Analysis of Compost Tea Under Different Stages of Production

Richard Merrill, Cabrillo Community College

This paper reviews pertinent research concerning organic teas, noting that the results of studies on the effects of such teas, especially as a biocide, are quite mixed. This variability may be due to the variable nature of both the organic feed stock and the methods of extraction. Suggestions are made concerning a protocol for on-site research into the production and use of organic teas with suggestions for controlling feedstock and extractor variables in field experiments. Finally, experiences with prototype, simply-made, aerobic organic- tea extractors at Cabrillo College are described. Results confirm those of others: that so-called anaerobic tea systems… those in which organic stock is simply soaked in water… are actually aerobic for the first 48 hours or so of extraction. After that, they become anaerobic. In other words, aerated or “aerobic” systems simply extend the time of useful extraction by replacing or adding oxygen into a system that would otherwise go anaerobic. It should be the goal of all organic tea extraction methods to avoid anaerobic conditions.

Region

Western

Topic

Soil Health

Date Range

2000 and earlier

Funding Amount

$4,860

Funding Year

1997

Location

Aptos, California

Collaborators

John McKeon, Cabrillo Community College