https://vimeo.com/936378724/4f547ebd1f?share=copy

Gerhard Grasser, Agrisolutions, joins Helen and Hugo in this important discussion sharing his practical insights regarding composting. Gerhard was instrumental in bringing Dr. Elaine Ingham to Australia in the 2000’s several times. He subsequently trained with Elaine and mastered the fine art of thermal composting. Becoming absorbed with knowing whether his compost was indeed balanced then required using a microscope.
Use Natural Resources for Healthy Soils.
This webinar highlights the importance and benefits of using natural and biological resources for building healthy soil ecology and increased nutrients. As well as making composts and compost teas, Helen suggests the use of seaweed and fish fertilizers and mineral additives, and emphasizes the value of using diverse, native microbes for optimal soil health. Gerhard further elaborates on the process of composting as a living organism, requiring specific proportions of carbon, nitrogen, water, and oxygen, and the necessity of turning the compost for efficient breakdown. Both agree on the significance of working with nature’s resources for environmental harmony and encouraged others to experiment and find what suits them best.
Composting Benefits  Gerhard discusses the benefits and processes of composting, emphasizing its significance as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to importing materials. He highlights the importance of achieving the correct balance between carbon, water, nitrogen and oxygen in the compost pile and explains that various organic materials, including coffee grounds and weeds, could be used. He also underscores the necessity of maintaining the compost pile’s air and moisture levels for successful composting and notes that animal manure can produce high-quality compost.
Organic Material Pasteurization and Composting Techniques
Gerhard highlights the importance of proper pasteurization and composting techniques for organic material, and of the beneficial role of coffee grounds, sawdust, and stinging nettles in the process.
Helen adds that the value of stinging nettles are a rich source of minerals and vitamins, and mentioned other potential additives which can be used. A list was not included in the PPT but is available See attachment Gerhard emphasizes the need to utilize available materials for this process, despite potential challenges.
TIP: Chop long, stringy materials to allow for easier turning and decomposition.
Worm Composts and Teas For worm farming, Gerhard points out that worms are top feeders and suggests providing a constant supply of food. TIP: When making teas, he also cautions against using chlorinated water for brewing and advises on methods to remove chlorine.
Helen recommends the use of a neverfill vermicompost bin Note: There are previous compost webinar replays available on the topic on the Soil Learning Center website
Compost Tea Process and Equipment
Participants discuss the process of making compost tea. Michael, who was new to the process, asks about extracting microorganisms from the compost, and Gerhard explains that it could be done by running water through a bag of compost, allowing the microorganisms to be filtered into the water. He emphasizes the importance of not damaging the live organisms through mechanical pressure and the need for proper equipment. Helen offered to share a list of suitable equipment and resources for making compost tea. See attachment
TIP: Avoid anti-fungal materials in the composting process.

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