Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Compost and SoilSoup? (Compost Tea)

Compost is solid bulk material from: Leaves, grass clippings, manure, food waste, etc. that has been broken down by micro-organisms. The result is a material that looks like rich healthy soil full of beneficial microbes and nutrients. In general, incorporating compost into soil is the most important step when improving soil structure. Soil with adequate compost mixed in will have better water absorption, retention and drainage, improved soil structure, a steady supply of plant nutrients and a more balanced soil pH.

Soilsoup is made from 100% organic compost. The main difference between Soilsoup and solid compost is twofold:

1. The total amount of the aerobic bacteria. During the brewing process of SoilSoup we increase the beneficial microbes by an average of 15,000 times from the number of microbes in our inoculant. A huge increase in microbial population.

2. The beneficial microbes in Soilsoup become metabolically active. During the brewing process the microbes go from a dormant state to a metabolically active state, ready to start converting organic nutrients.

So, the benefit from Soilsoup is similar to using compost, but with more rapid and substantial results. Soilsoup is also in a liquid form which makes it very easy to use. To treat your garden with SoilSoup will take 10-15 minutes.

What is the NPK rating for SoilSoup?

It is not possible to rate SoilSoup in terms of NPK. The traditional NPK rating system describes the solubility of a synthetic fertilizer. Synthetic nutrients are readily available to the plant roots for absorption. However, the plant might not be in a need for that particular nutrient at the time. As synthetic nutrients do not retain in the soil very long, they might not be available when needed due to heavy watering or rainfall.

The demand for nutrients varies throughout the plantís growing cycle. Sunlight, heat, available water and oxygen will affect a plants immediate need for nutrients. When soil microbes are introduced into the soil, they seek out the organic nutrients and convert them for the plants. These digested nutrients retain in the soil, so they are readily available for the plants when needed. They do not wash away with each watering or rainfall. So, in terms of aNPKrating, the more soil microbes present in the soil, the more available nutrients for the plants! Soilsoup provides an abundance of beneficial soil microbes. In a teaspoon of SoilSoup you will find billions of beneficial microbes!

How long do the Microbes live in the soil?

The can live for hours, days and months. It depends on the particular microbe in question. Some microbes are food for other usually larger microbes, while others compete for food and space with pathogens. The key is the wide diversity of microbes in SoilSoup. With a wide diversity of microbes, some will adhere to foliage and some will penetrate deep down towards the root zone. All providing their specific function in the soil web. In a handful of healthy soil there could be over 100,000 different species of microbes.

When do I use SoilSoup?

Nutrient deficiency. If your soil has become virtually sterile from years of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, your plants will welcome SoilSoup with open arms. The microbes in SoilSoup will not only treat a specific nutrient deficiency, they will make sure a full spectrum of nutrients become available to the plants. It is impressive to read all the testimonials we have received from gardeners being successful in resurrecting or saving a sick plant or tree by using SoilSoup.

Foliar disease. Some of the foliar diseases that SoilSoup has proven to be effective against are: black spot, white powdery mildew and camellia blight. In this case, Soilsoup need to be sprayed directly onto the foliage, both top and bottom. After applying SoilSoup to an affected leaf, the beneficial microbes start to compete with the pathogen for nutrients and space. They start consuming the nutrients on the leaf surface, taking away the food source for the pathogen. However, they will not hurt the plant!

Compacted soil and water retention. After treating the soil with SoilSoup, the beneficial microbes will penetrate as deep as oxygen is available in the soil. In compacted or clay soil, they will initially not survive far from the surface. However, as the liquid SoilSoup is being absorbed into the soil, the microbes start to create space around themselves. They like to occupy a space that is larger than themselves. After each treatment, the microbes continue to break up the compacted soil and penetrate deeper an deeper. After a season of using SoilSoup, you will be amazed how far you will be able to push your garden shovel into the soil with ease.

In addition, the microbes produce a mucus like substance called glomalin. Glomalin, a fungal protein, binds soil particles together, creating stronger structural stability called aggregates, which allows the soil to retain more moisture rather than letting it run off into the ground water. Some studies suggest that tillage tends to lower glomalin levels. Itís been found that soil from no-till corn plots had more glomalin and higher aggregate stability than soil from tilled plots.

Lawn and turf. Many lawns are laid on top of sand, with little or no organic matter under them. After a few years, these lawns fall into decline, unless they are boosted regularly with a chemical fertilizers. Instead, of chemicals every 4-6 weeks, consider SoilSoup 4 times a year. SoilSoup will start by decomposing the thatch in the lawn, breaking it down into plant nutrients. Then, the soil microbes start to aerate the lawn naturally, increasing the water retention and keeping the water bill down.

Is it possible to use too much SoilSoup?

No! The inoculant we use to brew SoilSoup is a 100% Organic Worm Castings. In other words, the best, most refined compost material available. In the brewing process we stimulate the aerobic bacteria from the worm castings and multiply them. There are some organic nutrients in SoilSoup, but the amount is limited.

Is it recommended to use full strength, or can you dilute it?

The recommended dilution ratio is anywhere from 100% Soilsoup to 33% Soilsoup. Dilute with water and use right away. The main question is: Are you re-building soil structure from using chemical fertilizers, or are you maintaining an organically grown garden. If you are re-building, use a higher concentration more frequently. Probably twice a month, with 100% to 50% concentration. If you are maintaining, you can dilute up to 10 parts water - 1 part Soilsoup, and still see good results. Remember, the healthier the soil, the healthier the plants will be!

How long does it take to brew SoilSoup?

The initial brew time in the new Tower is 48 hours. The standard brew time for aerobic compost teas are normally suggested at 24 - 36 hours. The brew time is very temperature sensitive. The cooler the liquid, the longer it will take to reach a fully brewed solution. We believe that a slightly longer brew time will enhance the final microbial concentration.