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| Excellent results using fermented compost | |
| A new liquid compost is having great success in the United Kingdom. It is made from a specially prepared compost steeped in well-aerated water at room temperature. The ‘brewing process’ is carried out in a simple plastic container with a tap at the base. After 18-24 hours, the air pump that has been working continuously up to this point to oxygenate the compost-water mixture is now reduced to an intermittent regime of just 5 minutes each hour. The resulting brown liquid ‘tea’ is drawn off at the tap and passed through a 400mm filter before being applied to plants at a dilation rate of about 1:100. It can be applied by knapsac sprayer or overhead spraylines using an accurate diluter. Application is repeated every 2 weeks. This liquid fertilizer owes its value to the fact that it is teeming with micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes) the vast majority of which are friendly. The arrival of the mico-organisms in the ‘tea’ on the leaves and around the roots, radically changes the environment for the mico-organisms already present, including those that cause disease such as Botrytis, Fusarium, Phythium and Rhizoctonia. They compete for nutrients and some of the ‘tea’ micro-organisms are also predator/parasitic on damaging micro-organisms. The result is a reduction of up to 20% in the use of crop protection chemicals and the ‘tea’ also acts as a liquid fertilizer thereby reducing the requirement for other fertilizers. Trials suggest that a 15% saving could be made on the use of controlled release fertilizers in growing media thereby reducing nutrient leaching into the surrounding environment and a saving in cost. The ingredients cost about €30/ha plus the inexpensive brewing equipment. The specialist work lies in the preparation of the basic compost to use in the brewing process. Growers purchase the compost in packs for each specific brewing operation which is supplied together with the starting brew made of a culture of micro-organisms with other substances such as molasses, seaweed extract and herbs. One grower producing Dianthus in 1 litre pots had no need to use any chemical control of Fusarium after starting with the ‘tea’ and there was a notable improvement in leaf colour. “Commercial Greenhouse Grower”, Fax: 00441622 663733, E-mail: green@actpub.co.uk. For other information contact: David Hutchisnson, ADAS. Fax 0044 1732 521519 david.hutchisnson@adas.co.uk www.adas.co.uk |
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