Be careful to tie up all the manure N by adding enough plant material, or plants may be burned. Enough N needs to be present to start decomposition, but not encourage bacterial growth. Time is needed to reach the N-release stage before putting this material on plants, or planting into such material. At first, the fungi growing on organic matter high in carbon take up N from the soil, which can stress plant growth. Many of these products are being tested and a list will likely be made available in May 1998.
Compost tea is mainly bacterial, unless rock dust or kelp is added.
When and how to add fungal or bacterial food Both should be placed on the surface of the soil, although if greater bacterial activity is desired, mix lightly into the top few inches of soil. Realize that many soil organisms will be killed by plowing and compacting, and soil structure is destroyed. A mineral crust may then develop, decreasing water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and root penetration. The benefit from mixing food into the soil and growing a burst of bacterial biomass may not off-set all the detrimental results of the tillage. If the original plant material remains identifiable, some part of the foodweb is lacking and needs to be added.