The compost tea is a low-cost organic liquid fertilizer obtained by percolating water through mature compost. It is a great natural fertilizer that helps nourish plants and improve soil health. For those who know how to make compost at homeand perhaps he has followed our advice in the past, therefore, obtaining this liquid fertilizer, capable of giving ready-made nutrients to the plants immediately, will be a simple and very low-cost operation.
In this article, therefore, we will explore the properties of compost tea, the benefits for plants and how to prepare this natural organic fertilizer correctly.
Properties of compost tea
Compost tea contains a wide range of nutrients essential for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and a number of micronutrients. It also contains a number of beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa, which are important for soil and plant health.
What is compost tea used for?
Compost tea can help the plants in our organic garden in a number of ways. It can promote the growth of roots and vegetation; it is able to increase the resistance of plants to diseases and insects; can improve soil structure and its ability to hold water; moreover, it manages to reduce soil erosion.
Benefits of compost tea for plants
Compost tea can be used as a root fertilizer or as a foliar spray. When used as a root fertilizer, it helps feed plants directly through the roots. This way, plants are able to absorb nutrients more efficiently and faster. When used as a foliar spray, however, it helps feed plants through the leaves. This method is especially useful for plants that need a quick boost of nutrients or for plants that have been subjected to environmental stresses, such as exposure to heat, cold or drought.
How to make compost tea
Making compost tea is a fairly simple process. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
- First, you need mature compost. Make sure your compost is well matured and free from seeds and pathogens.
- Choose a container in which to macerate the compost. The container can be a bucket, a can or a glass jar.
- Fill the container halfway with mature compost.
- Add water to the container until the compost is completely covered. Use rainwater or tap water left to sit for at least 24 hours.
- Mix the compost and water with a chopstick or shovel to mix everything well.
- Cover the container with a cloth or net to keep the bugs out and let the compost tea sit for 24-48 hours.
- After 24-48 hours, strain the mixture using a fine mesh cloth or strainer. The filtered tea is ready to be used.
Uses
Filtered compost tea can be diluted with water to reduce the concentration of nutrients. Generally, it is recommended to dilute it in a ratio of 1:10, which is one part compost tea and ten parts water. This particular tea can be used in the garden as a root fertilizer or as a foliar spray. As we have seen, it is a low-cost organic fertilizer that can be easily prepared at home. It is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that help nourish plants and improve soil health. By using this infusion as a fertilizer, it is possible to obtain higher yields and healthier and disease resistant plants. Always remember to use it diluted and to use it within a few hours of preparation to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Insights
- Make your own compost tea – Harvard University
- An Overview of the Benefits of Compost tea on Plant and Soil Structure – Researchgate
- Compost Tea Quality and Fertility – Researchgate
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