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Unlock the mysteries of soil chemistry in our Chemical Harmony Workshop. Dive into the fascinating realm of nutrient management and soil analysis as we explore the intricate balance of elements essential for healthy plant growth. Through engaging activities and hands-on demonstrations, participants will learn how to collect soil samples effectively and analyze chemical properties using refractometers and soil probes. From understanding nutrient chelation to the basics of fermentation techniques, this workshop offers valuable insights into optimizing soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture. Join us to discover the secrets hidden within the soil and harness the power of chemistry to nurture thriving ecosystems and bountiful harvests.

Schedule/Agenda:

9:30 am – 10:00 am – Arrival and mingling 

10:00 am – 10:15am – Introductions

10:15 am – 10:45 am – Soil Sampling Demonstration 

10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Refractometer Demonstration

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Break 

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Multimeter Demonstration

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm – Chelation and Fermentation demonstration

1:45 pm – 2:00 pm – Wrap Up & Thank You

Light refreshments will be provided. Consider bringing your own lunch.

About Farming is Life: 

Farming is Life is a family farm in North Central Massachusetts that does not use chemicals and plastics to aid in the production of vegetables for our communities.  We follow regenerative farming practices with the goal of minimizing off farm inputs. We do this in part by using trees from our forests to build mulch for compost, using manure from cows that are fed chemical free hay from our farm to add nutrients and harnessing biology to create the balance needed for healthy soil, happy beneficial bugs and bountiful harvests. This is all done with a holistic approach to the farm as a self-contained ecosystem that aims to work with nature not against it. 

About the Instructors:

Rubén Parilla (he/him) is the Soil Technical Coordinator for NOFA/Mass and trained in microscopic soil microbial identification through the Soil Food Web School. He is a Certified Lab Tech and studied Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico. Rubén has 15 years’ experience working at different capacities in the environmental laboratory industry. He has been performing soil carbon proxy testing, soil health assessments, soil chemical analysis, and soil microbiological evaluations for NOFA/Mass over the past year and has extensive experience farming and working with farmers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. Rubén performs soil health-related outreach and education events for NOFA/Mass by leading monthly farmer learning calls, providing hands-on workshops and instruction at soil health education events, and networking with farmers and individuals in the agricultural industry. He is a fluent and native Spanish speaker and fully English/Spanish bilingual.

About the Project:

These projects are made possible by the support of:

The USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides grants to organizations for education, mentoring and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers. NOFA/Mass is providing this programming through a partnership with the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust.

More Information:

Portions of our farm tour will cover uneven terrain.  We want to make sure your accessibility needs are met during the event. Please share with us your needs regarding (but not limited to): physical accessibility, allergies, noise, scent, gender, intellectual accessibility, and any instructions or tips to help you fully participate. 

Refund/Inclement Weather Policy:

For information on our refund and inclement weather policy, click here. 

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space and please let us know if you cannot attend.

Questions?

Contact Hannah at [email protected] for more information