Re: [compost_tea] Quiz - do you know the answer?

From: Ted Peterson <ted.peterson_at_tcsn.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2003 21:54:28 -0800

Yes, you can certainly make note of it. I will have the full report of the=
 experience, and pitfalls within two weeks.

Ted
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: soilfoodweb_at_aol.com
  To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2003 8:46 PM
  Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Quiz - do you know the answer?


  Thank you for the example of where the SFW is working. I appreciate the =
information. Can I put it in the SFI e-zine?

  Nutrient cycling is something soil does just fine, all by itself, if you =
don't destroy the foodweb.

  Water retention increases, and roots grow deeper into healthy soil with t=
he right biology to prevent compaction.

  Simple, but you have to remember, it takes more than just bacteria. Plea=
se, don't let the plate count folks mis-lead you. Not only bacteria, but f=
ungi, protozoa, nematodes, mycorrhizal fungi and microarthropods. They are=
 ALL required for a heathy foodweb to happen.

  And they all respire carbon dioxide. So how can you possibly use CO2 to =
tell you which set of organisms is present and doing their job. Maybe CO2 =
could be a general measure of whether thing are respiring in the soil, but =
not to determine if you have the mix of organisms you need in the soil.

  All of the predators are aerobic organisms. You cannot achieve healthy s=
oil with anaerobic bacteria alone!

  And as Ted notes, the conversion to healthier happens rapidly.

  If you don't see the conversion happening (green plants without fertilier=
 additions, and reduced need for water) within the first year, suspect a se=
rious residue of toxic chemicals in your soil. It is the biology which wil=
l decompose those toxics, but you have to figure out what biology is needed=
 first.

  Elaine Ingham
  President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
  SFI Corvallis, OR
  SFI Port Jefferson, NY
  SFI Lismore, NSW, Australia
  SFI Hilversum, The Netherlands
  SFI Cambridge, New Zealand
  www.soilfoodweb.com

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Received on Sun Nov 16 2003 - 03:08:50 EST

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