Dr. Elaine Ingham is the chief research scientist for the Rodale Institute and is the foremost expert on soil microlife. Her work is revolutionizing agriculture and land management.
This intensive course is for farmers, landscapers, ranchers, creators and distributors of agricultural products, waste management professionals, soil and garden enthusiasts of all types, and anyone who touches the earth. Simply put, this information needs to be central to any sustainable agriculture or land management.
- Understand Soil Microlife
- Increase production through top soil health
- Revolutionize your management of soil
- Enlist fungi to mine rocks for Phosphorus (for real)
- Eliminate the need for nitrogen fertilizers
- Make biologically powerful compost and compost tea
Feb 6 +7: Soil Foodweb Foundations ~ $270
Feb 8: Compost Intensive ~ $140
Feb 9: Compost Tea Intensive ~ $140
Feb 10: Light Microscope ~ $160
Each day 9am - 6pm.
Organic vegetarian lunch, snacks, and chai included.
Daily BART pickups are available.
Day 1 & 2: Intro. to the Soil Foodweb – Dr. Elaine Ingham uncovers the basic principles of the Soil Foodweb, plant relationships, and bacterial to fungi ratios in this in-depth two day primer. Not only will you gain a fundamental understanding of the way soil biology drives plant nutrition, you will learn how modern agriculture selects for disease and pests. A must for anyone wanting a complete understanding of soil health and healthy plants.
Day 3: Compost Technology - Not all compost is created equal. There is a big difference between good compost and reduced waste. One of the biggest mistakes people make when building a compost pile is not selecting the different Carbon:Nitrogen ratios for the plants they’re growing. Learn how to select the proper ratios and composting strategies that will get the right biology based on different types of plants needs.
Day 4: Compost Tea Technology – We cover the processes that will maximize biological diversity to get the most bang for your buck. Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) and Liquid Compost Extract (LCE) are the most efficient methods for bringing back micobe diversity. This allows you to eliminate inorganic fertilizers and herbicides which decrease diversity and degrade soil health.
Day 5: Light Microscope Training – Dr. Elaine Ignham leads this very special day of training on effective light microscope techniques and identification. Learn from the master herself about what constituents good compost and compost tea on a microscopic level. This part of the class is essential for anyone who wishes to gain “eyes on” knowledge of the soil universe and what really goes on under our feet. Get the necessary training to identify the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes that drive the health and well being of our plants. Students are encouraged to bring their own microscope. Microscopes will also be available for a group discount at the workshop.
