Proposal Narrative: Grounds Maintenance – Compost Tea Brewer
1. Sustainability Outcomes

Improved overall plant health, growth, root health, color and disease resistance.

Reduced spraying of pesticides (primarily insecticides and fungicides) and liquid fertilizers

Harvard College did a similar project, with the results summarized at:
http://www.uos.harvard.edu/fmo/landscape/organiclandscaping/soil_presentation.shtml
2. Scale/Scope of the Project
The purchase of a commercial compost tea brewer, appropriate compost “starter” and a
dedicated sprayer is the extent of the project. Operation and maintenance of the brewer and
application of the product would be within the normal operating budget of Grounds
Maintenance.
3. Timeline
The project would commence in the spring of 2011 with the purchase of a commercial compost
tea brewer and appropriate compost “starter”.
4. Learning Outcomes
Goals are to improve grounds sustainability by reducing pesticides while improving the beauty
of campus. Improved root structure can be measured, plant health with less pests can be
measured but some outcomes would be difficult to measure yet can be observed.
5. Visibility/Awareness and Learning Opportunities of the Project
This will provide opportunities for student research, awareness of organic based methods for
Grounds Management, growing foods and the synergy between soil organisms, plants and
animals. Biology, Foodlums and other classes interested in ecology can utilize this information
for classroom and experiential learning programs. CVTC students would be interested is this
process and outcomes.
6. Outreach
Actively aerated compost tea can be used by Biology for greenhouse plants, microbe plant and
soil health research, Foodlums garden, CVTC and possibly partnership with the City of Eau Claire
Community Garden program.
Can the project be combined with a local area business or organization? Do opportunities for
sponsorship or partnership exist?
7. Data Collection
Over several years of experience, brewing methods, application methods and rates may change to
adapt to new research information and empirical evidence and observation. Additional
improvement may come from information and experience learned from other campuses.
Project Budget : Grounds Maintenance – Compost Tea Brewer
Please upload a project budget and narrative that clearly explains all line items associated with
the project. Line items may include: