Opinion on ACT(Aerated Compost Teas)
- Thread starter P10p
- Start date
Effectiveness in what? What are you trying to achieve? I think there have been a few studies published that show some positive effect of compost teas helping to reduce pathogens when used as a foliar spray outdoors on certain crops in certain climates. I'll look for them a bit later when I'm less lazy. lol
I did find this, but be aware that this is a Linda Chalker-Scott publication, just in case you don't like her. It's her review of the research on compost teas for pathogen suppression, and it seems that non-aerated teas have the effect rather than aerated: https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/compost-tea-2.pdf
I can't find anything about the aerated teas either, so I suspect she might be right there. I wish we had more research on the subject, but I understand the difficulties involved because what you grow in your tea is so variable.
I can't find anything about the aerated teas either, so I suspect she might be right there. I wish we had more research on the subject, but I understand the difficulties involved because what you grow in your tea is so variable.
meangreengrowinmachine
Well-Known Member
They are awesome for feeding your microbes and therefore creating a biological system to break down your organic amendments and or top dresses in order to make the nutrients available to the plants.
meangreengrowinmachine
Well-Known Member
if you want some reading materials check out the book "Teaming With Microbes" by Jeff Lowenfels
poundofyourfinest
Well-Known Member
Your actually multiplying microbes That are in the compost, microbes are in the compost and get broken free from the compost By air and multiply. Microbes are great they break down the amendments and make them more available to the plant. You can add them to your soil when planting
poundofyourfinest
Well-Known Member
If you brew to long aerated you will actually start breeding pathogens I usually stop at 36 hours and no longer than 48
meangreengrowinmachine
Well-Known Member
I had used air stones in a bucket for a long time but I recently invested a small a mount of time and money in building this one and it works AMAZINGLY! Below is the You Tube video title. one thing they don't tell you is to put that sucker in a tote and cover it with some plastic unless you want compost tea everywhere though lol
How to make an air lift tea brewer for GIANT YIELDS! Designed by MrTimjwilson
How to make an air lift tea brewer for GIANT YIELDS! Designed by MrTimjwilson
poundofyourfinest
Well-Known Member
I made one of those they will change your tea for the better for sure, I got a little lazy and just started cutting the bottom off a gallon water jug and running lines through the handle It keeps everything moving and you don’t have all the cleaning to do
I totally understand the process and the proposed benefits. I went as far as purchasing a complete kit from Tealab and have already brewed a batch. So I will definitely be experimenting with ACT myself.
What I was looking for is real studies showing or disproving the claims that you see people make. I have a microscope and will be testing all my teas.
I understand you're multiplying bacteria and increasing biomass, and I understand the theory behind disease suppression. I'm more interested in real scientific proof. I should have made myself more clear but thankyou for all the input above to far, I'll give the links a read.
What I was looking for is real studies showing or disproving the claims that you see people make. I have a microscope and will be testing all my teas.
I understand you're multiplying bacteria and increasing biomass, and I understand the theory behind disease suppression. I'm more interested in real scientific proof. I should have made myself more clear but thankyou for all the input above to far, I'll give the links a read.
meangreengrowinmachine
Well-Known Member
check out the book I suggested above if you have not already. He has a few others also that you may be interested in.
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
I agree read Teaming with Microbes. I downloaded a copy.
I use the good stones that can be boiled if you really want to make them like new again.
EcoPlus Medium Round Air Stone direct from Growers House
This medium round air stone is excellent for oxygenating aquariums, water reservoirs, and hydroponic systems. Made with durable PVC, this air stone features a larger surface area to maximize the amount of dissolved oxygen in your aquarium, reservoir, or hydroponic system. Use with 3/16
growershouse.com
Not only does ACT breed more bacteria, it also can coax out the nematodes. What kind of microscope are you gonna use because unless it's a good one you're not gonna see any bacteria?
meangreengrowinmachine
Well-Known Member
build that simple lift brewer above and you will NOT go back. The only large cost is the air pump really the rest is just pvc and grommets and such. I used those stones forever but trust me this thing is a whole different level. i also add a small aquarium heater to help things along since I am in a cold basement growing. It is pretty loud though just fyi.I agree read Teaming with Microbes. I downloaded a copy.
I use the good stones that can be boiled if you really want to make them like new again.
EcoPlus Medium Round Air Stone direct from Growers House
This medium round air stone is excellent for oxygenating aquariums, water reservoirs, and hydroponic systems. Made with durable PVC, this air stone features a larger surface area to maximize the amount of dissolved oxygen in your aquarium, reservoir, or hydroponic system. Use with 3/16
Not only does ACT breed more bacteria, it also can coax out the nematodes. What kind of microscope are you gonna use because unless it's a good one you're not gonna see any bacteria?
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
I have a big pump with 6 medium stones hooked to it. I did most in a large Rubbermaid tub. No shit that pump is loud. I also have an aquarium heater for mine. I haven't made a tea in a long time though. I've gotten lazier. Also how do you clean that setup?
meangreengrowinmachine
Well-Known Member
so far I have only used it once but I just disconnected the air hose and brought the whole thing outside and sprayed it down with the hose... how that will work this winter?? we will see lol here is a pic after just under 24 hours though to give you an idea of what this thing can do!
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PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
Now I get it. That's a lot of bubbles, lol.
meangreengrowinmachine
Well-Known Member
Yeah its nuts I have never had a tea so active. like I said put that thing in a bin that doesn't leak!
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
I just use a big tote to make it, and then use a submersible pump and hose to water. I use the big one on the left for the tote. The little one is for a 5 gal bucket for when I don't need a lot of water.
Thanks for all the replies guys. I came with this question because I found a lot of naysayers in my research. And many times, all the beneficial claims are made with no proof.
For example, just because we know we are breeding bacteria is not enough proof to prove that act works. I want real substantial proof of the benefits.
I was able to find a study that did show act having no benefits over compost, ewc, and commercial product. Only thing is it was done using certain trees.
My microscope is plenty powerful enough to see bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, fungi etc
For example, just because we know we are breeding bacteria is not enough proof to prove that act works. I want real substantial proof of the benefits.
I was able to find a study that did show act having no benefits over compost, ewc, and commercial product. Only thing is it was done using certain trees.
My microscope is plenty powerful enough to see bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, fungi etc