Re: [compost_tea] Re: What's the problem with dormant spores?

From: Matt Leamy <sharku_at_paradise.net.nz>
Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2003 23:18:47 +1300

Hi all

There is an issue with a company who have set up to commercially supply CT =
, with no As, which are brews that are extracts from vermicast that supply =
spores. (They are not calling it CT). They tell me that they are extracti=
ng the full range of beneficial spores, I have yet to see testing that supp=
orts this claim. They also tell me that SFI testing is of no value to them=
 as this does not count spores and they are not trying to make an active br=
ew.

However, This product is making a significant impact on the market and the=
refore bares scrutiny. I have found myself in discussion with growers and =
the manufacturer. This is where I need help. The idea that they are suppl=
ying a high diversity of spore extracted from vermicast is surely sound. I=
 believe the brewing process has low O2 input and no foods apart from what =
is in the vermicast. It is an extraction not a brew.

However will those conditions still brew the anaerobic bacteria that will d=
eplete the population of beneficial spores? Those spores survive anaerobic=
 conditions.
Will the low level of O2 and the limited food sources in the vermicast be e=
nough to suppress the activity of the anaerobic bacteria and potentially da=
maging metabolites? It certainly smells OK. No strong smell.

Perhaps the brew actually is activating certain microbes that will end up d=
ominating the product and limiting the diversity that they are claiming? =
 

Is there a relevant test that they could use to verify the product?

Perhaps questions without good answers?

Any thoughts? Any experience with similiar products would be helpful. =
 

Cheers
Matt Leamy





  --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, soilfoodweb_at_a... wrote:
> Dormant spores don't stay on the leaf surface. They have to be
  active in order to stay on the leaf.
>
> As part of a soil drench, spores are fine.
>
> But if you are trying to understand soil processes, including
  spores as part of a PROCESS assessment, such as occurs when using
  plate media, just isn't kosher.
>
> 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 Thu Dec 04 2003 - 12:40:00 EST

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