Arboricultural use of aerobic compost teas (ACT) is rapidly increasing. ACT's are suggested for restoring degraded urban soils by increasing nutrient retention and mineralization, building soil structure and decreasing compaction, increasing aeration and water-holding capacity, increasing tree rooting depth and decreasing water use, detoxifying soil and water, and suppressing disease. Unfortunately, the knowledge base for ACT preparation and application is based solely in practice, and data from replicated, controlled scientific research on the impacts of ACT on trees, soil, and environment is scarce. The results of these experiments will contribute knowledge towards identifying an appropriate ACT application rate for improving tree health and soil quality. Data is currently being collected and analyzed from these projects. Preliminary data on this research was presented at the 2010 International Society of Arboriculture meeting in Chicago, IL. Final results will be submitted for publication in the journal Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. This research is funded in part by a TREE Fund Hyland R. Johns Grant.

ACT - Arboriculture and Compost Tea (2009-2012)

Aerated compost tea brewer (left), microbial ACT assay (top-middle), applying treatments on ACT nursery plot (top-right), collecting leachates on ACT microcosms (bottom middle), and extracting gas samples for nitrous oxide efflux on ACT laboratory assay (bottom-right).