Compost Teas for Enhanced Nutrient Cycling: Progress Report

This BIOAg progress report documents initial efforts to evaluate compost teas as a strategy to enhance nutrient cycling and residue breakdown in cropping systems. The project aims to characterize farm-brewed and lab-brewed compost teas to better understand their chemical and microbial properties and their potential effects on soil nutrient availability and residue decomposition. During this reporting period, compost tea sampling kits were developed and distributed to cooperating producers, and a questionnaire and survey were created to document grower practices and observations. Initial producer outreach yielded completed questionnaires and one in-depth interview. The team also submitted the survey instrument to the WSU Institutional Review Board for exemption review. Outreach included a WSU Farmers Network Soil Health Coffee Hour to share project goals and background research. Laboratory testing of compost teas is planned to support future on-farm trials.