ABSTRACT
Vermicompost aqueous solutions-commonly referred to as vermicompost “teas”—can be de¤ned simply as water extracts of solid vermicomposts from which microorganisms, soluble nutrients, and plant-bene¤cial substances are converted
CONTENTS
I Introduction .................................................................................................. 153 II Basic Tea-Production Concepts .................................................................... 154
A Vermicompost Sources .......................................................................... 154 B Aeration and Agitation/Stirring ............................................................. 155 C Supplemental Nutrients (Additives) ....................................................... 156 D Duration of the Extraction and Brewing Process .................................. 156 E Water Quality and Temperature ............................................................. 157
III Tea-Production Systems ............................................................................... 157 A Passive Steep .......................................................................................... 157 B Mechanical Systems .............................................................................. 158
IV Vermicompost Tea Bene¤ts and Application Methods ................................ 160 V Compost Tea, Vermicompost Tea, and the National Organic
Program (NOP) ............................................................................ 161 VI Conclusions ................................................................................................... 161
A Recommendations of the Compost Tea Task Force ............................... 161 B Vermicomposting ................................................................................... 163 C Composting ............................................................................................ 163
References .............................................................................................................. 163
into a liquid form. Vermicompost tea can be used in a wide range of horticultural and agricultural systems to elicit plant growth and pest-and disease-management responses through a variety of mechanisms. One of the unique features of vermicompost tea is that, unlike its solid counterpart, it can be applied directly to plant foliage. It is also used as a soil drench and has been shown to be effective in relatively small quantities (see Chapters 13, 14, and 15).
