Join us for this free on-farm event, where we’ll be reviewing soil management techniques, complemented by revealing their microscopic allies. We’ll start with a field walk to discuss practices such as using occultation and solarization tarps, pollinator/insectary plantings, and the  use of leaf mulch as part of a multi-year weed management system to reduce plastic in the field. Along the way, we’ll collect some soil samples of interest and then analyze them on-site using microscopes, microbiometers (low-cost soil testing kits), and other biological tools.

After analyzing the samples, we’ll come together for a group discussion to review the microscopy results, connect findings to farm management practices, and share insights on improving soil health. This is a great opportunity to see soil biology in action and learn how different practices impact microbial life in the soil. 

Refreshments will be provided.

Schedule/Agenda:

• 4:00 PM – Farm Tour & Sample Collection
  • Guided tour with discussion of:
    • Occultation and Solarization tarp use
    • Pollinator and insectary plantings
    • Leaf mulch strategies to reduce plastic inputs
• 5:00 PM – Microscopy Analysis & Discussion
  • Soil sampling and discussion
  • Microscopy sample collection and analysis
  • Microbiometer biomass testing
  • Other tools/observations
• 6:30 PM – Wrap-up

About:

Astarte Farm is a 3.5 acre, certified organic farm located on the Hadley Common. Founded in 2000, Astarte Farm has been no-till since 2014. Management practices prioritize the health of the soil food web through minimal disturbance, cover-cropping, interplanting, mulch, and compost additions. Astarte has established insectary plantings around the farm border and a pollinator meadow of native plants, and is known for high quality fruits and vegetables, selling to the River Valley Co-op, local restaurants, and through a small CSA. 

About the Instructors:

Ellen Drews joined Astarte Farm in 2020 as Farm Manager after three years of production farming at Brookfield Farm in Amherst. Hailing from the upper Midwest, she has been growing food and teaching children and adults about nature for more than a decade. She is passionate about no-till farming and the hope it brings for more resilient food systems in the face of climate change.

Rubén Parilla, Soil Technical Coordinator, NOFA/Mass 

Rubén is a Certified Lab Tech with 15 years of experience working at different capacities in the environmental laboratory industry. He trained in microscopic soil microbial identification through the Soil Food Web School and studied Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico. He leads and performs all components of NOFA/Mass soil technical services and has extensive experience farming and working with growers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. Rubén performs soil health-related outreach and education for NOFA/Mass through monthly farmer learning calls, hands-on workshops and instructional events, and networking with farmers and individuals in the agricultural industry. Finalmente, Rubén es bilingüe y quiere saber de usted.

About the Project:

This event is held in partnership with the American Farmland Trust with the assistance of the Massachusetts Coordinated Soil Health Program (MDAR Agricultural Soil Health Program) and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program with MDAR. American Farmland Trust’s mission is to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Through this collaboration, AFT is working with farmers to assess and enhance soil health across the state.

Accessibility:

The farm is located between Route 9 and Bay Road and can be accessed by bus routes. Carpooling is encouraged: coordinate rideshares at the event-specific ride site! The on site bathroom is a composting toilet and there is potable running water. There will be some chairs available, but participants are welcome to bring their own. The farm paths are gravel, woodchipped, and grassy and may be hard to maneuver by wheelchair. There will be some shade and some full sun during our tour, and the microscopy component will be indoors.

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 30 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space! 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].