Date: Wednesday 16th August 2023 - 9:30am-4pm

Ruby Bay, Nelson

This is a practical foodweb workshop to supply the participants with the skills to conduct qualitative assessments on their compost teas or compost inoculum.

It includes training on how to use your small microscope and recognition of the following groups of organisms: bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes.

Attendees are supplied with a manual describing in detail the workings of their microscope, colour prints of microbes and qualitative assessment template/sheets.

This day course is primarily aimed at first time users; farmers making their own compost inoculums or teas, and input suppliers producing inoculum on a commercial scale.

The foodweb workshop training is a hands on exprience therefore each student must supply their own microscope with the following specifications: minimum 3 objectives (4x, 10x, 40x magnification) A Binocular is recommended. Two 10x eyepieces. Light source and adjustable light condenser. Fine and course focus ability. Fully mechanical stage. Some microscopes interface with computer and/or cameras. These microscopes are easily obtainable in NZ and range in cost from $750.00 onwards.

Course cost $350 plus GST

Date: 22nd April 2023

This one day practical workshop will define what good compost is, identify the benefits of compost and how to obtain those benefits and will get you started making good quality compost using several different methods in small quantities for the home gardner to larger scale composting.

Good quality composting does two things;

1. Adds FOOD for nearly every kind of organism needed by a healthy soil

2. Adds an enormous diversity of Organisms - bacteria, fungi, protozoa nematodes and earthworms.

You will be introduced to the Soil Foodweb concept and gain an understanding of the different requirements of your vege garden, garden plants, vines, crops and tree crops.

We will create a Johnson Su compost which requires minimal space in your section using home garden waste products along with a Thermal compost pile.

Be prepared to roll up your sleeves for a hands on experience. You will recieve notes to take home to create a system that suits you.

Full day workshop $100 plus GST