From

Location

Message

Date Posted

New Hampshire

What I understand, CT has very little nutrient value so it is not used as a fertilizer. Right?
If that is true then the only other 2 reasons I see is:
1- used to enhance biology in the soil
2- used as a micro-bio film to prevent diseases

What are the reasons individual growers use CT and are you convinced of it claims from your experiences in the patch?
Jim Ford

1/18/2008 11:33:09 PM

New Hampshire

I'll answer first. I have tried it for 2 years and have made my homemade brew. I had 2 decent years but I am undecided of it's influence in my patch. I believe I have made a bio-rich soup but have no real proof if it helped.

1/18/2008 11:42:27 PM

Mn

whats CT?

1/19/2008 8:51:12 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

CT = Compost Tea

1/19/2008 9:01:01 PM

Mn

Opss....duh

1/20/2008 9:37:12 PM

Iowa

Jury is still out for me Jim... I will try it again this year on unproven seeds (my own).. But, I plan only to put it on the area around the stump.I also will only apply it once every three weeks,and I will only use worm castings and 1pt. of black strap per 70 Gal. of mix.

1/20/2008 11:21:37 PM

Jim,,,I think the true value of the "tea" varies considerably with what is used when making it,,,adding something to the finished product b4 application or altering the base from just compost adds to the diversity as well as the actual "nutrient" value of the finished product.

For what it costs and the time involved once you have made the brewer (or purchased one) I see no negative sides to using it,,,,side by side testing in a patch might show differences but I for one won't change what seems to have worked pretty well for me these first 2 years.

1/21/2008 8:52:26 AM

Seattle, WA

Jim,

Here's a list of some of the benefits of a well made compost tea. That's the biggest issue with compost tea, it's only as good as the organisms you have present in the tea. This is a really general list of benefits, let me know if you want more specific information on how the whole process works biologically.

* Compost tea has been shown to help in disease-suppression

* Helps extend root systems

* Increases water and nutrient retention (nutrient cycling)

* Is 100% safe and natural

* Creates healthier plants

* Helps breakdown of toxins in the soil and on the plants

* Enhances the taste of fruits and vegetables

* Creates a safer place for people and animals by using an organic product, reducing the need for chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

* Occupies the space around the infection sites so disease-causing organisms cannot penetrate into the tissues of the plant

*Cannot over-apply becuase it is completely natural and organic

*Portability-You can spray at a rate of approximately 5 gallons per acre, depending on the biological numbers of the your tea solution and 20 gallons per acre on soil drenches.


~Tad

1/21/2008 1:06:56 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Tad,

This is where you'll run into adversarial objectors. As far as I know, there still hasn't been an objective, peer reviewed university publication that has substantiated the disease suppressing or growth enhancing claims.....or has there?

Steve

1/21/2008 4:10:59 PM

President - GPC

There must be something to it, whats with the USDA Certified Organic products now...I think it makes a difference and is the next frontier in growing.....IMHO......

1/21/2008 6:33:25 PM

Seattle, WA

There has been many studies that have shown benefits of microbial amendments and I believe the University of Maryland is completing a peer reviewed study right now. I agree that the academic world is behind on research into compost tea. Most of the stuff out there right now was not done properly or contained flawed methodology.

The other issue is where the funding is coming from. How much money would chemical companies lose if people turned to organics?

I do have a list of journal articles and studies that I received from Dr. Ingham. I could fax them your way if you were interested in doing more research into the subject.

1/21/2008 6:46:19 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

The best thing to do also is to do a web search. You can learn a great deal about the facts and finding about compost tea. Some great articles to read.

1/21/2008 7:21:35 PM

Macomb County

Read "Growing" at http://www.bigporchpumpkins.com/

4/3/2008 3:04:35 AM