Soil, Plant, and Organic Methods PLUS Agro-Ecology Short Course

Description

For Who? This material will be accessible and stimulating for any kind of grower from any background (farming, gardening, landscaping, etc). Although the material may be challenging for the beginner it will be presented with an introductory focus.

What’s Covered?

Class One focuses on the physical and chemical nature of soil, origins of New England soils, and the nature of soil organic matter.

Class Two explores the metabolic function of plants and how soil-acquired mineral nutrition becomes reorganized into plant tissue.

Class Three begins to explain the complex world of soil microbiology and the ecological role they play on our farms, forests and meadows.

Class Four takes all the subjects we discussed in the first three classes and tries to illuminate management strategies for smart growing.

Where Abouts? Class will be offered virtually on Zoom.

What Days and Time? This is a 4 class course. Class will be held from 6pm-8pm March 17th, March 19th, March 24th, and March 26th… Dr. Brambila’s Agro-ecology course will be held from 6-8pm on April 2nd and 7th, also virtually on Zoom.

What’s the Charge?  Current sliding scale is a requested  $50-$ 150.  Please pay what you can afford.  NOFA/RI scholarships are typically available.  Contact John to inquire about scholarships.   None are turned away

Instructor?  Classes are led by Big Train Farm owner/manager John Kenny.  John has over 20 years of experience as an organic farmer as well as an academic background in biology and chemistry.  John approaches this course with a farmer to farmer/gardner focus.  All though the course is science-heavy it will be presented in familiar context and analogy.  For more info on John and the methods of Big Train Farm use this link.

Dr. Alejandro Brambila is a field ecologist and agro-ecologist, originally from California and living and working in Providence, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He will be teaching the short-course in April on Agro-ecology. Agro-ecology is the modeling of farming practices with natural systems. Being informed by natural systems is a way to reduce inputs on the farm, regenerate depleted soil, encourage biodiversity, and save money and labor.

Dr. Brambila will discuss different models of bio mimicry and how to implement them into various kinds of farming systems. Agro-ecology ranges from the elegantly simple to the highly complex and Dr. Brambila will help to simplify and demonstrate these practices using examples from successful farmers.

“The class was fantastic! There are a million theories on best practices of soil care. Each method that John taught was presented with the caveat that each farmer should practice whatever method works for them. He shared what he practiced at his own farm as well as the practices of major figures in the industry. He presents ideas vs. preaching them. Besides the two day course diving very, VERY deep into the chemistry and biology of the soil, John also made it light-hearted and engaging throughout the two days. I left the course with lots of ideas to experiment with on my own land.”

“I found the class to be really informative.  It contextualized much of what I know about soil science and integrated new perspectives as well.  It has certainly changed the way I farm and work in the garden.  My only personal complaint was that the course wasn’t long enough.  I know it’s already a dense weekend, but I could learn about this stuff for days.”