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Worm Compost & Microscopy class

July 22 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Making Bio-Active Teas & Extracts With Worm Compost & Microscopy

What are Bio-Active Compost Teas & Extracts? They are biological liquids that come from compost that has been quality tested with a Microscope? Microscopes have become more accessible/affordable & with some practice are actually quite easy to use. One can even attach a phone/camera to a microscope to document/share what they see. This class will be hands-on so you can see if microscopy it’s a right fit for your situation.

Starting with an explanation of the soil food web and its members. Shifting to how worms improve soil, worm & hot compost comparison and how to set up different worm composting systems and consideration. Next would be tea/extract methods & equipment. Microscopy would conclude the workshop where I would show the class how to set up a sample, which would be projected for all to see. I would then give folks an opportunity the set up the scope themselves. Folks are welcome to bring their own sample that could be assessed if there is time.

Students leave the class with the knowledge of what goes on in the soil food web, how to start and maintain a worm bin, how to make teas/extracts & how to set up a microscope to observe soil biology. This class is suited for beginners & there are no physical requirements. The class will run for roughly 3 hrs but I’m happy to exceed that time.

Class Outline

Soil Food Web
Photosynthesis, rhizosphere, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes & micro-arthropods

Org. interaction & poop loop

Vermi-Composting vs. Composting.
- Pros & Cons
- What study’s have shown about worms composting
Worm Composting Systems
- Home bin, worm bed, tote tank, flow throw, wedge
- Bedding, feed, moisture, temperatures, location
- Other critters in the system. Good & bad.
- Compost tea & extracts
  - Why, how, with what
    - Tea bag
    - Vessels
    - Method
    - Tea vs. leachate
    - Bubbler
    - Food for microbes
    - Time/temp & other variables.
- BREAK 5min
- Microscopy
  - How to gather a sample
  - Setting up a sample for assessment
  - Projecting images from scope onto projector from compost.

Hunter Wolf Lydon’s love for soil began as a WWOOFER in 2013. This was when he first heard about Permaculture, & began to study/practice ways to try & live in harmony with the Earth. Wanting to deepen his understanding of soil, Hunter found the work of Dr. Elaine Ingham founder of the Soil Food Web School. This education has given him a solid foundation in soil microscopy assessment and a better understanding of how, through proper management, we can improve degraded soil. More info and resources at, Lifeinthesoil1.com