[compost_tea] Hydroponics vs. Soil Bacteria

From: William Kruidenier <williamk_at_carolina.rr.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003 10:05:41 -0400

Elaine,

I have been talking with the principals of a new company in Ft.
Myers, Florida, OceanGrown Solutions, LLC,
(http://www.oceangrown.com) about the product they are bringing to
market -- an ocean water solution for growing plants hydroponically
("oceanponically") as well as for using as a soil drench and foliar
spray for soil-based plants.

Their product is based on the 40+ years research of (the late) Dr.
Maynard Murray (wrote Sea Energy Agriculture, ACRES USA) who proved
the health benefits of growing plants in a diluted solution of ocean
water (including the sodium chloride, surprisingly). The lab testing
done on vegetables grown in ocean water solutions shows a far higher
proportion of minerals than conventionally grown produce. Their
tomatoes, e.g., are not "watery" like so many hydroponically grown
tomatoes.

I have always looked down on hydroponics because of the absence of
soil and accompanying organisms which I assumed were vital to the
soil/plant/nutrient metabolism process.

SO -- questions:

1. How do microorganisms in sea water compare to microorganism in soil?

2. Can CT be used as a hydroponic food source? Alone or with other
amendments added?

3. Would the sodium chloride in DILUTED sea water harm the
microorganisms in CT if the two were mixed?

4. What is your response to lab tests showing (alleged -- I don't
have the numbers) higher mineral counts in produce grown out of soil
rather than in soil? What does this say about the "soil food web?"

Trying to understand the process --

Tx,

William K.



Received on Mon Jul 07 2003 - 11:30:41 EDT

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