Soil Science Weekend Course

Humanity is completely dependent on the 4 inches of topsoil covering the globe for all our food, and many of our other needs too. But what do we know about the soil, and why is it rapidly disappearing?

Join Myco for our Soil Science Weekender where we will deep dive into the world under our feet. This course will cover a theoretical understanding of key soil topics such as soil ecology, soil texture and profiles, soil solution chemistry, and soil erosion. We will also cover some in-the-field tests to help you understand the soil you are working with better.

Who should attend

This course is aimed at farmers, growers, and gardeners with a keen interest in learning more about soil. When you register on this course, you will be asked to fill in a form detailing what you want to get out of the weekend and a little bit about your current level of knowledge. Soil science has a lot of chemistry some people might find intimidating, but we are hoping to communicate about it in an accessible manner and meet people where they are at, focussing on areas that are the most relevant to you.

What is covered

We will tailor the weekend to the needs identified by those who register, but likely topics covered will include:

• Soil ecology
• Soil texture analysis
• Soil profile analysis
• How soil chemistry determines soil fertility
• Soil acidification
• Preventing soil erosion
• Bioremediation of toxic soils
• And, of course, how fungi can be partnered with to improve the soil

Price

This course is offered on a sliding scale basis, £85 to £115, dependant on what you can afford. The cost covers tuition, materials and tea and biscuits. 

Accessibility 

The Soil Science Weekender will take place 29th-30th July, in person at the Myco Farm based at Platt Fields Market Garden in Fallowfield, Manchester. We will be working 10am - 5pm on Saturday, and 10am - 4pm on Sunday, with an hour break for lunch each day, and regular access breaks. The sessions will be a mixture of talks, group work, and practical sessions, some of which will be outside. 

Platt Fields Market Garden is a working garden which also hosts other events on the site. There is a gender neutral toilet, including wheelchair accessible toilets and baby change. 

Please be aware that this event is happening on the same weekend as MUD's Beers in the Garden weekend. This means the site will be busy and might have some background noise. It also means food, drinks and good vibes will also be available across the weekend. 

What to bring

Food and accommodation are not provided as part of this course, so please make your own accommodation arrangements if necessary. On both days, the Market Garden has hot food and drinks for sale as part of their Beers in the Garden event. 

Please bring weather appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy, as we will be spending some time outdoors digging up soil. You might want to bring a paper and pen/pencil to take notes and a hand lens if you've got one already.

If you have any questions about this event, get in touch: hello@mycomanchester.com