Compost Teas: 24 hour, EM, IM, BD & fermented plant extracts

["Kevin Chambers" <kevin AT ovs.com>]

Equisetum arvense is the basis of BD prep 508.  The tea is prepared in two manners: one is simply steeped and the other is fermented.  I’ve only applied the fermented version.  The biodynamists I’ve spoken with focus on the silica content of equisetum as the fungal protective mechanism.  They refer to the increased “light” that 508 brings to the above ground part of plants.  But remember, here (on this list) we’re trying to describe processes primarily based upon the physical sciences of chemistry, biology and physics.  Yet biodynamics is all about “subtle forces,” they call their work “spiritual science.” Their description of the efficacy of Equisetum arvense would revolve around the astrality force. 

 

With this post I’m not being pejorative.  In fact, I place a good deal of credibility in biodynamic principles.  But I’m trying to point out that we’re trying to define the use of biodynamic techniques without playing in the same paradigm.  If you will, we’re not using the right language.  What’s more, I think the use of Equisetum arvense in CT might be misdirected because of our failure to understand its biodynamic purpose.  We’re trying to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi in CT.  In biodynamics, Equisetum arvense is being used as a fungicide OR, more appropriately, as a material to enhance plants resistance to fungal infection. 

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: compostteas-admin AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:compostteas-admin AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Scott Alexander
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 4:59 AM
To:
Subject: Re: [Compostteas] Equisetum

 

I found the Biodynamic notes that refer to equisetum. it is high in silica and when made into a tea, can be used as a fungicide against black spot in roses and botrytis in strawberries. The writer says Australians can use a sheoak (Casaurina stricta) if you can't find horsetail so the next time I make a CT I'll prepare the other tea in another container and add it to the spray tank just before application.

Scott

----- Original Message -----

From: Lmvine1 AT cs.com

To: daylily AT bigpond.com ; compostteas AT lists.ibiblio.org

Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 3:41 AM

Subject: Re: [Compostteas] Equisetum

 

In a message dated 5/21/02 8:03:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, daylily AT bigpond.com writes:

do we have any tests that show that equisetum
tea actually promotes beneficial fungal growth in a tea or is this
still speculation at this point?

Elaine mentioned it in Chattanooga and stated the following in an e-mail:

"Horsetail is high in K, and N, so supplies those nutrients.  When green, horsetail is a bacterial food more than fungal, but when dried and stalky, it is more fungal.

OK?  Elaine"

I haven't had any CT w/horsetail tested but have made some with dried version and smell  is different, even more pleasant.
Plan to get some tested in future.

Dan Lynch
Long Mountain Vineyard