Soil Foodweb soil biology workshops

**"Betsy Johnson" b*@bgjohnson.com**

	Sustainable Studies Institute
	728 Wake Robin Avenue
	Corvallis, Oregon 97333 

          There is an increasing interest in biological farming, grounds
keeping, and gardening locally, nationally, and internationally. Soil
Foodweb principles are being introduced at all levels and in  diverse areas
such as Australia where, " Producers are looking for alternatives to
fertilizers and increasing the viability of  their enterprises."( Annette
Taylor, administrator Best wool/Best Lamb program, Victoria, Aus.) These
principles can be used with healthy soils and, especially, with degraded
soils. "Having a biologically degraded soil is not an irreversible process
and a good quality compost will restore the soil biology that has been
damaged by years of chemical use which in turn provides substantial savings
from not having to reapply fertilizers."(Dr. Elaine Ingham) These principles
of soil management can be used by a variety of commercial growers /farmers.
They can also be used by landscape professionals, home gardeners, nurseries,
and in hydroponics applications.
	The focus of the upcoming event is the implementation of programs
for growers which would reduce pesticide use by 99%, reduce inorganic
fertilizer inputs by more than 50%, reduce water use by 25%-70%, and
increase root depth, root surface, and tilth. For those unfamiliar with Soil
Foodweb principles these outcomes are achieved by having a balanced and
diverse foodweb which includes beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria,
fungi, nematodes, and protozoa. This can be achieved by applying high
quality composts and/or compost teas. The microorganisms then provide a
range of valuable functions including disease suppression, nutrient cycling
and retention, residue decomposition, and improved structure.
	Sustainable Studies Institute in cooperation with Soil Foodweb, Inc.
will be conducting workshops on Aug. 21st-26th on the Principles of the Soil
Foodweb as developed by Dr. Elaine Ingham incorporating soil microbiology,
soil ecology, chemistry, and agriculture. The classes will be taught by
Elaine Ingham, PhD and Joseph Whaley, BS, MED. Classes on August 21st-23rd
will cover the Introduction to Soil Biology. The class on Aug. 24th  covers
Compost Technology. The class on Aug. 25th covers Compost Teas.  Light
Microscope Techniques on Aug. 26th will teach people to do assessment on
their own, although a microscope ($600.00-$1500.00) is needed to take the
class. Participants may register for individual classes, or for the complete
workshop.

For information and registration forms go to www.soilfoodweb.com; or contact
Sustainable Studies at: 

	      Sustainable Studies Institute
                  728 SW Wake Robin Ave
                  Corvallis, OR 97333-2614
                  (541)257-2614

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