[compost_tea] "Micro" nematodes

From: <soilfoodweb_at_aol.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 05:08:04 -0400
KA is giving the straight scoop.  The "micro" nematodes are not micro-nematodes (there is no such thing).  The description is that of insect larvae, and probably a sign that the "compost" was not in fact compost. 

Someone paid compost prices for mulch, and probably mulch that was anaerobic.  Flies aer attracted by the alcohol and other putrefactive anaerobic materials produced during anaerobic decomposition of the organic matter.  They laid eggs in the material and those eggs hatched when water was added.  The description is of the larval stages of flies.  Not pleasant, and certainly not organisms that you want.  That's why asking for DATA about what organisms are present in your compost is so important.   Pay for beneficials, not for problems. 

--
Elaine Ingham
President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
SFI Corvallis, OR
SFI Port Jefferson, NY
SFI Lismore, NSW, Australia
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Received on Mon Apr 26 2004 - 14:04:23 EDT

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