INTRODUCTION TO THE SOIL FOOD WEB
AND SOIL HEALTH Part 1

October 13th, 2024
Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space

Room 201 

1451 John West Rd, Dallas
1:00 PM -2:00 PM

                                              

Healthy soil requires a healthy microbiome.  Everything we do in our growing situation effects the biology of the soil food web, whether for better or worse. The better our understanding of soil as a vital, living ecosystem, the better equipped we are to make informed soil management decisions. Whether you garden, farm, ranch, grow in containers or in a greenhouse or simply want the most beautiful and pleasant landscape on the block, the soil food web matters to you, your plants, and your soil. 

We will cover the important concepts of bacterial and fungal dominant soils, plant succession, compacted vs. aggregated soil, and nutrient cycling. Then we will move from knowledge to practice as we discuss the soil health principles that guide land stewards to protect, recruit, feed, and house this vital biology.   

There is parking on the east and back sides of the building. Enter the building on the East side through a door under the portico. Go up the stairs and we will be in room 201 on the northeast corner of the building. There are bathrooms and a water bottle fill station upstairs. 

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

Laurie is a passionate gardener who believes everybody should grow something. Always an eager learner, she enjoys diving deep into soil and plant health through microscopy. She is a certified Lab Technician through the Soil Food Web school and continues to work through the consulting training program. Previously, she practiced landscape design and consulting. More recently, she founded Biotic Lens to focus on the increasing demand for soil microscopy education and consulting for microscopy applications for growers, landscapers, composters, soil amendment manufacturers and more who are pursuing a biological approach in their business. She is a certified Master gardener and serves on the board for Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

NOTE: THIS IS WORKSHOP ONE OF A TWO PART SERIES.