Introduction to Biological Farming - 1 Day Course (November 1st 2010)

News | 11 Oct 2010

Joel will introduce attendees to the fascinating world of soil microbiology and its relevance to todays farming systems. An introduction into the main groups of soil organisms and their interaction within the soil foodweb will be given. The functions of different soil organisms will be discussed along with the importance of understanding their roles in agricultural soils. This will lead into detailed discussions on the principles and production of on-farm composting and compost tea.

Soil Biology

● The function of soil organisms
● Microbial interactions in the soil foodweb
● Ecological succession and the fungal/bacterial ratio
● Nutrient cycling for crop production
● Carbon sequestration
● Disease management

Composting

● Production of quality compost
● Starter ingredients and the carbon/nitrogen ratio
● Compost parameters – moisture, temperature, structure, CO2, O2
● Finished compost – quality indicators
● Microbial action during composting

Compost Tea

● What is compost tea – definitions
● Principles of quality compost tea production
● Compost tea brewer design
● Application and practical considerations

Crop Nutrition

● Soil chemistry
● Plant nutrition
● Beneficial nutrients to optimize crop growth
● In-field monitoring of plant health

Joel Williams graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science specialising in crop and soil sciences. He worked for 5 years as a consultant on conventional and organic farms improving biological farming practices in Australia. He has a keen interest in managing soil microbial balance and plant and soil nutrition to optimize crop production. Joel spent the last 3 years working at Laverstoke Park in Hampshire promoting the soil foodweb laboratory services and investigating the application of compost tea technology under UK conditions. He has a passion for educating growers on sustainable farming practices and has traveled throughout Australia, South Africa, US and Europe speaking at various conferences and seminars.

This course will be held on November 1st 2010 at The Visitor Centre, Ballard Organic Farm (Pat Lalor), Ballard, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.

Places on this course can be reserved with Sean McGloin at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) - cost of the course is Euro 50.  Alternatively send €50 to National Organic Training Skillnet, Hill Road, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim.

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