Join us to learn how living soil works is foundational to understanding regenerative farming. Practices like composting, mulching, reduced-tilling, and cover cropping are meant to protect the life in the soil. But what is the “life in this soil?”
The first two hours of this workshop will cover the basics of what living soil is, starting with descriptions of the various beneficial microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, microarthropods) and how they all work together to create the best possible environment for plants to thrive in. This workshop will also describe several methods for building and maintaining living soil in various growing systems, and discuss the many benefits to using biological approaches to growing.
During the third hour, Robbin along with fellow Soil Food Web colleague Mike Blancke, will assess soil samples from participants who sign up to bring one. Robbin and Mike will use their microscopes to discover which (if any) microorganisms are present in the samples, and provide guidance on how to make improvements, if needed. These assessments will be projected onto screens so all audience members can choose to stay and continue learning.
There will be snacks and refreshments!
Speaker Bio
Robbin Pott is a certified living soil consultant by Dr. Elaine Ingham's Soil Food Web School and is trained to use a microscope to assess soil biology, create biologically-active compost and soil amendments, and to provide guidance on how to cultivate the life in the soil to create the best growing conditions. Robbin created and leads Pott Farms, an educational regenerative hemp farm that hosts paid seasonal internships for young people who have experienced poverty and trauma. Robbin leads our on-farm training and educational activities. The farm sells certified regenerative organic hemp products and provides Living Soil Services to the public to fund the farm’s programing.