| 
Frequently Asked Questions
 |
What is Compost Tea?
“Compost tea is a water extract of compost
that is actually brewed, (it) contains soluble nutrients and a diversity
of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes.”
(E. Ingham) |
How does Highlands Soil & Water define “sustainable?”
Irrigation
Sysytems:
- What are the major causes
of fouling within a drip irrigation system?
- How do you prevent fouling within
a drip system without using chemicals such as chlorine and acid fertilizers?
- How does Aqua Dux work?
- How does Earth Tec * work?
- How often do you inject Aqua Dux?
- How often do you inject Earth Tec?
Soil Health:
- How
do you measure the biological profile of soil?
- What are the goals of the Highlands
Soil Health Program?
- Does Highlands sell products to
manage the soil in an ecological based manner?
Compost Tea:
- How is Highlands Compost tea made?
- Does Highlands make compost?
- What standards are used to evaluate Highlands compost teas?
- Does Highlands Soil & Water assist producers and managers with
establishing ‘on site’ production capability of compost teas?
- How much does Highlands AME cost?
- At what rates is Highlands AME applied to crops and vegetation?
- How does one order compost tea and when is it available?
How does Highlands Soil & Water define “sustainable?”
We
define a “sustainable practice” as one that is economically
viable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable.
top
What are the major causes of fouling within a drip irrigation system?
Precipitates, such as calcium carbonate, iron and manganeseoxides. etc.
and organic biological contaminants such as. algae, bacteria, etc., can
clog drip irrigation systems.
top
How do you prevent fouling within a drip system
without using chemicals such as chlorine and acid fertilizers?
Chemical fouling can be prevented by the use of Aqua Dux line cleaner
injected into the irrigation water between the pump and the filter station.
Biological
fouling can be prevented and/or removed by using Earth Tec (algacide/bacteriacide*)
injected into the irrigation water.
top
How does Aqua Dux work?
The active ingredient of Aqua Dux is the phosphonate molecule HEDP. This
compound has the following properties when used in very low concentrations.
Inhibits mineral precipitation
Complexes metal ions
Distorts normal crystal growth patterns
Stable in high temperatures and extremes in pH
Stable in the presence of chlorine
top
How does Earth Tec * work?
Earth Tec’s
active ingredient is a biologically active form of copper ion (Cu++).
Unlike other copper algicides, the copper in Earth Tec is already fully
dissolved,
and more importantly, the release of its active ingredient is controlled
by biological demand i.e. algae blooms. The copper will not precipitate
out of solution, but will remain fully dissolved, thereby insuring long
term control without over treatment.
top
How often do you inject Aqua Dux?
Aqua Dux is injected continously at parts per million levels throughout
the irrigation season.
top
How often do you inject Earth Tec?
Under normal conditions the drip system is flushed with Earth Tec twice
a season, in June and before the system is shut down for winter.
top
How do you measure the biological profile of soil?
We primarily utilize the soil assays available from the Soil Foodweb,
Inc. for assessing the biological profile of soil.
top
What are the goals of the Highlands Soil Health Program?
The primary goal is to establish, manage and maintain a numerous and
diverse population of soil microorganisms to provide nutrient retention,
nutrient cycling and active competition with soil pathogens within
the rhizosphere.
The long term goal of managing soil with an ecological
model is to maintain
the soil in a structural, chemical and biological manner that is consistent
with the needs of the crop. Our programs continually strive to elevate
the soil foodweb and promote the efficient use of water and fertilizer.
top
Does Highlands sell products to manage the soil in an ecological based
manner?
Yes. Highlands has a complete ‘tool box’ of
products that allow growers to manage their soils. These products range
from compost and compost
teas to soil conditioners, inoculants and nutrients.
top
How is Highlands Compost tea made?
HIGHLANDS ACTIVE MICROBIAL EXTRACT (AME) is produced
in a multi-step process starting with the preparation of the source
compost, then the
extraction of microorganisms from that compost and lastly the growth
of the microorganisms in a nutrient media. The complete process is
carried out in aerobic conditions and under a strict quality control
regime.
top
Does Highlands make compost?
No. Highlands selects specific composts
and “designs” blends based on soil requirements and customer
needs. Our source compost is maintained aerobically at high levels
of microbial activity.
top
What standards are used to evaluate Highlands compost teas?
We employ the standards established by the Soil FoodWeb,
Inc. and/or the BBC Laboratory.
top
Does Highlands Soil & Water assist producers and managers with
establishing ‘on site’ production capability of compost teas?
Yes.
Highlands is an authorized dealer for the EPM Earth Tea Brwers. We offer
equipment, materials and consulting services to companies and agencies
that desire to establish tea manufacturing capabilities.
top
How much does Highlands AME cost?
Highlands AME is sold at our facility in Monterey County for $5.00 per
gallon.
top
At what rates is Highlands AME applied to crops and vegetation?
Specific rates and application schedules depend on the crops being treated
and the condition and type of the soil. But, in general, Soil drench applications
are made at 7-8 gallons per acre with maintenance and foliar sprays made
at 2-3 gallons per acre.
top
How does one order compost tea and when is it available?
Highlands AME (compost tea) can be ordered
by fax or phone from our facility in Monterey County, CA. It is available
at 48 hours notice. All teas are maintained fresh and active. Very often, inventories on site make it possible to
serve customers on a shorter notice.
top
|
