Comments on: Interview: Commercial Compost Tea Production

By: The difference between compost tea and leachate « Boulder Vermicomposting

The difference between compost tea and leachate « Boulder Vermicomposting — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:37:47 +0000

[...] between leachate and compost tea. Compost tea is compost mixed with oxygenated water, creating “a Petri dish: favorable conditions are made for the beneficial soil microbes, already in abun… Water running out of the bottom of your worm bin may or not be favorable to these beneficial [...]

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:57:53 +0000

Could you tell me what the likelihood of mature vermicast containing plant diseases originating in leaves used as feedstock? I know that properly produced worm tea suppresses/fights plant diseases when applied to plants. However, I read on line that Australian standards for vermicast require some degree of pasteurization of feedstocks for mature vermicast. I appreciate any help you can give me with this.

Also, can worm coccoons drown in worm tea?

Thanks.

Melissa

By: vermicomposting

vermicomposting — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:23:06 +0000

Thanks Anne.

I’m not aware of any studies showing the correlation between trace elements in feedstock and trace elements in castings, but that certainly makes sense. Would be fascinating to know what the relationship was for various trace elements key to plant growth (boron, magnesium, etc).

To me, the biggest takeaway was that the salt content of the castings was high enough that it shouldn’t be used straight, but always as a soil amendment.

By: Anne

Anne — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:14:35 +0000

There is some fluctuation in the quality of the castings… what you put in determines what you get out (regarding trace nutrients anyways). Still great stuff in my opinion.

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:19:31 +0000

I am amazed that there isn’t a comprehensive scientific study program in place to determine whether compost tea really performs as well if not better than the synthetic stuff out there. How much does it cost to set up a growth trial. Once this data is collected then you can really take on the large synthetic companies out there.

By: vermicomposting

vermicomposting — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:39:55 +0000

Also, there are a number of worm composting companies in Colorado; some just produce tea, like Ecocycle, while others produce casting and worms. See my (growing) list here: http://bouldervermicomposting.com/colorado-sources-for-worms-and-worm-castings/

By: vermicomposting

vermicomposting — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:38:58 +0000

Hi Bonnie,

I would call Ecocycle and see if they do tours 303-444-6634. I know they do tours of the recycling facilities, but I’m not sure about the vermiculture.

As far as gardening goes, I’m still incrementally stepping into it myself. I do imagine that Colorado can’t compare to Ohio for food production–poorer soil and intermittant rain probably don’t help at all!

By: Bonnie Kaake

Bonnie Kaake — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:05:04 +0000

I just purchased a worm composting unit with 5 trays. It arrived today and I set it up, including the 1000 worms. I find it fascinating that there is a worm composting company in Colorado. Do you do tours? Children welcome?

I have struggled with gardening in CO since I moved here in 1980. I miss my Ohio gardens. I am hoping that using Earthboxes and elevated gardens and the addition of worm castings will help. If you have additional information, please let me know.