Learn about beneficial soil microbes and make a composting system that cultivates them!

The composting systems we’ll be building are Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactors, developed by local scientists Dr. David Johnson and Hui-Chun Su Johnson. The composting system is entirely aerobic, so it doesn’t need to be turned, and the aerobic microbes that grow in the compost are the same microbes that grow in the top several inches of healthy soils—microbes that have, in many cases, established deeply symbiotic relationships with plants. In greenhouse and field trials, the microbes in the compost have been found to improve seed germination rates when used to coat seeds, improve soil water infiltration and water retention by helping to increase soil carbon content, and increase plant health, plant growth rates, and crop production. 

All of the materials and tools you’ll need are provided, and a Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactor is included in the price of registration. Materials for additional bioreactors are available for purchase.

To learn more about the Johnson-Su Composting Bioreactors and how to garden with the beneficial microbes they cultivate, visit https://mesanm.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/johnson-su-composting-bioreactor-technical-manual-version-1.pdf and https://mesanm.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/mesa_meal_technicalmanual_beam.pdf.

SINCE SOME OF THE WIRES WE’LL BE WORKING WITH MAY BE RUSTY, BE SURE YOUR TETANUS SHOTS ARE UP TO DATE.

Additional Information:

Ages: 

18 and older, or 10-17 with a parent or guardian present

Cost:

$15: Workshop and 1’ x 1’ composting system*

$30: Workshop and 2’ x 2’ composting system*

Additional Options:

$20: Materials for an additional 2’ x 2’ composting system*

$10: Materials for an additional 1’ x 1’ composting system*

*Sizes are approximate

Payment is due at registration (online registration requires payment within 15 minutes in order to reserve space in the class). Cancellations are only available until 48 hours before class. Refunds are only available if class is properly cancelled. 

What to Bring/Wear:

• Wear long pants with closed-toe shoes, and choose clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Gloves and goggles are available at the makerspace, but if you’d like to use your own, please bring them.  

About the Instructor:

Patrick DeSimio is a science editor, grant and technical writer, and community organizer who works extensively in sustainable agriculture. He is a team member of the MESA and Seeding Regenerative Agriculture projects, where he works alongside Dr. David Johnson and Hui-Chun Su-Johnson.