Technical
environment and applied to your turf will benefit turf health and vigour”
“Whatever method you decide to use, there is clear evidence that breeding beneficial biology in a controlled
Positives versus negatives when using compost
The positives are: - More diversity
- Contains bacteria, beneficial fungi, protozoa and beneficial nematodes The negatives are:
- Compost must be tested to ensure there are no pathogens present
- Compost usually has to be held in a large filtered container or tea bag
- Compost teas have to be left to settle out or filtered into spray tank
- Messy to clean up after brewing
Generally, recommendations for the type of container suitable for brewing compost teas will read something like: “choose a brewer that does not have internal pipes, nooks, crannies or which may harbour biofilm and difficult to clean.” The reason behind this is there is no guarantee what is inside any compost, regardless whether it has been tested! Pathogen inclusion can be limited, but not guaranteed to be pathogen free, since it would have to be manufactured under laboratory condition, in a sterilised environment and then inoculated with the desirable biology - which would kind of defeat the object!
Because I do not use compost in my
brewing process, and the fact that I am using pure biology bred under laboratory conditions, I know there are no pathogens present. This also means I am not limited to a purpose built brewer, which often costs a lot of money, since there are no pathogens present that will cause infection. I use a specially designed aerator that can either be placed in an IBC tank or, in my case, directly into my 750 litre sprayer. I am then able to add my food source and brew for the specified time. It is
130 PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014
recommended to include additional organic food sources/bio stimulants to the spray tank to ensure the brew has a good start.
The brew is then applied with the minimum of effort. If I do not have the time to produce a brew, it can be dispensed directly into the spray tank, with the required food sources added and the batch applied directly, either as a drench or folia application. The only downside of not brewing first is you do not get as much for your money! Naturally, hygiene still remains an important part of my programme and all my equipment is cleaned after use. Why do I prefer to use compost free
brews? - The biology is safer and easier to handle
- The products are cheaper in comparison to other suppliers
- Biology can be applied directly into sprayer without fear of blocking nozzles
- I am seeing similar results with my brews when observed under the microscope
Why are teas integral to my management programmes?
- They have reduced my pesticide budget by 80%.
- They have reduced my fertiliser budget by 50%.
- They have reduced applications of wetting agent by 70%
- They have reduced competition/dominance from Poa annua
- They have increased competition and dominance from fescues and bents
Key products used, each targeting specific areas:
- A combination of over twenty beneficial bacteria and fungi
- A combination of N fixing and
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