In a Nutshell
Compost extract is made by steeping compost in water, then applying the sieved water (with compost extract) as a soil drench with the intention to increase beneficial soil biota, and increased plant health, Brix and yield. At two farms, compost extract was applied as a drench treatment to head lettuce. Yield and Brix readings of head lettuce was measured to determine impact of compost extract applications.
Key Findings
Drenching soil with compost extract did not affect lettuce yield at either farm. Drenching soil with compost extract did not affect Brix levels in lettuce at Danreis’ farm. Compost price could be cost prohibitive; at high-intensity application, compost cost was $1.25/row-ft.