Presenter: Dr Mary Cole
Saturday: Biological Farming – making thermal aerobic compost and compost tea.
Sunday: Small Microscope Course – looking at biology in soil, compost, and learning how to recognise the various beneficial organisms.
Lunch, morning & afternoon tea provided.
These interactive workshops help participants achieve a basic understanding of the complexity of soil biology, soil organic matter and the roles of bacteria and fungi in soil health.
Participants build a thermal aerobic compost ring that can be made on their own enterprise whether it is part of a hectare or many hectares. This compost is of the quality required for making compost tea.
As an alternative to adding fungal inhibiting chemicals, see why the use of organic additions to the soil can improve soil biology, promote nutrient availability and manage weedy species in the environment after drought or fire. Future proofing against climate change is an important discussion to be had on the day. Concepts of regenerative agriculture will be discussed as will future proofing farms against climate change and the use of primary colonising weedy species as positive soil enhancers and nutritional food sources.
Individual problems are welcomed during the Q & A sessions.
| Saturday: Biological Farming | $275 |
| Sunday: Small Microscope Course | $330 |
| Saturday and Sunday (save $55) | $550 |
Students currently studying can reduce the pricing by $50 per day. A letter from your institution will need to be provided.
2021
May
Saturday, May 1: Biological Farming Workshop
Sunday, May 2: Small Microscope Course
July
Saturday, July 25: Biological Farming Workshop
Sunday, July 26: Small Microscope Course
September
Saturday, September 25: Biological Farming Workshop
Sunday, September 26: Small Microscope Course
November
Saturday, November 27: Biological Farming Workshop
Sunday, November 28: Small Microscope Course
Microscope Suppliers
Microscope suppliers in Australia
For anyone interested in making compost and compost tea, it is important to have a microscope to look at the progress of the composts and compost teas.
Look for a microscope that has adjustable light source and a trinocular head onto which a digital camera can be attached. Having a digital camera attachment is also useful so that pictures can be sent via email for interpretation.
Links below: suppliers that supply a range of microscopes some of which are suitable for the purpose of viewing teas and composts.
www.ausinst.com.au/product-categories/microscopes-cameras
www.agriculturalsolutions.com.au
Local Accommodation
The websites listed provide wonderful accommodation in a rural setting for anyone visiting the Agpath laboratory.
Contact through the websites provided below:
www.peppermintridgefarm.com.au
Bunyip Holiday House “Beyond the Clover”
3 bedrooms – sleeps up to 7 people, minimum 1 night available, fully renovated house; walking distance to shops in Bunyip.
Phone Jeff 0407 163 165