What tea is for
Biology
Inoculate soil or leaf surfaces with bacteria, fungi, protozoa and sometimes nematodes
Soluble food
Wash nutrients out of compost so plants and microbes can use them quickly
After chemistry
Useful when pesticides, fumigants, herbicides or harsh synthetics have thinned beneficial life
Ingredients
Worm castings, compost, manures, blood meal, coffee, plant meals, rock dust and oyster shell all show up in recipes
Keep the brew aerobic
Oxygen
Live tea needs strong airflow. Without it, anaerobic bacteria take over and can make the tea toxic
Temperature
Brew at a steady temperature. Active life can heat the bucket, so watch it
Quality compost
Start with compost that already holds a full soil-food-web mix
Shelf life
Use within 6 to 8 hours for a full living dose. Some microbes linger 12 to 48 hours in smaller numbers
Claimed plant benefits
Surface defense
Beneficial organisms occupy infection sites on leaves and roots
Nutrient hold
Biology keeps more fertilizer in the soil instead of washing it away
Uptake
Microbes can keep stomata open longer while cutting evaporative loss
Water
Better soil structure and water holding reduce how often you must irrigate
Structure
Only a living food web builds soil crumbs. One microbe group is not enough
Manure safety
Dry then compost
Dry animal manure and compost it at least six months before use
Heat
A hot pile kills many pathogens and many weed seeds from grazing animals
Never pet waste
Cat and dog manure can carry human pathogens and stays off edible plants
Raw risk
Poorly finished manure can carry salmonella and other disease