Join us for the first event in our Microbes series, where we kick off with an engaging virtual session that serves as the foundation for our exploration of microscopy and its role in agricultural systems. During this session, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of soil biology, understanding the significance of different tools for biological assessments and their potential impact on soil health and agriculture. Learn how management practices can influence soil biology, and gain insights into the pivotal role microscopy plays in unraveling the mysteries beneath the earth’s surface. We will also use this opportunity to gather pivotal information from our community to assess needs such as microscope access and training.

 

Throughout our time we will:  

• Get familiar with the Soil Food Web and understand the importance for soil health 
• Review the relationships between bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and more
• Learn about the benefits of the Soil Food Web & microscopy’s everyday applications 
• Fundamentals of microscopes & Microbiometer
• Learn about the various on-farm offerings NOFA/Mass will host throughout the year

About the Instructors:

Rubén Parrilla is the Soil Technical Coordinator and Education Director 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 for 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:

This event is supported by Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The goal of this project is to increase farmers’ understanding of soil microbes as a part of a sustainable specialty crop production system and help them adopt new tools and practices to support soil microbes and soil health.

View upcoming events in our Microbes Series

 

Accessibility:

Closed captions and a recording will be available. 

Questions?

Contact Hannah at [email protected]

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