Training title: Org10: Introduction to Organic Soil Management and Nutrient Cycles
Place (city and country): On-Line course
Keremeos, British Columbia, Canada
Training language(s): English
Dates and frequency: First Course Starting April 13, 2009
Following courses starting July 6, 2009 and then every 3 months
Duration: Course content is expected to take 35-45 hours.
Cost (Euros and US $):
Euro $315
USD $430
CAD $525
Funding available: No
Target groups and admission requirements: Prospective Students
- Grower already using organic production methods and you want to improve your understanding of organic principles and get better at applying them successfully in you operation.
- Planning to or engaged in launch of new organic growing operation
- Currently operating a conventional farm and considering or planning a transition to organic production methods
- A current student in an agricultural science related program in a post-secondary learning institution
- A researcher, consultant or other professional working in agriculture, sustainability or a related field and you required a more solid foundation in organic principles
There are no admission requirements however basic computer skills are assumed.
- Doing research and searches on the internet
- Using Microsoft work or other work processing software
- Managing files (e.g. renaming files, uploading and downloading files from the internet etc )
- Basic manipulation of digital images.
Training Objectives: This course provides an overview of organic soil management principles and practices, as well as the basic knowledge underlying these practices related to the nature of soil, nutrient cycles and other key topics.
The objective is for the student to gain an excellent knowledge foundation that will allow students to understand why good organic farmers do what they do.
Training Program:
This is an on-line training program
Unit 1 Introduction to Organic Soil Management
Course Overview and Preparation
Principles of Organic Soil Management
Unit 2 Basic Knowledge and Skills
Basic Plant and soil chemistry
Soil formation, properties and types
Soil organic matter and biodiversity
Nutrient, plant growth and nutrient cycles
Site evaluation, soil pH and soil testing
Unit 3 Soil Management Practices on the organic farm
Basic Soil cultivation techniques
Using green manure crops to build and maintain soil fertility
Using compost and manures to improve soil structure, water retention and organic matter
Applying acceptable mineral and organic inputs to address soil problems
Unit 4 Field Training
Review of the basics
Basic Soil Cultivation techniques
Using green manure
Using compost and manures
Applying other acceptable mineral and organic inputs
Contact information:
Organic Farming Institute of British Columbia
Box 247, Keremeos, BC, V0X 1N0
Tel: (250) 938-7634
Email: sclark@ofibc.org
Website: www.ofibc.org