PDC Module 3: Living Soils

We offer this module once per year as part of our year long PDC course.  If we have room we open these modules to the public. Please check back with us in early 2017 to consider enrolling in the 2017-18 Permaculture Design Certificate Program.

 Soil is a miracle. We grow food from it, walk on it, we build with it. We have the ability to harm or enrich it with the choices we make, and thereby harm or enrich ourselves and the other species with whom we share this planet.

Understanding soil ecosystems and the soil food web. Soil fundamentals: composition, chemistry, texture, and structure. Plant roots and soil interactions. Creating healthy soil: composting, sheet mulching, cover crops. Worms and vermicast. Reclaiming damaged soil. Soil tests. Introduction to visual soil assessment and plant indications using soil from your own property. Strategies for your own soil conditions.

Tutor Cherryle Prew is the owner and manager of Soil Foodweb New Zealand.  Since opening Soil Foodweb NZ in 2003, Cherryle has worked with thousands of agricultural and horticultural growers throughout both islands to help them improve the health and productivity of their soils.  Read more about Cherryle here.