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Hosted by Radice Soil Solutions
FREE to attend
To reserve your spot, contact Bridget French-Hall 06 869 3187 / 027 252 6944
A free 4-day workshop on soil health and microscopy to learn about using a microscope to assess soil and biostimulants 16-17 and 23-24 Feb.
Download the ‘Dig deeper soil microscopy’ workshop program flyer (PDF).
Workshop details
16 Feb: Understanding soil and its importance
Introduction to Soil:
Explain the components of soil (minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms). Discuss soil formation processes and factors affecting soil development.
Historical Perspective:
Explore historical practices that led to soil degradation.
Emphasize the importance of sustainable soil management
Soil Functions:
Highlight the diverse roles of soil, including nutrient cycling, water filtration, and supporting plant life. Discuss how soil contributes to ecosystem services. Restoration Principles:
Showcase successful case studies of soil restoration projects.
17 Feb: The soil microcosm - who lives in soil?
Microbial Diversity:
Explore the various microorganisms in soil, focusing on bacteria, fungi, protozoa, amoeba, ciliate, flagellate, and nematodes.
Explain their roles in nutrient cycling and the interconnected soil food web.
Practical Recognition:
Participants learn hands-on activities to identify and recognize soil organisms.
why measure not just numbers but also biomass and diversity.
23 Feb: Microscopy and soil assessment techniques
Introduction to Microscopy:
Provide a basic overview of microscopy and its applications in soil science.
Demonstrate proper microscope usage and care.
Sample Collection and Slide Preparation:
Conduct a practical session on collecting soil samples and preparing slides.
Emphasize techniques to avoid contamination.
Soil Sample Assessment:
Guide participants through assessing soil samples under the microscope.
Encourage discussions on what constitutes a healthy soil sample.
24 Feb: Practical solutions and hands-on activities
Composting Techniques:
Detail three composting methods: static, thermophilic, and worm composting.
Discuss the advantages of each method and their role in soil enrichment.
Compost Extracts and Brews:
Explain the preparation of compost extracts or brews. Highlight their significance in enhancing soil microbial diversity.
Microscopic Analysis in Practice:
Demonstrate how to use a microscope to evaluate the microbial diversity in compost and compost extracts.