Re: [compost_tea] drip irrigation

From: Michael Daniels <vineyard_organics_at_yahoo.com.au>
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 07:30:03 +1000 (EST)

Mike,
Is the phosphoric acid dosed or added using a venturi system?
What concentration of phos acid and is it foodgrade?
Regards,
Mike Daniels (Vineyard Organics)

Mike Harvey <mharvey_at_westnet.com.au> wrote:
Ron,
Great question Ron, this is something that has huge potential.
Some points for consideration, based on Australian drip irrigation systems.
Filtration sytems are usually 100 mesh (100 micron) this is very fine and
will filter out Fungi that has been allowed to grow out to reasonable size.
That is for our brew 24 hours at 28deg C down to 22dec C, this is too long
as the fungi grow out to a size that will be filtered out. (You may be able
to use a coarser filtration system more suited to larger openings in the
water sprayers you use)
I spoke to the folks at SFI Australia and they advised me to use a short
brew time, more like 10 hours, long enough to activate and begin growing the
fungi etc but not so long that the fungi will block filters. I have been
doing this since and have had no trouble with it going through systems.
Phosphoric acid can be used to clean irrigation systems, the acid will
disolve organic matter in the lines and the phos acid will supply some
phosphorus to the plants (it will of course kill MO where it drips) ask your
irrigation supplier for more details.This is usually done once a year if
required.
As with other fertigation systems always pressurise the system fully before
injecting and then ensure enough water passes through the system to flush
all material out.
My experience is that liquid fish should not be used in an irrigation system
as it will tend to block things. Molasses, Humic acid, and AACT are more
suited.
Regards Mike Harvey
New Life Soils, www.composttea.com.au


----- Original Message -----
From: "nehemiahlev" <nehemiah_at_twelvetribes.com>
To: <compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 1:37 AM
Subject: [compost_tea] drip irrigation


> Hi,
> I think this subject might have been addressed before but I can't
> find anything in the archives. I am setting up an irrigation system
> for a small nursery that will be using compost tea. Does anybody have
> any input on keeping drip irrigation lines clean. What products can
> be used that won't effect the organisms? There is also have a fairly
> high sulfur content in the water. Will this affect the microbes and,
> if so, is there a way to deal with it? I am also needing info on
> pumps that would be appropriate, for this type of application, that
> would handle, the tea and other organic fertilizers. Thanks
> Ron
>
>
>
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Received on Wed Sep 17 2003 - 19:49:29 EDT

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