The RhizoPhyllia Soil Food Web Gardening and Growing Workshop

Location:

Sample itinerary

In the Soil Food Web Studio, sharing the latest research we set out the pivotal role bacteria and fungi played in the origin and development of plants. We think you might never look at plants the same way again!

With the use of slides and videos this session introduces the idea of the Soil Serengeti and the way in which soil microorganisms drive plant succession from bare earth to old growth forest. We will explore fungi:bacteria ratios, rhizophagy (love that word!), the ‘poop-loop’ (and that!) and the basics of plant nutrition as served by the microbes. Next, we will introduce the stars of the show – the soil food web functional groups.

Preparation of home samples then a practical session in the kitchen garden considering geology and climate, Broad Spectrum analyses, soil colour, moisture, texture and structure, and smell, all in context to the soil microbes to enable you to consider the true health of your soil. We will also look at the above ground, foliar-related signs of a fully or poorly functioning soil food web. We will consider how to maintain optimal conditions for your microbial helpers and what biological remedial actions you can take when conditions become challenging for them.

Back in the Studio we will take measures of pH and salinity and consider your samples as microbial habitats. Then, hands on with the microscope, we will take a closer look at your samples. Is your soil food web up to scratch? Are you missing a nematode or two? This session will provide you with a basic soil microbial health check.

In this session, based partly in the Studio but mostly in the gardens we will explore the reasons for the breakdown of a soil food web that enable so-called pathogenic microbes and encourage pests. We will look afresh at the role of pathogens and how they seek out the weak and vulnerable plant. We will play a game with pH and it’s forgotten counterpart, the electrical potential of soil (Eh!)

Back in the studio we will prepare a range of shop-bought vegetables and fruits for BRIX testing – this is a measure of the nutrient density of the food you might buy. This session will illustrate how microbes working in harmony with plants deliver the highest nutrient density and in doing so protect plants from pests and diseases.

Please note that refreshments are available throughout the day!

In this introductory session at the Compost Station, we will discuss the need for frequent feeding of your soil food web habitat throughout the year and how this can easily be achieved using plants, composts and extracts.