Compost Tea

Thanks to Compost Tea Lab for sharing some scientific research regarding how and why compost tea works.

Utilization of compost tea for biochemical response assessment associated with resistance to phytopathogen causing leaf spot in Melicope ptelefoli
October 2018
Organic Agriculture
Link Here

Malaysia’s warm temperatures and wet climate create almost greenhouse like conditions that can be great for growing plants, but also great for culturing plant-disease causing fungi.   Researchers from  Malaysia’s University of Technology wanted to  determine what affect compost tea had on the growth of the leaf spot causing Grammothele lineata. The test plant was the Asian herb Melicope ptelefolia which is known for it’s edible and medicinal qualities. 

Compost Teas Proven as Effective Biocontrol Agent to Inhibit Plant DiseasesRead More »

Compost tea can be an effective strategy for balancing feeding schedules. But in the case of compost tea, more is not necessarily better. In fact, over application can actually cause significant soil imbalances. Many times, the problem of over-application of compost tea becomes compounded when the soil remains over-saturated for too long after the application of compost tea, especially if it is being used at every watering. If the microbes have a big boom cycle but then the soil is water logged, the bust cycle will lead to a much quicker anaerobic state, which can lead to a number of different problems.

There are many instances where compost tea is only applied 1x month to outdoor plants with excellent results. Just because you are seeing excellent results with compost tea, doesn’t mean that adding more will work even better.

Compost Tea Feeding SchedulesRead More »

Emerald Queen Farms uses compost teas

Cannabis farmers are always searching for ways to optimize productivity.  Larger yields, higher quality and ways to cut costs top the directives. Within this industry however, there seems to be an overuse of synthetic fertilizers with little understanding of the biological systems involved in nutrient uptake and disease control.  Many inexperienced growers overuse synthetic fertilizers, hoping that more nutrients means higher yields.  All that really happens is a massive salt buildup, which leads to dead microbes, nutrient lockout, and a lot of flushing.  Many others overdo synthetic fungicides without really targeting “the root” of the problem.

Over the last 20 years, compost tea has been clearly gaining traction as an important variable on organic and sustainable crop production.  Anecdotal evidence, now coupled with considerable scientific research now proves various types of compost teas can suppress plant pathogens and diseases while also boosting yields and quality through microbial activity, effectively eliminating the need for hazardous agrochemicals.

Compost Tea for CannabisRead More »

Gardeners all know compost is terrific stuff. But there’s something even better than plain old compost, and that’s compost tea. As the name implies, compost tea is made by steeping compost in water. It’s used as either a foliar spray or a soil drench, depending on where your plant has problems.

Compost tea is a relatively old farming practice getting a modern makeover. Compost tea recipes range far and wide. Certain tea recipes can be tailored to remedy particular health issues or nutrient requirements for plants. Many adaptations of this brew involve products like compost, worm castings, humus, kelp, fish emulsion and a plethora of other ingredients added into the water. Along with the help of an air pump, they create a dynamic living brew.

Compost TeaRead More »