Hey Eric, I’ve heard a lot of spiel denouncing anaerobic teas, mostly around the idea that plants like aerobic conditions (not drowning) so anaerobic microbes encouraged by anaerobic teas are worse than whatever’s different about aerobic teas. What’s your take?
Eric Fisher MSc BSc (Hons) Author of 'Compost Teas for the Organic Grower' Permanent Publications : https://shop.permaculture.co.uk/compost-teas-for-the-organic-grower.html
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eric fisher wrote:
Hey Eric, I’ve heard a lot of spiel denouncing anaerobic teas, mostly around the idea that plants like aerobic conditions (not drowning) so anaerobic microbes encouraged by anaerobic teas are worse than whatever’s different about aerobic teas. What’s your take?
Hi Dillon,
I think many people decide on one camp or the other and I really don't think it is as straightforward as that. It is a broad area and depends on how you make it and then how you use it.
Do you have a particular example of anaerobically prepared tea so we can consider the pros and cons in a more concrete way ? I ask for a specific example because there is very broad range of methods under the anaerobic banner from the Bokashi style to chucking manure in polythene bags. Also an anaerobic process can just be one aspect of the substances path to being used in a meaningful way. For instance you could have something that is really nasty, seething with phytotoxins and disease then spread it out on your land and encourage the worms for a year then things can turn around.
Well, if we were to get specific my preferred method of anaerobic tea making is to throw organic matter, usually freshly pulled weeds, occasionally with added amendments like ash, into a bucket filled with water and just wait. I usually dilute this with water when I apply it to garden plants, though.
Eric Fisher MSc BSc (Hons) Author of 'Compost Teas for the Organic Grower' Permanent Publications : https://shop.permaculture.co.uk/compost-teas-for-the-organic-grower.html
Compost Teas Wiki : https://permies.com/wiki/116744/Compost-Teas-Eric-Fisher Order USA : https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/compost-teas-for-the-organic-grower/st-Teas-Eric-Fisher
eric fisher wrote:
1. Can I ask if you stir it at all and the frequency ?
2. How long did you wait to use it ?
3. Did you put a lid on top; was it tight fitting ?
4. In what way did you apply it to plant ? eg. foliar spray, root drench.
5. Which plants ? and their use. For instance if you are pouring the stuff on salad leaves then eating them straight after, I might be concerned.
Regarding the ash I would be inclined to do pH test because too much alkalinity might be a problem. Also regarding the 'weeds' did you spot any you know because some are dynamic accumulators and can be real asset to your brews.
eric fisher wrote:
1. Can I ask if you stir it at all and the frequency ?
2. How long did you wait to use it ?
3. Did you put a lid on top; was it tight fitting ?
4. In what way did you apply it to plant ? eg. foliar spray, root drench.
5. Which plants ? and their use. For instance if you are pouring the stuff on salad leaves then eating them straight after, I might be concerned.
Regarding the ash I would be inclined to do pH test because too much alkalinity might be a problem. Also regarding the 'weeds' did you spot any you know because some are dynamic accumulators and can be real asset to your brews.
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-- You have some potent stuff in this list.Good to know about the ash, it’s just usually a resource I have a lot of in winter because stove fires. Weeds usually include, at least in the batch of tea I’m referring to, chickweed, miner’s lettuce, foxtails, etc.
Eric Fisher MSc BSc (Hons) Author of 'Compost Teas for the Organic Grower' Permanent Publications : https://shop.permaculture.co.uk/compost-teas-for-the-organic-grower.html
Compost Teas Wiki : https://permies.com/wiki/116744/Compost-Teas-Eric-Fisher Order USA : https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/compost-teas-for-the-organic-grower/st-Teas-Eric-Fisher
eric fisher wrote:
-- You have some potent stuff in this list.Good to know about the ash, it’s just usually a resource I have a lot of in winter because stove fires. Weeds usually include, at least in the batch of tea I’m referring to, chickweed, miner’s lettuce, foxtails, etc.
You gave me a lot to think about here Dillon so I slept on it, and then there is the time zone differential. Anyone reading this and posting on here, be rest assured I will get to you.
You have already told me that you feel your mix does feed your plants and you notice a positive response so I expect the feeding aspect is positive. If you want to enhance things further consider the nutrient balance and what essential and beneficial elements are available to your plants. For the sake of brevity I won’t go into the ‘law of the minimum’ and essentiality here which you may already be well aware of.
Don’t think you have to worry much regarding phytotoxins since you leave it in the 3-4 months and these are usually prevalent in fresher organic matter.
I am rather nervous regarding your use of the ash (Potassium Hydroxide), it has a very high pH of up to 14 ! ; which is very extreme. On a plus side it is likely to nuke any pathogens around because most of them are neutrophils. On the minus side it’s going to nuke almost every other living organism too. When you put your solution/mulch on the land the earthworms may want to avoid it, which is not something you want. I gather you have laid down a lot of ash. I would be inclined to do a soil pH test and test your solution as a matter of urgency.
I would also be inclined to use the ash as a separate amendment and add seaweed instead in your bucket which is high is potassium, traces, growth hormones and is more gentle.
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is high in calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and iron.
Miner’s Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliate) is an interesting one. It is high iron and high in oxalates which have pesticidal properties like rhubarb leaves.
Regarding foxtails present in varied grasses be careful with this stuff. It is toxic to dogs, horses and an irritant to humans. The inflorescences and spikelets can enter the body via the nose and ears and is high in oxalates like miner’s lettuce.
Hope that helps. Just for the sake interest I have included a spikelet pic below.
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