Hey all! First post, big question here. I've done some research on this subject, and I think I've nailed it down, but I want fresh eyes to be sure.
Himalayan Blackberries plague the pnw, particularly on my farm. I love the berries, but I want to reuse the organic material, rather than simply tossing the canes into the burn pile.
My new solution is to try and make a system where I can safely and effectively reuse the material by making a compost tea, similar to how i use comfrey.
I'm going to take my ol loopers to the roots, and dump the canes in a barrel. I will also dig up the roots with a shovel (not cleaning the dirt on the roots off), and toss those guys in the barrel too. I'll place the brick on top then fill with water until covered. Cover the barrel. Wait a couple months. Extract the green fert liquid and dilute with water (i've read 1:5 and 1:15; i want a more neutral ph so i'll go 1:15). the remaining organic matter, just to be safe, will be put in a black bag and roasted in the sun for a few weeks.
we do cool composting, mainly horse dung, very little carbon works its way in there. so i figure after the water and roasting, these blackberry canes can be tossed in our compost without threat of seeds.
I only worry about dangerous bacteria forming in the green liquid fert, and thus unusable on our crops, regardless of dilution. is that possible? most things i've read on this forum don't suggest this as a likely possibility and that having a strong smell of urine is a by-product of bacteria that wont be dangerous if diluted well.
