permaculture

[Allan Balliett <igg@igg.com>]

Why not compost tea for the fungal problems, Elijah? It think it is 
touted as being very effective for that. More info at 
http://www.soilfoodweb.com

In biodynamics we use BD501, which is known as Horn Quartz. It is far 
from being simply 'silica.' Moreover, it is used as part of a system 
and probably would have some downsides if the appropriate groundwork 
was not done before it was sprayed. (Can also raise hell with 
seedlings, transplants, and cuttings.)

-Allan

> Hoping to get a usefully rollicking discussion going here...
>
>  I'm sorta working with a nursery in the area (Hawaii) that is 
> staffed by a pretty traditional crowd but is owned and run by a guy 
> who's willing to try new things.  So far, I'm turning the cuttings, 
> etc into compost, trying to phase out vermiculite for the (locally 
> available) cinder, brewing compost tea, etc.
>
> I've heard, mostly through anecdotes and biodynamics texts, that 
> silica is an effective remedy for mildew & fungus diseases. 
> Currently, the nursery is using some sorta biocide spray for this 
> (we're on the wet side of the island).  When the ironwood discussion 
> came up, Robyn posted a quick and simply ironwood tea recipe for 
> fungal spray.  This would be cool, cheap, local, etc but I need some 
> sorta reference to back up these claims.  Does anyone know of any 
> studies, reports, books, etc to that effect?
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated! 
>
>  Thanks,
>    Elijah