Cattle stomachs left over from the meat processing industry can be used as a “compost tea” to improve soil health.

A CQUniversity researcher tested a compost tea based on cattle stomachs, including undigested grass, and found that compost extracts will find an expanded role in agriculture, principally for disease control.

“Compost tea reduced root fungal diseases and soil aluminium toxicity and provided plant essential elements, allowing organic hydroponics,” she said.