Re: [compost_tea] Re: Soil Sampling

From: Paul Sachs <pdsachs_at_localnet.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2003 08:58:11 -0400

Steve,

I was surfing the ATTRA site and came accross a link, http://ncatark.uark.e=
du/~steved/compost-standards.html
that requires a user ID and password. Is there a generic ID and PW I can u=
se?

Paul Sachs
----- Original Message -----
  From: Steve Diver
  To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 12:41 AM
  Subject: [compost_tea] Re: Soil Sampling


  Focus on turfgrass covereage, thickness,
  and appearance. Many athletic fields suffer
  from inadequate turf care and the vegetation
  is sparse. The goal is excellent turfgrass
  establishment that is thick and durable.
  Good turn reduces risk of injury to players.

  Take pictures of the turf with a digital camera
  mounted at a fixed height and location above
  different spots in the field. Later, take
  digital pics from the same location. A
  horticulture department can help you turn
  the digital images into computer data
  that shows plant spread and soil coverage, and
  to some extent composition in terms of
  grasses vs broadleaves.

  You may want to take a standard soil test
  showing mineral elemental concentration,
  which is what most horticulture people
  are familiar with.

  But with CT you want to employ microbial
  analysis parameters from SFI, for example.

  You can also use the NRCS Soil Health Test
  Kit to gain insight to compaction, respiration,
  infiltration etc. as soil quality indicators.

  A sustainable turfgrass program would include
  mineral fertilizers, composts, and CT's and/or
  related microbials and biostimulants.

  ATTRA's publication on sustainable turf
  care was recently updated and at 40 pages
  it is loaded with useful information and
  resources.

  Sustainable Turf Care
  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/turfcare.pdf

  ATTRA's resource list on alternative soil
  testing labs provides contact info to soil
  test labs offering a range of viewpoints and
  analysis methods, and it has references to
  soil fertility concepts and soil test
  interpretation guides.

  Alternative Soil Testing Laboratories
  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/soil-lab.html

  Best wishes,
  Steve Diver
  NCAT / ATTRA



  --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "kevin john richardon"
  <kmagic_at_b...> wrote:
> We just recieved notice that the requisition is accepted and to
  proceed with our first Muni Parks and Rec job; Hip Hip! Applying TEA
  tomorrow to three baseball parks. COOL.
>
> We want to develop a data set which will reflect the improvement
  applications of TEA make to the playing fields. Before applying, we
  will be taking soil cores from left, center and right field of each
  ballpark. We will then pull cores three weeks after the initial
  application and three weeks after each subsequent application (Full
  Season Applications are made three times a year, 50 Gal TEA / acre and
  appropriate amounts of microbial foods are put down with approx. 2K
  Gal H2O per application; dilution dependent on weather and mood).
>
> This soil sampling aught to help validate the continuation of the
  program. Data gives people confidence to say, "Yeah, that stuff IS
  doing SOMETHING. The field is BETTER."
>
> What should we test for to demonstrate improvements?
>
> My thoughts are :
>
> *Total Bacteria and Fungi (I think Active will change over the
  coarse of a season and I would like numbers that reflect consistent
  progress, thats my thoughts on not testing for Active ?)
> *pH (does SFI test pH ?)(should I do this myself somehow)
> *OM (does SFI report OM % ?)
> *Root Mass, Depth (SFI ?)(or is this just a visual thang)
> *Soil Structure (How is this qualified ?) Porosity?
>
> Any other suggestions? Feedback welcomed and appreciated. Samples
  to be taken tomorrow and sent to SFI.
>
> Peace, Kev
>
> Kevin John Richardson
> Local Solutions
> 19025 Villages Scenic Pkwy
> Anchorage, AK 99516
> (907) 522 0679 Land
> auto forwards to :
> (907) 317 8455 Cell
> kmagic_at_b...


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Received on Thu Aug 14 2003 - 18:01:56 EDT

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