Passive hydro is the method I've been using and decided I'm moving towards organic soils only, with out using any chemical bottled nutes. Substainable type method. I've been reading up on this section and other sources of information on aerated compost tea, just started a brew myself. Seems people are quite impressed with the outcome using this approach as a part of thier method of growing. " feed the soil , not the plant ".
But during my research based on other people's experience, ( not my own, yet ) and reading up on scientific studies, I'm not convinced. Very conflicting information. For example " The Great Compost Tea Debate" between Jeff Gillman and Jeff Lowenfels. A 2-year study by the Rodale Institute and Pennsylvania State University evaluated the use of aerated compost tea." Frank Gouin, agree, adding that even for its nutrient value, compost tea isn't as good as compost itself." Some expert say the reward doesn't outweigh the risk. Some say add mollases, but of course not to much. Some say don't add any sugars at all. E. coli also draws a concern, but seems to be more of a concern with non aerated method of making teas.
"Master Gardener experiment testing various growth promotion/disease prevention products on vegetables. We planted 5 beds with the same varieties of tomatoes, squash, pole beans, and some other things. Each bed contained the same mix of soil and really good compost. Each bed got a different foliar treatment, applied every 3 weeks. We tested 2 organic commercial fertilizers, ACT using a KIS-brand brewer and their compost tea bags, aspirin water, and a control bed that got only water spray. The compost tea failed miserably in terms of yield and disease prevention. In fact, the plants were stunted & more diseased than might be expected. I havent used the brewer since that season. The winner by a mile 1 tablet of untreated aspirin, dissolved in 1/2 tsp vinegar, per gallon of water, plus a sticker like yucca extract. Unbelievable increases in yield and disease prevention. I also tried the ACT on my roses, hoping it would reduce blackspot. No such luck."
Then I can read other people's experience who says otherwise. Also read unless you have expensive testing equipment that actually test your teas and what kind of life that actually growing, is a crapshoot.
Im not trying to cause any controversy here, I'm just trying to understand where is all evidence that substantiates all these claims. A" Feed the soil, not the plant " is what works, it's the approach that gets confusing.
Well in 36 hours I will be adding " my tea " and sit and watch. Im starting to think just making my own compost and leaving the brewing part alone, but I guess time will tell. I just seeking truth not trying to create drama. So be nice!
Cheers!
Nematode tea sounds interesting. Do you just use native land? This is why I'll be making the switch to living mulch. I'm also starting to read more about AACTs that have a higher F:B ratio. IMO seems like living mulch is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way when your Mary is big enough. I think a balanced tea is fine for a seedling and clone as they takes what they wants.
may stimulate bacterial growth and the abundance of bacterial-feeding nematodes, and increase soil N availability to plants.
