INTRODUCTION
MIC-AEROBETM is our trade name for a microbe-rich liquid commonly referred to as aerated compost tea. It is made from high-quality compost sources and microbial foods produced or mixed on site, and is used to reintroduce or stimulate native microbes in crops and soils.
Because MIC-AEROBETM is a liquid, it can be sprayed and therefore, in many applications, it is more convenient to apply than compost. It leaves little to no residue which is a “must” for golf greens and other turf situations. In many cases it is more economical than compost, though it has many similar benefits. Each batch of MIC-AEROBETM shipped from our facility is tested to ensure consistency and good quality. No animal manures are used in any aspect of making our compost tea to reduce the risk of E.coli or other human pathogens.
MIC-AEROBETM contains living active microbes, so the product must be kept aerated until it is used. Although it is screened fairly fine, it has some particulate matter in it to retain the most beneficial microbes. Refer to the guidelines below for the correct equipment to use.
WHAT IS THE FERTILIZER ANALYSIS?
MIC-AEROBETM has a guaranteed minimum analysis of 0.1% Nitrogen. Phosphorus and Potassium are in the biology of the tea, so they do not register as soluble nutrients. The main benefits of compost tea come from the living organisms which support plant and soil health.
DO I NEED SPECIAL SPRAYING EQUIPMENT TO APPLY MIC-AEROBETM?
Most spraying equipment can be set up quite simply to apply compost tea.
Following is a list of what we recommend:
Diaphragm pump works best, but other pumps are acceptable.
Main filter size = 16-20 mesh.
No filters at the boom nozzles.
Nozzles = 0.5 gpm or larger, 0.8 recommended (at 40 psi).
Low operating pressure (<60 psi)
HOW LONG CAN I STORE THE TEA?
We recommend you use it as quickly as possible after delivery. However, if kept aerated, it can be stored up to 5 days from the time it is finished being brewed and still give excellent results. The longer it sits before being used, the more time the organisms can feed on each other and the diversity is lost. It should not "go bad" as long as it is kept aerated, but it may be less effective.
HOW IS IT SHIPPED?
MIC-AEROBETM is delivered in an aerated bulk container. Be prepared to spray it immediately upon receipt or have a tank with aeration to hold the tea until you are ready to use it. Jolly Farmer can help you set up an inexpensive storage and aeration system. |
Aerating Compost Tea
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GOLF COURSE
Save on fertilizer costs.
Over the last 3 years, a course in PEI, has been able to reduce the fertilizer use on their greens by about 50%. This has been done through a monthly compost tea application (6 times per year) and some castings incorporated into the topdressing sand. With the high cost of fertilizers, this is a great way to save and make your fertilizer go farther, while benefiting your turf’s overall health. |
GOLF COURSE
Improve the health of your tee decks.
Having trouble with your tees being very hard? Use some extra compost tea on them once a month and perhaps a topdressing with castings and watch the soil soften up. Your worst tees may become your best ones by the end of the year! |
FARMING
Increase calcium availability.
Repeatedly, we’ve seen compost tea applications increase the availability of calcium in the soil. The soil biology will actually work on the soil particles and free up calcium within the soil that was otherwise not available. The soil biology can also help prevent nutrients from leaching out in a rain. Use compost tea and reduce the amount of lime or other inputs you need to use. |
GOLF TURF & FARMING
Break down residues.
A main function of soil biology is to break down organic matter. Nutrients and diseases or pests often remain in thatch and other plant residues from one year to the next. Use compost tea to help break down these residues and return their nutrients to the soil. |
FARMING
Increase fertilizer effectiveness.
For some time now, fertilizer salesmen have promised ever increasing yields. In the past this has made sense, but now as input costs rise, increases in yields can come at a price higher than the return. Soil biology helps to hold nutrients and make them available as needed by the plant. Use compost tea to increase the effectiveness of your fertility program. |
TREE CARE
Stimulate tree health.
Do you have stressed trees or trees that succumb to disease easily? Many of the places we plant trees are far from their native habitat. They require the correct soil biology including beneficial fungi around their root system in order to be truly healthy. Often, when a tree’s roots are put right, all kinds of other problems go away. We’ve been seeing excellent results with both deciduous and coniferous trees. |
TRANSPLANTING
Reduce transplanting shock.
Transplanting is a time of particular stress for any plant. Their conditions are new, roots are often stressed, and they are placed in the full force of natures elements. This is one of the best times to inoculate the soil with beneficial soil microbes and give your plants a “taste of home.” Once the biology is there, it will normally multiply as the roots expand.
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