Re: [compost_tea] Re: TESTING, STANDARDS, AT WHOSE COST?

From: <soilfoodweb_at_aol.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 19:12:43 EST

For Hi-yield -

So, why use tea? To add the microbes and the foods to feed them. Right.

But, if you have already added the good organisms to the soil by using good
compost (testing once in awhile might be a good thing - like once every 5
years?), maybe adding more good organisms in the tea isn't going to do much.
Adding more good organisms to an already good foodweb won't hurt, but it might be
un-necessary.

But putting out foliar teas may still be needful, to get the protective
organism layers on the plant surfaces. That way diseases can't get established and
the improvement can only be seen in comparision to conventional systems where
the diseases occur.

Diseases don't occurr because there's a lack of pesticides, it's because of a
lack of the right biology, which results in plant stress. Arden Anderson
always points that out, and it is an eye-opener when you finally get it.

So, as a soil application, people using good compost applications to the soil
likely don't need to be using tea. BUT, if you have neighbors that spray
pesticides, if dust occurs in your area, or if air pollution is significant in
your area, you need to apply foliar compost tea. All summer.

So, before being negative, try thinking through why something is being
recommended. I try very hard to avoid telling people to do things "just because".
There's always a good reason why I recommend something. Usually several good
reasons. If they aren't clear to you, then ask. So, good for you for asking
about this.

Elaine Ingham
President, Soil Foodweb Inc, Oregon
Soil Foodweb Inc., Australia
Soil Foodweb Inc., New York
Soil Foodweb Inc., New Zealand
Soil Foodweb Inc., The Netherlands
Soil Foodweb, Inc., Mexico
Board Member, Sustainable Studies Institute, Eugene, OR




Received on Mon Nov 17 2003 - 19:59:19 EST

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