Use of Compost Tea for Organic Apple Production
This 2003 project developed compost tea formulations and spray protocol for application to conventional apple production that was transitioning to organic. Record-breaking rainfall and delays in getting the program started resulted in very high levels of scab early in the season. Although compost tea did seem to reduce disease pressure early in the season, it did not provide the control that was hoped for. Results emphasized the need for more preventative cultural practices as well as fine-tuning of spray timing. Many advances in compost tea technology have occurred since these early trials (see Netherton Vineyards 2004 project)
