e-
Promoting and encouraging balance and ecology
Chemical based pesticides, fumigants, herbicides and some fertilisers kill a range
of the beneficial micro-
When applying compost liquids to a plant surface, infected areas become occupied
by the beneficial micro-
Creating a quality compost tea is three-
- Brewer design is of paramount importance, all areas of the brew need to be constantly oxygenated
- For fungal dominated brews the compost used has to be the very best because it is the only the fungal numbers in the compost that will grow in the brewer. Poor or bacterial based composts will only produce a bacterial tea at best.
- Brewers must be easy to clean; poorly designed brewers will lead to contamination and ultimately poor tea.
Other benefits to compost teas include:
Not all of these benefits will be observed in every case of application. Other plants and soil conditions need to be taken into account as well as the compost used being biologically active.
Bacteria will multiply very quickly, but fungi will only germinate according to the quality or numbers in the compost. For the very best fungal teas you must use fungal dominated compost.
- Applied to the leaf surface the liquid is a ready source of foliar nutrients
- High biological activity of desirable microbes both in the soil and on the foliage lessens the chances for establishment of pathogens.
- Accelerates the breakdown of compost piles
- Retains nitrogen and other nutrients
- Plants are healthier and produce more flavour
- Makes nutrients available for plant growth
- Turns organic matter into humus
- Rapidly decomposes plant residues
- Produces hormones that encourage growth
- Improves soil structure, water infiltration, oxygen diffusion and water holding capacity
The Benefits of Compost Teas
