Compost Tea Brewing

Introduction

Compost tea is a liquid extract of compost that contains beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, and organic compounds. When properly brewed, it can be used as a foliar spray or soil drench to improve plant health, suppress diseases, and enhance soil biology.

Types of Compost Tea

1. Aerated Compost Tea (ACT)

   • Uses air pump
   • 24-48 hour brew time
   • Maximum microbial growth
   • Most common method

2. Non-Aerated Compost Tea

   • Simple steeping
   • 3-7 day brew time
   • Less microbial activity
   • Basic nutrient extraction

3. Compost Extract

   • Quick preparation
   • No brewing time
   • Immediate use
   • Basic nutrient solution

Equipment Needed

1. Basic Setup

   • 5-gallon bucket
   • Air pump
   • Air stones
   • Mesh bag
   • Water source

2. Advanced Setup

   • Commercial brewer
   • Temperature control
   • pH meter
   • Dissolved oxygen meter
   • Microscope

3. Application Equipment

   • Sprayer
   • Watering can
   • Irrigation system
   • Backpack sprayer

Brewing Process

1. Water Preparation

   • Use clean water
   • Dechlorinate if needed
   • Check pH (6.5-7.0)
   • Temperature 65-75°F

2. Compost Selection

   • Well-aged compost
   • Diverse materials
   • No pathogens
   • Good structure

3. Brewing Steps

   • Fill bucket with water
   • Add compost to mesh bag
   • Start aeration
   • Add food source
   • Monitor temperature

Food Sources

1. Common Additives

   • Molasses
   • Kelp meal
   • Fish hydrolysate
   • Humic acids

2. Microbial Foods

   • Simple sugars
   • Protein sources
   • Mineral supplements
   • Trace elements

3. Timing

   • Add at start
   • Monitor consumption
   • Adjust as needed
   • Don’t overfeed

Monitoring

1. Temperature

   • Ideal: 65-75°F
   • Check regularly
   • Adjust if needed
   • Record changes

2. Oxygen Levels

   • Maintain >6 ppm
   • Check aeration
   • Monitor bubbles
   • Adjust pump

3. pH Levels

   • Test regularly
   • Maintain 6.5-7.0
   • Adjust if needed
   • Record changes

Application Methods

1. Foliar Spray

   • Fine mist
   • Cover leaves
   • Avoid runoff
   • Time of day

2. Soil Drench

   • Apply to root zone
   • Water in well
   • Avoid puddling
   • Monitor moisture

3. Seed Treatment

   • Soak seeds
   • Dry properly
   • Plant promptly
   • Monitor germination

Best Practices

1. Timing

   • Early morning
   • Evening application
   • Avoid midday
   • Consider weather

2. Frequency

   • Every 2-4 weeks
   • Monitor results
   • Adjust as needed
   • Seasonal changes

3. Storage

   • Use immediately
   • Maximum 24 hours
   • Keep aerated
   • Monitor quality

Troubleshooting

1. Odor Issues

   • Anaerobic conditions
   • Too much food
   • Poor aeration
   • Temperature problems

2. Poor Results

   • Check compost quality
   • Verify brewing time
   • Monitor application
   • Test effectiveness

3. Equipment Problems

   • Clean regularly
   • Check aeration
   • Maintain pumps
   • Replace parts

Benefits

1. Plant Health

   • Disease suppression
   • Nutrient uptake
   • Stress resistance
   • Growth promotion

2. Soil Biology

   • Microbial diversity
   • Nutrient cycling
   • Soil structure
   • Water retention

3. Environmental

   • Reduced inputs
   • Natural solutions
   • Soil regeneration
   • Sustainable practice

Safety Considerations

1. Personal Protection

   • Gloves
   • Eye protection
   • Proper clothing
   • Clean equipment

2. Food Safety

   • Clean equipment
   • Proper storage
   • Application timing
   • Harvest intervals

3. Environmental

   • Runoff prevention
   • Proper disposal
   • Water protection
   • Wildlife consideration

Advanced Techniques

1. Custom Blends

   • Specific plants
   • Problem solving
   • Seasonal needs
   • Soil conditions

2. Microbial Analysis

   • Microscope use
   • Population counts
   • Diversity assessment
   • Quality control

3. Integration

   • IPM programs
   • Organic systems
   • Conventional farming
   • Urban agriculture