Seminar and Workshop on Soil Fertility - December 4th 2009

Event | 23 Nov 2009

A seminar and workshop on soil fertility will take place at Ballard Organic Farm on Friday December 4th 2009. This event is being run jointly by Laverstoke Park Laboratories, Hampshire, UK and Ballard Organic Farm, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.  Publication of the event is sponsored by Organic Trust Ltd

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The aim of this one day seminar is to increase the knowledge of organic farmers regarding soil fertility, with particular reference to the biology of the soil. Soil research in Ireland over the past 50 years has concentrated mainly on soil ‘chemistry’ with soil ‘biology’ seldom being examined. As a result, the role of soil organisms in building and maintaining soil fertility is -  in general - poorly understood, appreciated or applied in Irish agriculture.

As organic farmers, the biology of the soil is at least as important as the chemistry and physics of the soil. Our challenge is to feed the soil and allow the soil to feed and protect the plants so that the food we produce and eat and sell to others, is health-giving and tasty.

The first step in this process is to increase our knowledge of the vital role played by ‘soil organisms’ in the release of soil nutrients. This practical seminar is an ideal starting point.

We are very fortunate to have secured for the first time in Ireland, the services of two members of the laboratory staff at Laverstoke Park Farm in the UK - for further information visit,  http://www.laverstokepark.co.uk

*  Joel Williams is an agronomist who will give an introduction to Soil Biology and the use of Compost and Compost Teas in Sustainable Agriculture.

*  Dr. Vinodh Krishnamurthy is a microbiologist whose presentation will focus on understanding the laboratory soil analysis report, with regard to the interconnection between soil biology and soil chemistry, which leads to increased soil fertility.

Attendees will have the opportunity to examine different soil and compost types and to discuss the laboratory analysis of these samples which were taken at Ballard Organic Farm.

As places are limited, this important seminar is confined to individuals who are already certified organic farmers. Participation is strictly on a first come first served basis. The fee for the seminar which is to cover the expenses in obtaining the services of the Laverstoke Park Laboratories, has been kept to 50 euro per person.

Those who wish to attend the seminar are required to complete the attached application form - soil_fertility_application_form.  The completed application form, together with the seminar fee, should be posted to the address below, so as to arrive not later than Tuesday December 1st 2009

Pat Lalor
Ballard Organic Farm
Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.ballardorganicfarm.ie
087 2557679