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How to Make and Apply Compost Tea for Soil Microbes

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About Course

Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid made by steeping high-quality compost in water, often with added aeration and a sugar source like molasses to feed beneficial microbes. Unlike leachate (the runoff from compost piles), compost tea is brewed intentionally to increase the population of beneficial microorganisms. These microbes help improve soil health, enhance nutrient availability, and protect plants from diseases. In organic and regenerative farming, compost tea is a powerful tool to build living, thriving soil ecosystems.

Course Content

Introduction to Compost Tea
- What is Compost Tea? - Why Compost Tea Matters in Sustainable Farming - Differences Between Compost Tea and Leachate

  • Introduction to Compost Tea

The Role of Soil Microbes in Plant Health
- Overview of Beneficial Microorganisms - How Microbes Support Nutrient Uptake - Microbes vs. Chemical Fertilizers

Ingredients and Tools Needed
- High-quality compost (vermicompost or aged compost) - Non-chlorinated water - Aerator or air pump - 5-gallon bucket or brewing container - Molasses or sugar (as microbe food)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Compost Tea
- Preparation of materials - Setting up the aerator - Brewing process (24–48 hours) - Signs of a good compost tea brew

Application Techniques
- When and how often to apply compost tea - Soil drenching vs. foliar spraying - Storage and shelf-life of compost tea

Safety and Best Practices
- Avoiding contamination - Cleaning equipment - Testing before large-scale application

Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bad odor in tea - Lack of microbial activity - Foam or no foam: what it means

Assignment

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