Sep 19

COMPOST TEA

Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid made by steeping compost in water, often with added ingredients to enhance microbial activity. This tea is full of beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, and organic matter that can promote healthy soil and plant growth. Compost tea is used as both a soil drench and a foliar spray to boost plant health, improve soil structure, and protect against pests and diseases.

Watch this YouTube video for details by No-Till Growers

How to Make Compost Tea

1. Ingredients:

High-quality compost: This should be well-aged, rich in organic matter, and full of beneficial microorganisms.
Water: Use dechlorinated water, either by letting tap water sit out for 24 hours or using filtered water.
Optional Additives: Molasses (unsulfured), kelp, fish hydrolysate, or worm castings can be added to feed the microorganisms and enhance the nutrient profile.

2. Equipment:

Bucket: A 5-gallon bucket is commonly used for brewing compost tea.
Air Pump and Stone: An aquarium air pump with an air stone is used to aerate the mixture, promoting the growth of aerobic (beneficial) microbes.
Strainer or Cheesecloth: To filter the compost solids out of the tea before use.

3. Brewing Process:

Step 1: Fill the bucket with water and let it sit to dechlorinate if necessary.
Step 2: Place a few cups of compost in a strainer or directly into the bucket.
Step 3: Add optional ingredients like molasses (1-2 tablespoons) to provide a food source for the microbes.
Step 4: Submerge the air stone in the bucket and turn on the pump to aerate the mixture for 24 to 48 hours. The bubbling should be consistent, keeping the mixture oxygenated.
Step 5: After brewing, strain the compost tea to remove solids. The liquid should be used immediately to maintain microbial activity.

Benefits of Compost Tea for Cannabis Plants

Boosts Soil Health: Compost tea adds beneficial microbes to the soil, enhancing the microbial diversity and improving soil structure. This leads to better nutrient availability and root development.
Enhances Nutrient Uptake: The nutrients in compost tea are in a form that is easily absorbed by plants. The tea helps to unlock nutrients already present in the soil, making them more accessible to the plant roots.
Improves Plant Immunity: The beneficial microorganisms in compost tea can outcompete harmful pathogens in the soil, reducing the risk of disease. It also helps to build up the plant's natural defenses against pests.
Promotes Healthy Growth: Regular applications of compost tea can lead to more vigorous growth, healthier leaves, and better yields.

How to Use Compost Tea for Cannabis Plants

1. Soil Drench:

Application: Apply the compost tea directly to the soil around the base of the cannabis plants. This can be done during the vegetative and flowering stages.

Frequency: Depending on the plant's needs and soil condition, use compost tea every 2-4 weeks.

Dilution: Compost tea can be used full-strength or diluted with water (1:1 ratio) depending on the concentration and the health of your plants.

2. Foliar Spray:

Application: Use a fine spray to apply compost tea to the leaves. This allows the plant to absorb nutrients directly through the leaves and can help control foliar diseases.

Timing: Apply early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid burning the leaves under direct sunlight.

Frequency: Foliar spraying can be done once a week or as needed.

Considerations and Tips

Freshness: Use compost tea within a few hours after brewing to ensure the microorganisms are alive and active.
Cleanliness: Always clean your equipment thoroughly before and after brewing to prevent contamination.
pH Testing: It's a good idea to check the pH of your compost tea before application, especially if you’re growing cannabis in a controlled environment like hydroponics.