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Aurora, IL

I'm planning on building a large compost tea brewer for next season, and have read a lot about tea used as a foliar spray. The consensus is that it provides nutrients quickly and prevents disease. I've found the science to confirm the former, but can't find much to validate the latter. It sounds nice in theory, but I'm not one for magical thinking.

Is this idea any more than anecdotal? If so, can someone point me in the right direction. Many thanks.

12/5/2011 6:17:01 PM

Seattle, WA

Studies show mixed results on disease suppression. If this were my primary goal, I would make a more bacterial tea with and apply 1-2X/week as a preventative. A healthier plant will always be more disease-resistant.

Personally, I think there's more effective ways of combating disease.

ACT is best used in my opinion as a soil drench and foliar combo, with the main benefit being increased nutrient cycling and availability.

12/6/2011 4:26:11 PM