Making Compost Extract for Commercial Farming

Ryan Gibbs, Hopkinton, Iowa, no-tiller and owner of Gibbsfield Ag, shows how he makes compost extract for production agriculture fields. He says the extract, made by washing dry compost, applied as a liquid in furrow is the equivalent of using a few thousand pounds of dry compost per acre.
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[@industrialathlete6096]

The Johnson-SU compost method is designed to produce a fungal dominant compost. It is a 'cold' process as opposed to a bacterially dominant compost that is primarily a 'hot' process. The Johnson-Su process highlights aerating a static pile. Hot composting requires repeated turning of the pile. My limited understanding of the Johnson-Su process is that it appears to produce a compost(and/or extract) that is more beneficial in rebuilding soil 'health'. Granted, hot composting extract or compost 'tea' is beneficial in returning some lost nutrients to the soil profile as well! On balance, my brief observation of the different composting methods points to a better return using a compost method that increases/maintains the microbial flora in the soil. ie: Johnson-Su

[@barryyoung1711]

Where can I buy an extractor like that?

[@sethwiggington4558]

What is your application rate per acre? How many pounds of compost are used to make enough extract to fill up a IBC Tote..

[@charlesstenlake5277]

Does it spray pump damage the organisms? Also what type of filter do you use to keep the spray nozzles clean.

[@NoTillFarmer]

Ryan uses a 30 mesh screen on the sprayer with XtendiMax high-volume tips. He says the compost extract does settle and needs to be agitated. The spray pump doesn't appear to damage the organisms because Ryan says he's seeing positive results from foliar applying the extract onto his crops. He goes in-depth about the extract process, application and benefits in this 2-part podcast episode if you're interested in learning more about it: www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/12755-podcast-rebuilding-no-till-soils-microbiome-with-compost-extract-part-1

[@sethwiggington4558]

Propeller pumps hurt micro organisms. Chop up fungal stands . A diaphragm pump is the preferred pump.

[@rileyq2704]

What bacterial:fungi ratios are you looking for / what Bacterial to Fungi ratios are you looking for?

[@NoTillFarmer]

In an extended interview with Ryan, he said he aims for more than a 1:1 fungi to bacteria ratio so the extract is fungal dominant. He talks more about the ratios in this podcast episode: www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/12755-podcast-rebuilding-no-till-soils-microbiome-with-compost-extract-part-1