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
1997Location
Aptos, California
Collaborators
John McKeon, Cabrillo Community College