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Salinas, Ca

I have read that care should be taken when applying the tea. I'm going to be applying 30 - 50 gallons at a time. I would rather not have to spray by hand so I am considering purchasing a pump to apply the brew.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a pump to use that will have little to no impact on the beneficials in the tea while applying?

I came accross this one but may want something a little more powerful:

http://legacy.shurflo.com/pages/new_industrial/industrial/gen_industrial/genind_doc_sum/2088-394-154.html

I imagine other have researched or done this. What do you use?

1/10/2011 1:14:49 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Mike, don't have an exact answer for ya, but have read several times, and seen it once in person!!! Compost tea being applied with the Stihl back pack sprayer/fogger!!! Sorry for not having a perfect answer, but think I heard it's about how small yer system tries to break thing up!!! Peace, Wayne

1/11/2011 2:11:52 AM

Niagara Falls,NY

I thought I saw on someones diary that they used a submersible sump pump with a garden hose sprayer and had good luck with it. Sounded good to me,was thinking of trying it.

1/11/2011 9:05:06 AM

Cedar Lake, IN.

I use a 60 gallon plastic tank($185.00) connected(garden hose)to a shallow well pump ($100.00). Works very nice, but not thru soaker hoses they clog up.

1/11/2011 1:53:23 PM

Seattle, WA

Sump pump or impellor pump is fine for one pass through, though not good for brewing the tea. Don't need a nozzle on the other end of the hose, just use your finger to adjust the spray. Overall, you want larger droplet size and less pressure (picture a rainbow) as it hits the plant and soil, and you'll be fine!

1/11/2011 8:28:22 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Wow, Kurt, can get 60 gallon plastic drums here, for $5 ea. Peace, Wayne

1/12/2011 10:28:04 PM

Anacortes, WA

I use a sprinkler pump from Northern Tool. They have a couple of options. Run 2 - 3 wizzer sprinklers at a time.

1/13/2011 12:42:17 AM

Mass

I made 30 gallons then dumped it into 250-300 gallons of water in tank, and pumped it out with gas powered pump through 3 "knockers" overhead sprinklers. I also added fish/seaweed to the mix after brewing. I also clogged up all my soaker hoses with it at first. so just ran the sprinklers from then on. Did not filter.. Probalby will use new Stihl backpack to apply foalier this year.

1/27/2011 2:00:52 PM

Salinas, Ca

Here's the pump I purchased:

http://www.little-giantpump.com/new_page_28.htm

It's model 555101

I tested it real quick and the pump works great. I plan on brewing some tea tomorrow and I'll try to test the tea before the pump and the tea after to determine how much impact the pump has on the biology of the tea (assuming I can locate a microscope to borrow).

I have a filter between the tea and pump as well as a hand sprayer (made for tea) to use to apply. I may test the tea after the hand sprayer as well. I may just spray by hand, we'll see.

I'll eventually get some pictures into my diary of the set-up.

1/27/2011 3:57:48 PM

canal winchester ohio

I use a sump pump with a garden hose attachment. Just drop the pump in a 55 gallon barrell & use my finger as the nozzle.

1/27/2011 4:54:39 PM

canal winchester ohio

This will be my fifth year using this pump.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-hp-dirty-water-pump-with-float-94649.html

1/27/2011 4:58:51 PM