RE: [compost_tea] Re: ACT

From: Mike Bosko <mjbosko_at_jmtsystems.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 09:57:28 -0700

I too have stressed my concern for selling on this forum. Selling is
selling – my reasoning is that its too much in our nature to inadvertently,
at times, twist findings to make our product appear better than another.
This is not good for our purpose so selling really should not be advocated
(okay, the Sunday exception is okay – but facts need to play into that
selling). But never should a product (be it a brewer, additive or a specific
vendor’s compost) be pitched to fix a specific problem, imo.

And I agree with Tom, that numbers really shouldn’t be considered as a sales
pitch. But in my short time learning about ACT, I’m seeing that there are
many variables to making the teas, where no one batch seems to be the same –
even in the same brewer.

I have found true too, and its sad, that there isn’t much sharing of recipes
here. But then, we are still hit with the variables involved. Composts are
not even made the same.

With the variables in mind, and I’ve suggested this before, a good test for
the group to do, would be to run several brewers at the same time, through
controlled tests. It doesn’t have to be to prove one brewer superior to
another, but maybe to prove different methods over another (air pumps vs tea
pumps vs air/tea pumps); using multiple brewers of the different types to
return a basis. Couldn’t these tests be done with the same batch and amount
of compost, the same batch and amount of feed additives, the same batch and
amount of water, brew time, temp, etc?

I have not heard of such controlled tests – but maybe I’m looking in the
wrong places.

Maybe too, interested brewer manufacturers might want to conduct these
tests, against each other, and share that information. The first annual
AACT Brew-Off!! ?? This would encourage a type of competition that would
probably give the manufacturers increased incentive to further the
technology – making better and better teas. Competition encourages growth.
The results we’re seeing now just doesn’t seem ‘apples to apples’ as there
are too many variables in this technology to be able to say X brewer is
better than Y brewer – it depends on the compost, the water, the feed, the
temp, etc, etc, etc.

Side note: I’m considering this change in topic on the list exciting. It’s
a process showing progress is being made. I see it as a conversation topic
that is going to cycle in the forum as the technology continues to advance –
so its not all that bad what we have been reading lately. And I do believe
that it is going to cycle. I’m betting that we’ll find the list moving back
into the happy life of the how-tos and what-fors of tea brewing once again
once these statements of concern are made. But then, as those findings and
solutions are understood, conversation is going to cycle back to the
concerns and such we are seeing now (the next level). I say this is a very
good sign –don’t get me wrong, I’m the type that really dislikes politics,
but this is how the process tends to work itself. “and that’s a good thing”

Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: tomjasz [mailto:tom_at_livesoil.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2003 8:44 AM
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [compost_tea] Re: ACT

Bill,

The thread started with the following statement form Kirk,

"So I still wonder if tea pumping (vs. air pumping) is a good idea.
Several
tea pump systems have also presented heating problems. It seems like
no
more than stirring the water mechanically and I can't see how it ADDS
any
oxygen. I can see that oxygen is released and I assume oxygen is being
taken in at the surface at the same time, but I can't see how oxygen
is
bolstered in any way. If organisms or the nutrient load are
challenging
oxygen conditions, it sure seems better to be pumping air into the
tea.
Hmm?
Is there data for this assertion somewhere? One of the best performing
machines out there seems to be the 5 gallon KIS unit. (A relatively
massive
air pumper, by the way, if you can stand the whine... an Alita AL40, a
linear air pump also available at aquaticeco.com, can produce the
same roil
much more peacefully... :-)

Kirk L"


I read air systems seem to be superior…
The next response in the thread from Bob was,

"Kirk, have you seen Kevin's report on a 50 g BobO at 80+ TF with
7+G TB, attained with Jeffs magic stuff ! All air driven. Bob"

All the data I remembered reading indicated (I went from memory since
the archive of ezines is gone again) systems using a combination of
air and a circulation pump were showing better results. Some of those
same results were achieved without inoculation of the compost.
Eliminating a process and utilizing a sustainable source of
vermicompost.
I buy vermicompost from American farmers and feel strongly about
supporting that market.

I think it's inappropriate for me to discuss any other posters agenda
or commitment to Act. But I have and will continue to enter the
discussion and point out what I see as inconsistencies and sales
pitches. I too sell ACT and related products, but continue to believe
this is NOT the appropriate forum. I find it interesting that none of
us seem willing to REALLY post any hard information, i.e. recipes and
ingredient lists. Somehow my attitude has lead to the implication
that results (tests) are not posted because I objected to
advertising. This is not my intent, and I don't believe I have been
that persuasive.

I too have seen some stunning if not unbelievable results. I often
find it difficult to temper my excitement, BUT I have become
succinctly aware of the dangers of running down the aisles
screaming, "I found it…". I am also learning there are many other
factors involved in my success with ACT. Soil development, organic
fertilizer usage, and distance (time away) from chemical use are
large factors. I apologize if my attitude is perceived, as anything
but wanting to see this technology grow. My sometimes-egocentric
attitude is really born out of my drive to see ACT a mainstream
horticulture and agricultural success.

I'm thrilled by the exuberance show by many posters; I'm also urging
caution as we move through the potential political pitfalls.

Success to all,
namaste
tomj





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Received on Wed Aug 27 2003 - 15:07:04 EDT

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