Fw: Re: alfalfa tea
- Subject: Fw: Re: alfalfa tea
- From: s*
- Date: Mon, 7 May 2001 08:39:07 -0500
Hi Linda !!! If this is a stupid question, then I'm stupid too!
I believe there are overwhelming reasons for gardening with organics. I
also believe that gardening with organics has been relegated to the status
' Cult ' , because of all the ' Authoritative Folk Lore ' that surround the
practice.
I've tried and tried to get enough science on the Alfalfa issue to proceed
intelligently. All I get back is more lore from the ' Beer & Ammonia '
advocates.
Dr. R.L. Houtz submitted 2 papers ( 1980 & 1984 ) to Michigan State
regarding Triacontanol ( that is the active ingredient in Alfalfa tea ). I
have had no luck in trying to get a copy of these documents. I've even
tracked him to the University of Kentucky, even got his Email (
rhoutz@ca.uky.edu ). No answers, , ,
The best I can offer at this time is some second hand information. Heat
destroys Triacontanol ( how much heat? no one seems to know ). Heat is
used in the manufacture of most Alfalfa products. Dr B Roston did some
experiments using 3 pounds of chopped Alfalfa in 5 gallons of water soaked
for 24 hours, that produced measurable results.
Currently I am using Alfalfa hay ; as a mulch , as a compost, and as a
soil amendment at planting time. Until I learn more, I am using Alfalfa
as an organic fertilizer. The nitrogen content is 2.5%. The phosphorous
content is 0.2 %. The potassium content is 1.7 %. There is other good
stuff in it also!
Brian,,, Bye!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Linda" <falkora@SMIG.NET>
To: <PHOENIX_HOSTA_ROBIN@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 7:33 AM
Subject: Re: alfalfa tea
> I know this is a stupid question, but does "brewing" the tea mean
> actually heating it, or just letting it sit in the sun for a while?
> Linda
>
