Re: [compost_tea] Re: CT on NOSB Agenda!
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Monie
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, February 29, 2004 2:02 PM
Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Re: CT on NOSB Agenda!
Hi Dr. Ingham,
Hope you don't mind if I play "devil's advocate" for a moment in
Re: This discussion.
I took some manure and had it tested for pathogen content by our local WW=
TP. It was way above EPA. Then I dumped it in a brewer and added sugar, N=
,P,K and air. The temp was kept about 60 - 65 dF. Then tested the tea. G=
uess what. Pathogens tested < .02 with is virtually ND. All compost has t=
he potential for pathogens. Even "green" compost made without any animal p=
roducts can still be a target for malicious birds and bird poop is loaded w=
ith pathogens. Get some onto or into your compost pile and presto, pathoge=
ns. I think the argument about clean compost is a losing argument in the l=
ong run.
I think our best approach to defeating the pathogen controversy is to kee=
p temps low and air high. This way we are never creating an environment th=
at pathogens like. If we start recommending brewing in the 70+ dF range, w=
e can be accused of promoting pathogens because even the best, most highly =
oxygenated brewer has to have some places where pathogens can grow. With t=
he right temp, food and location, they will grow as has been shown.
We are now using tea brewed from composted biosolids to innoculate newly =
composted biosolids and speeding the pathogen reduction and composting proc=
ess. I designed a brewer that keeps the compost in suspension with lots of=
air. It's working great and the tea tested pathogen content < .02.
So? Structure our brewing methodology around an environment that de-emph=
asizes pathogens at every level.
Ted Peterson
Earth-Wise/Spirit of the Earth
Received on Sun Feb 29 2004 - 21:20:34 EST
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