notes on compost teas
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Notes on Compost TeasTRANSCRIPT
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS
www.attra.ncat.org
ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information center operated by the National Center for AppropriateTechnology under a grant from the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Theseorganizations do not recommend or endorse products, companies, or individuals. ATTRA is located in theOzark Mountains at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702). ATTRAstaff members prefer to receive requests for information about sustainable agriculture via the toll-free number800-346-9140.
By Steve DiverNCAT Agriculture SpecialistMarch 2002
Pest Management Technical Note
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The ATTRA publication CompostTeas for Plant Disease Control,published in 1998, will be updatedin 2002. In the meantime, here area few supplemental notes andresource listings. Two additionalitems are enclosed as well:♦ Compost Teas: A Tool for
Rhizosphere +PhyllosphereAgriculture (PowerPoint slidenotes)
♦ Compost Teas for Plant DiseaseControl, the 1998 publication
Table of Contents
Compost Teas vs. Compost Extracts .............................................................................................................. 2Liquid Organic Extracts vs. Compost Teas .................................................................................................. 2Methods of Compost Tea Production ........................................................................................................... 3Compost Tea Brewing Equipment ................................................................................................................ 4Soil Foodweb: Concepts, Microbial Analysis, Application ..................................................................... 5
Characteristics of a Healthy Soil Foodweb, per Gram of Soil: ............................................................ 5Minimum Standards for Compost (for Row Crop Plants), per Gram of Compost: ......................... 5Minimum Standards for Compost Tea, per Milli-Liter of Compost Tea: ......................................... 6
Laboratories that Specialize in Microbial Analysis for Compost Teas ................................................. 6Key Literature .................................................................................................................................................... 7Further Web Resources .................................................................................................................................... 8Compost Teas: A Tool for Rhizosphere + Phyllosphere Agriculture slide notes .............................. 12
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEASPAGE 2
Compost Teas vs. CompostExtracts
First, it may be helpful to share some commonterminology and practices associated withcompost teas. How do compost teas differfrom compost extracts or compost leachates?
Compost LeachateCompost windrow leachate � the dark-colored solution that leaches out of thebottom of the compost pile�most likelywill be rich in soluble nutrients; but, in theearly stage of composting it may alsocontain pathogens. It would be viewed as apollution source if allowed to run off-site.Compost leachate needs furtherbioremediation and is not suitable orrecommended as a foliar spray.
Compost ExtractCompost watery extract�made fromcompost suspended in a barrel of water for7 to 14 days, usually soaking in a burlapsack� a centuries-old technique. Theprimary benefit of the extract will be asupply of soluble nutrients, which can beused as a liquid fertilizer.
Compost TeaCompost tea, in modern terminology, is acompost extract brewed with a microbialfood source�molasses, kelp, rock dust,humic-fulvic acids. The compost-teabrewing technique, an aerobic process,extracts and grows populations of beneficialmicroorganisms.
Summary: Compost teas are distinguishedfrom compost extracts both in method ofproduction and in the way they are used. Teasare actively brewed with microbial food andcatalyst sources added to the solution, and asump pump bubbles and aerates the solution,supplying plenty of much-needed oxygen. Theaim of the brewing process is to extractbeneficial microbes from the compost itself,followed by growing these populations ofmicrobes during the 24- to 36-hour brewperiod. The compost provides the source ofmicrobes, and the microbial food and catalystamendments promote the growth andmultiplication of microbes in the tea. Some
examples of microbial food sources: molasses,kelp powder, and fish powder. Some examplesof microbial catalysts: humic acid, yuccaextract, and rock dust.
Liquid Organic Extracts vs.Compost Teas
Building on the concept of compost teas as aliquid organic extract, what are some othercommon organic extracts used as a liquiddrench or foliar spray?
Manure TeaManure-based extracts�a soluble nutrientsource made from raw animal manuresoaked in water. For all practical purposes,manure tea is prepared in the same way asthe compost extracts described in thepreceding section. The manure is placed ina burlap sack and suspended in a barrel ofwater for 7 to 14 days. The primary benefitof the tea will be a supply of solublenutrients, which can be used as a liquidfertilizer.
Herbal TeaPlant-based extracts�stinging nettle, horsetail, comfrey, clover. A common method isto stuff a barrel about three-quarters full offresh green plant material, then top off thebarrel with tepid water. The tea is allowedto ferment at ambient temperatures for 3 to10 days. The finished product is strained,then diluted in portions of 1:10 or 1:5 andused as a foliar spray or soil drench.Herbal teas provide a supply of solublenutrients as well as bioactive plantcompounds.
Liquid ManuresMixtures of plant and animal byproductsseeped as an extract�stinging nettle,comfrey, seaweed, fish wastes, fish meal.Liquid manures are a blend of marineproducts (local fish wastes, seaweedextract, kelp meal) and locally harvestedherbs, soaked and fermented at ambienttemperatures for 3 to 10 days. Liquidmanures are prepared similarly to herbaltea�the material is fully immersed in thebarrel during the fermenting period, thenstrained and diluted and used as a foliar
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEAS PAGE 3
spray or soil drench. Liquid manuressupply soluble nutrients and bioactivecompounds.
Summary: Compost teas and herbal teas aretools that can be made on the farm to enhancecrop fertility and to inoculate the phyllosphereand rhizosphere with soluble nutrients,beneficial microbes, and the beneficialmetabolites of microbes.
Caution: Wheareas raw animal manures areused as a compost windrow feedstock, thecomposting process�thermophyllic heating to135-160° F for 10-15 days�assures pathogenreduction. The raw organic matter initiallypresent in the compost windrow undergoes acomplete transformation, with humus as anend product. Any pathogens associated withraw manures will be gone. So caution isextended: Manure teas are NOT the samething as compost teas or compost extracts.Because of concerns over new pathogenicstrains of E. coli, the author advises growers toreconsider manure teas and/or to work with amicrobial lab to ensure a safe, worthwhileproduct.
Methods of Compost TeaProduction
Bucket-Fermentation Method �Passive� compost tea is prepared byimmersing a burlap sack filled withcompost into a bucket or tank, stirringoccassionally. Usually the brew time islonger, from 7 to 10 days. This is themethod that dates back hundreds of yearsin Europe, and is more akin to a compostwatery extract than a �brewed� and aeratedcompost tea.
Bucket-Bubbler MethodThe equipment setup and scale ofproduction are similar to the bucketmethod, except that an aquarium-sizepump and air bubbler are used inassociation with microbial food andcatalyst sources added to the solution as anamendment. Since aeration is critical, asmany as three sump pumps may be used ina bucket simultaneously.
With homemade compost tea brewing, acompost �sock� is commonly used as afilter-strainer. Ideally, the mesh size willstrain compost particulate matter but stillallow beneficial microbes�includingfungal hyphae and nematodes�to migrateinto solution. Single-strand mesh materialssuch as nylon stockings, laundry bags, andpaint bags are some of the materials beingused; fungal hyphae tend to get caught inpolywoven fabrics. If burlap is used, itshould be �aged� burlap.
Trough MethodLarge-scale production of compost teasemploys homemade tanks and pumps. An8- or 12-inch-diameter PVC pipe is cut inhalf, drilled full of holes, and lined withburlap. Compost is placed in thismakeshift trough. The PVC trough issupported above the tank, several feet inthe air. The tank is filled with water, andmicrobial food sources are added as anamendment. A sump pump sucks thesolution from the bottom of the tank anddistributes the solution to a trickle linerunning horizontally along the top of thePVC trough filled with compost. As thesolution runs through the burlap bagscontaining the compost, a leachate iscreated which then drops several feetthrough the air back into the open tankbelow. A sump pump in the bottom of thetank collects this �tea� and distributes itback through the water line at the top ofthe trough, and so on. Through thisprocess, which lasts about seven days, thecompost tea is recirculated, bubbled, andaerated. The purpose of the microbial foodsource is to grow a large population ofbeneficial microorganisms.
Commercial Tea BrewersCommercial equipment is available for theproduction of brewed compost teas (see alist of suppliers below). Usually there is acompost sack or a compost leachate basketwith drainage holes, either of which areused to hold a certain volume of compost.The compost-filled container is placed in aspecially designed tank filled withchlorine-free water. Microbial food sourcesare added to the solution. A pump
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEASPAGE 4
supplies oxygen to a specially-designedaeration device which bubbles and aeratesthe compost tea brewing in the tank.
Summary: Depending on your scale ofproduction and the level of financial resourcesavailable to purchase commercial brewingequipment vs. making some kind ofhomemade brewer, there are several methodsto choose from. Research at Soil Foodweb, Inc.in Corvallis, Oregon has shown thatdifferences exist in the beneficial attributes ofcompost teas, with commercial tea brewersproducing the greatest numbers and diversityof beneficial microorganisms.
Compost Tea Brewing Equipment
Growing Solutions, Inc.160 Madison StreetEugene, OR 97402888-600-9558 Toll-Free541-343-8727 Local541-343-8374 [email protected]://www.growingsolutions.com
Growing Solutions carries the System25� (25-gallon), System100� (100-gallon), andSystem500� (500-gallon) models. Each modelconsists of a tank, pump, aeration device, and acompost leachate basket. Growing Solutionsalso makes a pre-packaged microbial food/catalyst source for compost tea brewing (drymix). They also carry a specialized 27-gallonsprayer designed to handle the largerparticulate matter found in compost teas.
Soil Soup, Inc.9792 Edmonds Way #247Edmonds, WA 98020877-711-7687 Toll-Free206-542-9304 Local206-533-0748 [email protected]://www.soilsoup.com
The Soil Soup� system consists of apolyethylene mixing tub, a synthetic feltcompost bag, the BioBlender� aeration pump,and the Soil Soup Nutrient Solution containinga microbial food/catalyst source (liquid mix).The regular systems come with 6.5-gallon, 12-
gallon, and 30-gallon tanks, but they also make175-gallon, 500-gallon, and 1050-gallon tanks.
Microb Brewer182 Capital LaneRoseburg, OR [email protected]://www.microbbrewer.com
The Microb Brewer� system�designed forbrewing compost teas, plant extracts, andmanure teas�consists of a funnel-shaped tank,pump, vortex nozzles for agitation and aeration,and a compost leachate basket. Tanks areavailable in 12-, 50-, and 500-gallon sizes.
EPM Inc.�Earth Tea BrewerP.O. Box 1295Cottage Grove, OR 97424541-767-2747541-767-2744 [email protected]://www.composttea.com
EPM Inc. carries the Earth Tea Brewer� in 100-and 500-gallon tank sizes; each model consistsof a tank, a pump, and a compost leachatebasket. It features two aeration devices�venturi nozzles and air-stones�for diffusion ofoxygen. EPM also makes a prepackagedmicrobial food/catalyst source for compost teabrewing (dry mix). EPM is a sister company toWorm Wigwam�, and promotesvermicompost�also known as wormcompost�for the production of compost teas.
Compara�XtractorCompara Co. in The NetherlandsBob Baars+31 71 34 [email protected]://www.compara.nl/Compost_Tea_Systems.htm/English
Compara is the biological farming company inThe Netherlands managed by Bob Baars. TheXtractor� series�Xtractor2�, Xtractor10� ,Xtractor20�� is a Do-It-Yourself Kit withaeration and tubing components to makecompost tea in 50-, 250- , and 500-gallon barrelsor tanks, purchased locally by the grower.Compara ships the DIY Kits overseas. Comparaalso makes a pre-packaged microbial food/catalyst source for compost tea brewing (drymix).
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEAS PAGE 5
Soil Foodweb: Concepts,Microbial Analysis, Application
Humus�and organic matter in its manyforms�provides both food and shelter for soilorganisms. Soils and composts contain a richdiversity of life. The soil foodweb is thecommunity of micro- and macro-organismsthat live in these environments.
Essentially, compost tea production is abrewing process that extracts microorganismsfrom compost followed by microbial growthand multiplication. This includes beneficialbacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes.When compost teas are sprayed onto the leafsurface, these beneficial organisms occupy spatialniches on the leaf surface and gobble up leafexudates that pathogenic organisms wouldotherwise feed on to prosper; other microbesdirectly interfere with pathogenic organismsthrough antagonism.
Ideally, compost teas contain both anAbundance (immense total number) and aDiversity (vast mixture) of beneficialmicroorganisms which perform differentfunctions. Pathogenic organisms that land onthe leaf surface simply cannot compete withthe beneficial organisms and therefore have agreatly reduced chance to initiate disease in thefirst place.
Dr. Elaine Ingham, a microbial ecologist inCorvallis, Oregon, has elevated our collectiveknowledge of the soil foodweb. In hergraduate studies, as well as in her work asAssociate Professor at Oregon State University,Ingham pioneered research into microbialanalysis of soils, composts, and compost teas.Using the �direct look� method, she views andcounts microorganisms with high-performancelight microscopy enhanced with epifluorescentstaining and illumination. In the late 1990s,she established a commercial lab known as SoilFoodweb, Inc. (SFI), thus providing a servicethat allows farmers and land managers to gaininsight into the soil foodweb condition of theirsoils and composts.
Foliar-applied plant extracts, liquid manures,and compost teas can be further understood inthe context of their influence on therhizosphere and phyllosphere. These termsrefer to those biologically-active regionssurrounding the root surface and leaf surfacewhere microbial communities exist. Theenclosed PowerPoint slide show�CompostTeas: A Tool for Rhizosphere+PhyllosphereAgriculture�provides a complementaryintroduction to this topic.
In collaboration with the people who have on-the-ground experience with compost teas�namely the organic farmers using compost teasand the manufacturers of compost tea brewingequipment�Dr. Ingham and Soil Foodweb,Inc. have pioneered advancements in aerobiccompost tea brewing on the West Coast. Thefollowing characteristics of a healthy soilfoodweb, good-quality compost, and good-quality compost tea are based on her work.
Characteristics of a Healthy SoilFoodweb, per Gram of Soil:
600 million bacterial individuals; 15,000 to20,000 bacterial species150 to 300 meters of fungal biomass; 5,000 to10,000 fungal species10,000 protozoa20�30 beneficial nematodes: bacterial-feeding,fungal-feeding, predatory200,000 arthropods per square meter
Minimum Standards for Compost (forRow Crop Plants), per Gram ofCompost:
50�70% moisture2�10 µg active bacteria150�300 µg total bacteria2�10 µg active fungi150�300 µg total fungi10,000 flagellates10,000 amoebas50�100 ciliates10�50 beneficial nematodes
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEASPAGE 6
Minimum Standards for Compost Tea,per Milli-Liter of Compost Tea:
10�150 µg active bacteria150�300 µg total bacteria2�10 µg active fungi5�20 µg total fungi1,000 flagellates1,000 amoeba20�50 ciliates2�10 beneficial nematodes
The Soil Biology Primer is a landmarkpublication from the USDA on the livingcomponents of the soil. It provides a graphics-rich summary of the soil foodweb and relatesfoodweb health to soil health. It featuresindividual chapters on soil bacteria, fungi,protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, andearthworms. Printed copies can be orderedthrough: Soil and Water Conservation Serviceat 1-800-THE-SOIL, or by email at<[email protected]>. An online version can beaccessed at:
Soil Biology PrimerSoil Quality Institute, NRCShttp://www.statlab.iastate.edu/survey/SQI/SoilBiology/soil_biology_primer.htm
Laboratories that Specialize inMicrobial Analysis for CompostTeas
Soil Foodweb, Inc.980 NW Circle BlvdCorvallis, OR 97330541-752-5066541-752-5142 FaxContact: Elaine [email protected] http://www.soilfoodweb.com
BBC Laboratories, Inc.1217 North Stadem Dr.Tempe, AZ 85281480-967-5931480-967-5036 FaxContact: Vicki [email protected] http://www.bbc-labs.com
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEAS PAGE 7
Key Literature
Compost Tea Brewing Manual. 2000. ByElaine R. Ingham. Soil Foodweb, Inc., Corvallis,OR. 60 pages. $25 through SFI.http://www.soilfoodweb.com/multimedia/compostteamanual.html
I highly recommend this manual to anybodywho plans to make and use compost teas. Itprovides a practical summary of compost teasunderpinned with a scientific understanding ofapplied microbiology. Includes: how to usecompost teas; factors affecting compost teaquality; beneficial organisms; compost teaproduction methods; application methods;matching compost teas to plants and soils;bacterial- vs. fungal-dominated compost teas;compost tea recipes; microbial food resourcesfor different microorganism groups; andexperimental results.
Organic Farming Research FoundationInformation Bulletin No. 9, Winter 2001http://www.ofrf.org/publications/news/ib9.pdf
The Winter 2001 issue contains a special reporton OFRF-funded compost tea research, pages 8−20. This is a 1,895K PDF file, so be patientwaiting for it to download. Included among theitems in the compost teas issue is �Benefits ofCompost Tea: A Review of the ResearchLiterature.� It lists 53 citations, but the fullreport�see below�contains 88 references intotal. Other items include: �Apparatus andExperimental Protocol for Organic CompostTeas,� which describes and illustrates ahomemade on-farm compost tea brewer; and�Effectiveness of Compost Tea Extracts asDiseases Suppressants in Fresh Market Crops,�which summarizes research on compost teaextracts applied to strawberries, lettuce, leeks,and broccoli in British Columbia.
Organic Teas from Composts and ManuresRichard Merrill, OFRF Grant Report 97�40http://www.ofrf.org/publications/Grant%20reports/97Fall.1of5a.Merrill97-40.IB9.pdf
The full OFRF report reviewed above; a 51-pagePDF download, with 88 literature references inthe bibliography, �Selected References forOrganic Tea Extract Studies.�
Effectiveness of Compost Extracts as DiseaseSuppressants in Fresh Market Crops inBritish ColumbiaSylvia Welke, OFRF Grant Report 99�31http://www.ofrf.org/publications/Grant%20reports/99Spr.1of11.Welke99-31.IB9.pdf
The full OFRF report reviewed above; a 10-pagePDF download.
Compost Tea for Organic Farming andGardening. 2001. By William Quarles. TheIPM Practitioner. Vol. 23, No. 9 (September).p. 1�8.
The September 2001 issue of The IPMPractitioner�the monthly journal from Bio-Integral Resource Center�featured compostteas. An 8-page reprint is available for $7.50total through:
Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC)P.O. Box 7414Berkeley, CA 94707510-524-2567510-524-1758 [email protected]://www.birc.org
Investigations into Liquid Compost Extracts(�Teas�) for the Control of Plant PathogenicFungiWilliam F. Brinton and Andreas Trankner; aBioCycle conference paperhttp://www.woodsend.org/compost_tea.pdf
A 12-page PDF download, featuring the work ofDr. William Brinton of Woods End ResearchLaboratory in Maine.
Compost Practices for Control of GrapePowdery Mildew (Uncinula necator)Andreas Trankner and William F. Brinton; aBiodynamic journal reprinthttp://www.woodsend.org/will2.pdf
An 8-page PDF download, featuring the work ofDr. William Brinton of Woods End ResearchLaboratory in Maine.
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEASPAGE 8
Compost Microbiology and the Soil FoodWebCalifornia Integrated Waste ManagementBoardhttp://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/publications/default.asp?pubid=857http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/publications/Organics/44200013.doc
6-page MS-Word download.
Microbial Activity and Diversity of Soils andCompostsVicki Bess, BBC Laboratories,Tempe, AZhttp://www.bbclabs.com/toppage3.htm
The Soil FoodwebElaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb, Inc.http://www.soilfoodweb.com/thesfw.html
Soil Foodweb InformationElaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb, Inc.http://www.soilfoodweb.com/sfwinfo.html
The Soil Foodweb StructureElaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb, Inc.http://www.soilfoodweb.com/sfwstructure.html
Foodweb �Funtions� in a Living Soil: TheBenefits to Plants and SoilsElaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb, Inc.http://www.soilfoodweb.com/foodwebfunc.html
Soil Organisms: Why Are They Important?Elaine Ingham; article reprint at Compara.nlhttp://www.compara.nl/soil_organisms.htm
The Soil Foodweb: Its Importance inEcosystem HealthElaine Ingham; article reprint at Don�t Panic EatOrganichttp://www.rain.org/~sals/ingham.html
Further Web Resources
Understanding Compost TeaVicki Bess, BioCycle, October 2000 http://www.jgpress.com/BCArticles/2000/100071.html
Time for (Compost) Tea in the NorthwestAdrienne Touart, BioCycle, October 2000 http://www.jgpress.com/BCArticles/2000/100074.html
Brewing Up Solutions To Pest ProblemsLisa Wickland, Todd Murray and JoyceJimerson, BioCycle, March 2001http://www.jgpress.com/BCArticles/2001/030164.html
Evaluating Microbiology of CompostVicki Bess, BioCycle, May 1999http://www.jgpress.com/BCArticles/1999/0599Art4.htm
Using Compost To Control Plant DiseasesTom De Ceuster and Harry Hoitink, BioCycle,June 1999http://www.jgpress.com/BCArticles/1999/0699Art5.htm
Anaerobic Bacteria and Compost TeaElaine Ingham; a BioCycle reprinthttp://www.soilfoodweb.com/anaerobic.html
Microbial Profiles: Fine-tuning the SoilFoodwebKaren Grobe; a BioCycle reprint, January 1998http://www.soilfoodweb.com/biocycle1.html
Compost Microbiology
Dr. Elaine Ingham: The Soil Foodweb &Compost Teas
BioCycle Reprints: Compost Teas andCompost Microbiology
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEAS PAGE 9
Dr. Ingham�s Monthly E-Zinehttp://www.soilfoodweb.com/ezine.html
Note: The SFI E-Zine is a great place to keep upwith Dr. Elaine Ingham�s latest comments andnotes on compost teas.
Anaerobic Bacteria and Compost TeaElaine Ingham; a BioCycle reprinthttp://www.soilfoodweb.com/anaerobic.html
Brewing Compost TeaElaine Ingham; A Kitchen Gardener reprinthttp://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00030.asp
Sustainable Soil Management: Web Links toMake Your Worms Happy!Steve Diver, ATTRAhttp://ncatark.uark.edu/~steved/soil-links.html
Soil Biology Information Resources For LandManagers, Resource Professionals, andEducatorsSoil Quality Institute, NRCShttp://www.statlab.iastate.edu/survey/SQI/SBinfo.htm
Suppressing Plant Diseases with CompostDavid Granatstein; The Compost Connection forWashington Agriculture, No. 5, October 1997http://csanr.wsu.edu/compost/newsletter/compcon5.html
Foliar Disease Control Using Compost TeaDavid Granatstein, The Compost Connection forWestern Agriculture, No. 8, January 1999http://csanr.wsu.edu/compost/newsletter/Cc8.PDF
Compost Teas and Liquid HumusDavid Granatstein, CERWAhttp://www2.aste.usu.edu/compost/qanda/teas.htm
Controlling the Compost Process: Compost-Amended Potting MixesOhio State University, Fact Sheet CDFS-160H. A. J. Hoitink, M. J. Boehm, J. E. Heimlichhttp://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/0160.html
Bibliography on Compost for DiseaseSuppressionChloe Ringer,USDA Soil Microbial Labhttp://ncatark.uark.edu/~steved/compost-disease-biblio.html
Disease Suppressive Potting MixesSteve Diver, ATTRAhttp://www.attra.org/attra-pub/dspotmix.html
Sustainable Management of Soil-borne PlantDiseasesPreston Sullivan, ATTRAhttp://www.attra.org/attra-pub/soilborne.html
Suppressing Plant Diseases with CompostDavid Granatstein; The Compost Connection forWashington Agriculture, No. 5, October 1997http://csanr.wsu.edu/compost/newsletter/compcon5.html
On-Farm Composting: Plant Disease Control /On-Farm Composting - A Review of theLiteratureAlberta Agriculture, Food and RuralDevelopmenthttp://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/sustain/compost/plantdisease.html
Composts for Disease SuppressionUConn Integrated Pest Managementhttp://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/general/htms/composts.htm
Microbial Ecology of Compost-inducedDisease SuppressionEric Nelson, et al.; Proceedings of the 5th
International PGPR Workshophttp://www.ag.auburn.edu/argentina/pdfmanuscripts/nelson.pdf
Web Resource Collections on Soil Biology
Compost Specialists: David Granatstein &Harry Hoitink
Compost and Disease Suppression
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEASPAGE 10
Disease Suppressive Compost as anAlternative to Methyl BromideMethyl Bromide Alternative Case Study, EPA430-R-97-03010 Case Studies, Volume 3, September 1997http://www.epa.gov/spdpublc/mbr/compost3.html
Compost Tea Trials Final ReportSubmitted to Office of EnvironmentalManagement, City of Seattle.Cascadia Consulting Group, March 8, 2001http://www.cityofseattle.net/environment/Documents/Final%20Compst%20Tea%20report.pdf
A 53-page PDF download
Alternatives for Use & Management of�Compost Tea�Clean Washington Centerhttp://cwc.org/organics/cm002.htm
Access to HTML and PDF versions
Evaluation and Prioritization of CompostFacility Runoff Management MethodsClean Washington Centerhttp://cwc.org/organics/organic_htms/cm002rpt.htmhttp://cwc.org/organics/org002rpt.pdf
53-page PDF download. Report addresses thereuse of a pasteurized compost leachate fromcity zoo for use as a �tea� to fertilize crops. Theliquid plant food, a compost tea product calledZoo Broo, will be marketed along with the zoo�sother compost product, Zoo Doo.
Evaluation of Compost �Tea� for ReuseOpportunities (1997 & 1998)Clean Washington Centerhttp://cwc.org/organics/cm981.htm
Access to HTML and PDF versions
Evaluation of Compost Facility Runoff forBeneficial Reuse, Phase 2Clean Washington Centerhttp://cwc.org/organics/organic_htms/cm981rpt.htmhttp://www.cwc.org/organics/org981rpt.pdf
39-page PDF download. Phase 2 report on thecompost leachate reuse project.
Brewing Compost TeaElaine R. Ingham; A Kitchen Gardener reprinthttp://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00030.asp
Bainbridge Island: Healing the EarthSue Edwards, The SUN newspaper ofBremerton, Washington, February 2000http://www.thesunlink.com/news/2000/february/0211a10a.html
�Compost Tea� Allows Gardeners to BrewGreener PasturesSteve Hill, University Week, University ofWashingtonhttp://depts.washington.edu/uweek/archives/2001.03.MAR_08/article9.html
Wake Up Your Garden With Compost TeaKathy LaLiberte, The Innovative Gardener, July2001http://www.vg.com/gardening/igjuly01.asp
Making Fermented Compost TeaNatural Life Magazine #44http://www.life.ca/nl/44/compost.html
From The Garden: Oxygen-Rich Compost TeaCan Help Ward Off Summer�s Water BluesAnn Lovejoy, Thursday, March 15, 2001,Special to the Post-Intelligencerhttp://seattlep-i.nwsource.com/nwgardens/lovejoy15x.shtml
Feed Your Foodweb: Compost TeaStrengthens Plants, Defends Against DiseaseRachel Foster, Eugene Weeklyhttp://www.eugeneweekly.com/gardens/gardens01.html
Compost Teas: Regional ReportsCompost Teas: Popular Press
//NOTES ON COMPOST TEAS PAGE 11
Response of Alternaria spp. Blight andSeptoria spp. Leaf Spot to Biological DiseaseControl Agents in TomatoesJeremy Barker Plotkin; OFRF on-farm researchreporthttp://www.ofrf.org/scoar/plotkin.PDF
Compost Cures AllJames Saper (from Sustainable FarmingMagazine, Summer 1997, Vol. 7 No. 3)http://www.genesis.ca/whatsnew_5.html
Peach Brown Rot Study at Woodleaf Farm,Oroville, CACarl Rosato; OFRF on-farm research reporthttp://www.agroecology.org/cases/brownrot/studies.htm
North Coast Apple Scab Trials 1993/1994,Organic and Conventional MaterialsComparisonPaul Vossen and Doug Gubler; reprint fromUC Plant Protection Quarterlyhttp://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/newsltr/v7n4/sa-8.htm
University ResearchMidwest Biosystems, Tampico, ILhttp://www.aeromasterequipment.com/research.html
Compost Tea and Blossom Brown RotWashington State Universityhttp://depts.washington.edu/mulch/research/
A Homemade Compost Tea BrewerS. Zorba Frankel, The Worm Digesthttp://www.wormdigest.org/articles/index.cgi?read=66
Compost Teas: Brewing a Sweet BlendKelly Slocum, The Worm Digesthttp://www.wormdigest.org/articles/index.cgi?read=65
Compost Teas for Plant Disease ControlThe 1998 ATTRA publicationhttp://www.attra.org/attra-pub/comptea.html
Compost Teas: A Tool for Rhizosphere+Phyllosphere Agriculturehttp://ncatark.uark.edu/~steved/compost-tea-slides.pdf
Compost Teas: The Worm Digest Quarterly
By Steve DiverNCAT Agriculture Specialist
Edited by Richard EarlesFormatted by Ronda Vaughan
March 2002
IP118
Compost Teas: Research Reports
Compost Teas: Complementary ATTRAResources
The electronic version of Notes on Compost Teas: ASupplement to the ATTRA Publication Compost Teas forPlant Disease Control is located at:HTMLhttp://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/compost-tea-notes.htmlPDFhttp://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/compost-tea-notes.pdf
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Liquid Organic Extracts vsCompost Teas
Manure Tea:Manure-based extracts
Herbal Tea:Plant-based extracts; E.g., nettle, horse tail, comfrey, chamomile, clover
Liquid Manures:Fermented mixture of plants, fish, seaweed extracts
Appropriate TechnologyTransfer for Rural Areas
Funded by USDARural Business-Cooperative Service
Sustainable Agriculture andSustainable Agriculture andRural Development ProgramRural Development Program
ATTRA is an NCAT-SARD project ...
Compost Teas: A Tool forRhizosphere + Phyllosphere
AgricultureWhat are theyWhat�s in itBenefits and usesHow do you make themHow do you use them
Steve DiverATTRA
Fayetteville, AR
Rhizosphere IIncatark.uark.edu/~steved/
www.attra.org800-346-9140
Compost Teas: A Tool forRhizosphere + PhyllosphereAgriculture slide notes
Stinging nettle herb tea, with BD prepsPlant material soaking in water, herbal tea preparation
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Liquid Organic Extracts vsCompost Teas
Compost Leachate:Compost windrow leachate
Compost Extract:Compost watery extract
Compost Tea:Compost watery extract brewed withmicrobial food source -- molasses, kelp,rock dust, humic-fulvic acids
Components of CompostTea
�Soluble nutrients�Humic substances�Bacteria�Fungi�Nematodes�Protozoa�Microbial metabolites�Goal = maximum diversity of �good guys�
Benefits of Compost Teas
�Inoculate rhizosphere = soil drench
�Inoculate phyllosphere = foliar spray
�Occupy plant surface with beneficial organisms = colonization
�Beneficials use exudates & microbial foodsources = competition
�Biocontrol = antagonism, induced resistance�Soluble nutrients, growth-promotingsubstances, metabolites
Distribution of micro-organisms in the rhizosphere
Rhizosphere Benefits forMicroorganisms
Root Excretions1. Amino acids2. Organic acids3. Carbohydrates = Sugars4. Nucleic acids5. Growth factors6. Sloughed-off tissue
Key: Food + energy for microbes
Herbal tea barrels buried in ground, a biodynamic practice
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�Active� Components in Compost Tea
Yeasts: Sporobolomyces, Cryptococcus
Bacteria: Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Penicillium, Etc �..
Fungi: Trichoderma, Gliocladium, Etc �..
Chemical antagonists: phenols, amino acids
Key: 1. Microbial Abundance + Biodiversity
2. Components of a healthy soil foodweb
3. Beneficial bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa
Compost Teas as a Natural�Fungicide�
Gray mold on beans, strawberryBotrytis cinerea
Downy & powdery mildew on grapesPlasmopora viticola, Uncinula necator
Apple scabVenturia conidia
Late blight of potato, tomatoPhytopthera infestans
Compost Tea Production Methods
Bucket-Fermentation Method: [aerobic + anaerobic]Compost in burlap sack immersed in water, compost �extract� vs compost �tea�
------------------------------------------Bucket-Bubbler Method: [aerated = aerobic]
Small-scale buckets, aquarium air bubblerTrough Method:
Farm-size tanks, sump pumps and trickle linesCommercial Tea Brewers:
Small- to Large-scaleTank, pump, aeration, leachate sock or basket
�Brewing� a Compost TeaBacterial tea = Foliar spray� Bacterial compost� Simple sugars = Molasses, cane syrup,
apple juice, yeasts� Kelp� Plant extracts (yucca, nettle, comfrey)Fungal tea = Soil drench� Fungal compost� Humic acid� Kelp� Yucca extract
French bean leaf surface; The Phyllosphere
CMM, The University of Queensland Trichomes + glandular secretion, Lavendar leaf
CMM, The University of Queensland
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Example Compost Tea RecipeMichael Blakely, Carnation, WA
Initial recipe:100 gallons water10 gallons compost
Add:1 lb cold pressed kelp powder1 lb Mermaid fish powder1 gallon molasses1 gallon barley malt
Experimental:Soluble phosphate, humic acid, rawmilk, yucca extract Compost tea brewing tank, 4,000 gallons, California
Compost tea brewing, 500 lbs compost, molasses, etc., California
Compost tea brewing, Carl Rosato, California
Compost tea brewing: pumping, trickling, aeration, California
6.5-gallon compost tea brewer, Soil Soup
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Bioblender + compost sack, Soil Soup 30-gallon compost tea brewer, Soil Soup
12, 50, 500-gallon compost tea brewers, Microb Brewer Compost tea leachate basket, Microb Brewer
100-gallon compost tea brewer, EPM, Inc. 100-gallon compost tea brewer, Growing Solutions
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Six Ways to View Soil Food Webs
1. Elaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb, Inc.
2. De Ruiter, et al. 1993. J. Appl. Ecol. 30: 95-106.
3. Soil Quality Information Sheet: Soil Biodiversity NRCS Soil Quality Institute
4. Michigan Field Crop Pest Ecology and Management,MSU Extension Bulletin E-2704
5. GLIDE, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory,Colorado State University
6. Soil Biology Primer, NRCS Soil Quality Institute
Resources on Compost TeaThe Compost Tea Brewing ManualElaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb, Inc.www.soilfoodweb.com
Organic Farming Research FoundationInformation Bulletin, Winter 2001, No. 9www.ofrf.org
Special report on compost teas, pages 8-20
Compost Teas for Plant Disease ControlSteve Diver, ATTRAwww.attra.org/attra-pub/comptea.html
Notes on Compost TeaSteve Diver, ATTRAwww.attra.org/attra-pub/compost-tea-notes.html
Minimum Standards for Compost Tea, per ML
10-150 µµµµg active bacteria150-300 µµµµg total bacteria2-10 µµµµg active fungi5-20 µµµµg total fungi1,000 flagellates1,000 amoebae20-50 ciliates2-10 beneficial nematodes
Source:Dr. Ingham�s Monthly E-Zinehttp://www.soilfoodweb.com/ezine.html
Compost Tea Application
Foliar70% leaf coverage5 gallons per acre, straight or diluted
Seed TreatmentsMist or soak seeds prior to planting
Soil DrenchApply at transplant and seedling stagesApply to base of full-grown plants
500-gallon compost tea brewer, EPM, Inc.
Commerical Compost Tea BrewersGrowing Solutions, Inc.www.growingsolutions.com
Soil Soup, Inc.www.soilsoup.com
Microb Brewerwww.microbbrewer.com
Earth Tea Brewer / EPM, Inc.www.composttea.com
Xtractor / Comparawww.compara.nl/Compost_Tea_Systems.htm/English
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Acknowledgement
Compost tea brewers:Soil SoupMicrob BrewerSystem 100, Growing SolutionsEarth Tea Brewer, EPM
Photos used with permission
Presentation Source
Compost Teas: A Tool for Rhizosphere+ Phyllosphere AgricultureBy Steve Diver, ATTRA
Presented at:Mountain Organic Growers SchoolMarch 17, 2001Asheville, North Carolina
Updated:January, 2002
Acknowledgement
Compost tea recipe:Michael Blakely, Carnation, WA
Blakely, Michael. 2001. Compost tea - myexperience. Washington Tilth. Vol. 9, No. 1.p. 12-13.
Acknowledgement
Leaf surface images:The �Phyllosphere�
NanoworldCMM - Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,The University of Queenslandwww.uq.edu.au/nanoworld/images_1.html
Acknowledgement
Diagram:Distribution of micro-organisms in the rhizosphere
Giddens, J. and R.L. Todd. 1984. Rhizospheremicroorganisms - overview. p. 51-68. Microbial-Plant Interactions. ASA Special Publication No. 47.American Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI.
Acknowledgement
Slide:Plant material soaking in water, herbal teapreparation
Eliot Coleman�s European Farm Tour