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Ted Browne’s Compost is produced using crab and prawn waste derived from its fish processing plant, and tree bark which is a by product of wood production.
The compost is certified organic by the Organic Trust and has received ISO 9001 accreditation.
The shellfish waste is mixed with tree bark and is continually aerated to facilitate the composting process during its maturing cycle. This maturing period insures that once the compost is put into use, maximum benefits are realized.
Ted Browne’s Compost has been in use for over five years in five countries of varying climates; Ireland, England, Germany, Greece and the south of France. The customer base has grown year on year, while existing customers continue to use the compost with consistent results.
What is Chitin?
Chitin is main component of the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of anthropoids such as crustaceans (e.g. crab & prawns) and insects.
In agriculture, chitin contributes to the retention of nutrients in the soil. It can control plant pathogens and pathogenic nematodes, and provoke the development of host plant resistant’s against these pathogens.
Addition on chitin to the soil results in the build up of a population of bacteria which produce the enzyme chitinase. This enzyme then breaks down the chitin glue which holds the outer layer of nematode larvae together.
In the U.S.A. chitin has been registered as a bio-pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Use in Horticulture
This compost is an idea soil conditioner that can also be used as a slow-release organic fertiliser because of its NPK content. Dilution with soil or peat (1 part compost to 8 parts soil or peat) is necessary if it is used to prepare seed and potting composts.
Use as a Natural Bio-Pesticide
In addition to its soil improvement features, this special compost can successfully control a variety of plant diseases arising from fungal activity in both amenity and commercial horticulture.
It is also highly effective in the control of plant parasites such as nematodes due to its high chitin and chitinase content (crustacean shells contain 10-15% chitin). |
