Practical Steps in Soil Fertility for Organic Farming
Joseph Heckman, PhD
Format: Download MP3 Audio

A fundamental principle of organic farming is to create soil fertility conditions that optimize the biological and physical conditions of soil along with mineral supply, such that crops, animals, and people thrive and resist challenges from pests and disease. In the organic system, soil fertility is a function of the whole farm biology.

Friday evening, Dr. Heckman will host the discussion which follows the Friday evening screening of Symphony of the Soil. Symphony of the Soil is a 104-minute documentary feature film that explores the complexity and mystery of soil. Filmed on four continents and sharing the voices of some of the world’s most esteemed soil scientists, farmers and activists, the film portrays soil as a protagonist of our planetary story. Using a captivating mix of art and science, the film shows that soil is a complex living organism, the foundation of life on earth. Yet most people are soil-blind and “treat soil like dirt.” Through the knowledge and wisdom revealed in this film, we can come to respect, even revere, this miraculous substance, and appreciate that treating the soil right can help solve some of our most pressing environmental problems.