From: Elaine Ingham <Soilfoodweb@AOL.COM>
Reply-To: Sustainable Agriculture Network Discussion Group
<SANET-MG@LISTS.IFAS.UFL.EDU>
To: SANET-MG@LISTS.IFAS.UFL.EDU
Subject: Re: [SANET-MG] Roberto reply
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 21:40:54 EST
Hi Elaine. I just realized I asked my question in a private msg, and
your reply was also a private one. I have re-sent my query to the
list. I could forward your reply but it will come out under my name.
You might want to resend to the list. Thanks and regards,
Roberto
On 22 Jan 2003 at 11:40, Soilfoodweb@aol.com wrote:
> Roberto makes a good point - the set of microbes that live on leaves has
a
different composition from the set of microbes living in the root system.
>
> So, do we have to have a different compost for each of these different
places? A different compost for roses as compared to beets? A different
compost for the top of the leaf as compared to the bottom?
>
> No. What we have to do is MAXIMIZE diversity in the compost. ALL the
organisms need to be present in whatever compost you use. Then, let the
plant "choose" which set of organisms will survive and grow.
>
> How does the plant determine which set of organisms grows? By the
exudates
the plant puts out. Lucky us, the plant can do part of the work! All we
have to do is make compost that has all the organisms needed, no matter
what
habitat, in the compost.
>
> So, would we want A FEW anaerobic microsites in the compost? Yes, so we
would have a few of the anaerobes, just in case the plant might be able to
support their growth too. But most of the compost needs to be aerobic.
So,
a few chunks that limit oxygen diffusion is fine, but the majority of
the pile has to maintain good oxygen levels.
>
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> Elaine Ingham
> President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
> Corvallis, OR
> Port Jefferson, NY
> Lismore, NSW, Australia
> Hilversum, The Netherlands
> www.soilfoodweb.com
President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
www.soilfoodweb.com