Presenter: Dr Mary Cole

Saturday: Biological Farming – making thermal aerobic compost and compost tea.

Sunday: Small Microscope Course – looking at biology in soil, compost, and learning how to recognise the various beneficial organisms.

Lunch, morning & afternoon tea provided.

These interactive workshops help participants achieve a basic understanding of the complexity of soil biology, soil organic matter and the roles of bacteria and fungi in soil health.

Participants build a thermal aerobic compost ring that can be made on their own enterprise whether it is part of a hectare or many hectares. This compost is of the quality required for making compost tea.

As an alternative to adding fungal inhibiting chemicals, see why the use of organic additions to the soil can improve soil biology, promote nutrient availability and manage weedy species in the environment after drought or fire. Future proofing against climate change is an important discussion to be had on the day. Concepts of regenerative agriculture will be discussed as will future proofing farms against climate change and the use of primary colonising weedy species as positive soil enhancers and nutritional food sources.

Individual problems are welcomed during the Q & A sessions.

Students currently studying can reduce the pricing by $50 per day. A letter from your institution will need to be provided.

A $50 non-refundable booking fee applies to any cancellations of up to 7 days prior to commencement of the course, otherwise full fees apply.

Additional Information

• If you have special dietary requirements please respond to your confirmation e-mail.
• Microscopes are provided for the workshop. However, if you have your own microscope and want to learn how to use it correctly, please bring it along.
• While making compost, clothes and boots may get wet and dirty. Please make sure you wear suitable attire.
• Each day is long. Starting at 8am and running until 5pm.

COVID-19 Information

• Attendees will be required to show proof of at least two vaccinations.
• Visitors to Agpath are required to check-in using the Services Victoria app, or manually record their details in the register.
• Social distancing must be considered.
• Masks must be worn at all times in confined spaces.
• Registrations will be refunded if these requirements cannot be met.

Online Registration

2024

November

Saturday, November 2: Biological Farming Workshop

Sunday, November 3: Small Microscope Course

Microscope Servicing

EduSupplies

Warren Skinner

Unit 3, 800-812 Old Illawarra Road, Menai, NSW 2234
Phone: 1300 661 607

Local Accommodation

The websites listed provide wonderful accommodation in a rural setting for anyone visiting the Agpath laboratory.

Contact through the websites provided below:

www.peppermintridgefarm.com.au

Bunyip Holiday House “Beyond the Clover”
3 bedrooms – sleeps up to 7 people, minimum 1 night available, fully renovated house; walking distance to shops in Bunyip.
Phone Jeff 0407 163 165
Garfield Picture Theatre Accommodation