web
version at:
http://www.xprt.net/~jko/faq/tea.htm
Rather than post the whole thing i'll append
some of the areas that were changed. Comments
would be appreciated. In a few days i'll mention
the web page around and probably tie in
a few search engines.
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Compost Tea FAQ
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revised 6-21-2000
What is compost tea?
A wide variety of organic slurries are called compost
tea. Generally, the tea contains living organisms which
provide useful functions. Since it is made from organic
materials it can also function as a fertilizer.
This broad definition of "compost tea" isn't accepted
by everyone. The terms "compost leachate" and
"manure tea" are sometimes used to identify non-brewed
forms of tea. Specialized teas also have different
names and commercial teas are now appearing with
unique labels. Too see a long list of products
and suppliers enter the quoted phrase "compost tea"
into any search engine.
Is compost tea based on science or folklore?
Compost tea has a long history of use and does contain
much folklore. It is doubtful that the hype will
go away in the future. Instead, we will probably
see specialized methods and names appearing to separate
the various types of tea.
Biodynamics is one area which many people consider myth.
It takes a more holistic view and talks about life energies
and cosmic influences. Included within biodynamics are
numerous herbal teas, liquid manures, and preps that are
brewed and sprayed. It is probable that todays interest in
compost tea has its roots in biodynamics.
The metaphysical philosophy of biodynamics might reject
this casual discussion of compost tea as unrelated and a
compost tea researcher might reject biodynamics as
unsubstantiated. The one fact everyone can agree on is the
results. These sprays work.
-- snip --
Commercial Tea's:
1. Obtain a fish tank bubbler and method to keep
tea container at around 70 degrees. Mix 5 gallons
water with 1 part compost, 4 oz of molasses, and
kelp extract. Ferment and bubble for about 2
days. Strain and spray on trees and plants.
2. For large quantities a pond pump is used and
the liquid sprayed back into the top of the
container. This method sometimes uses commercially
prepared starter mixes with molasses, seaweed,
and alge. A typical brew might be:
1 gallon starter mix or compost
8 gallons water (filtered or rain)
8-12 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses
8 tablespoons of seaweed
8 tablespoons of natural apple cider vinegar
mix and brew for two or more days.
Notes: All of the above teas use volume measurements and the
water should be filtered or natural. Avoid chlorinated
water. Usually, they are not diluted before spraying
but this depends somewhat on usage and strength of the
tea. All teas should be brewed at close to seventy
degrees and often reach higher temperatures.
Where can more information be found?
-- snip ---
http://www.growingsolutions.com/compostmanual.html
Dr. Ingham's manual on compost tea
http://www.igg.com/bdnow
http://www.gardeningforthefuture.com
Biodynamic sites recomended by Allen Balliett
http://www.biodynamics.com
Biodynamic farming and gardening association
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jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko
underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape
to leave ecopath: unsubscribe ecopath -> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
