The Use of Compost Tea in the Organic Lawn Care Movement

Organic lawn care is revolutionizing the lawn care industry. Concern for the safety of their children and pets, as well as environmental concern, is increasingly causing people to use organic lawn care practices. Municipal mandates banning the use of toxic chemicals on soccer and baseball fields are forcing municipal managers to use non-toxic, natural fertilizers and soil conditioners on municipal property.

One of the most popular up and coming practices is the use of Compost Tea on lawns, instead of toxic chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. In fact, Harvard University has been using Compost Tea on Harvard Yard (as featured on “This Old House”) instead of chemical fertilizers, and as a result has seen a stupendous increase in the health and quality of their turf.

These soil cores were taken from Harvard’s lawns. Chemically fertilized turf on left; Compost Tea treated on right. Shallow root system on left, deep root system on right: Photo courtesy Harvard University.

Compost Tea – What is it?

Compost Tea is a liquid containing the micro biology that your lawn needs to thrive. That micro biology is extracted from suspended compost in large water drums, while adding oxygen and nutrients to grow huge numbers of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The addition of Compost Tea to your soil improves tillage and soil structure. Compost Tea adds the necessary biology to build soil structure.

Beneficial microorganisms in the ecosystem are negatively impacted by chemical based pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Plant nutrition is increased by Compost Tea making nutrients more available to the root system. Those nutrients are available through microbial interactions at exactly the correct amount, time, and place.

Properly conditioned, your lawn will develop a stronger, deeper root system. As a result, your turf will be more drought and heat resistant, and better able to pull nutrients and oxygen from the soil. This stimulates lateral growth, creating a thicker lawn that is better able to crowd out weeds, and needs less frequent mowing.

Organically maintained lawns:

*Need less water

* Need fewer mowings

* Crowd out weeds

*Have fewer pests

Healthy, organically maintained lawns add up to savings for you, and are safe for your children and pets!

Learn more about Compost Tea. Stop by Carolina Organic Lawns, where you can learn all about Organic Lawn Care and what it can do for your lawn.