Biological Soil Health: Cultivating Microbial Diversity for Ecosystem Resilience - Jun 2026

📅 26 June 2026 | 📍 Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, 01440, United States

Join us for this deep-dive into the soil biology that underpin resilient plants and healthy soils. We’ll journey into the dynamic world of soil microbes, organic matter, and nutrient cycling as we unravel the essential role of biological processes in soil health.

Through hands-on activities and insightful demonstrations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of microbial communities and their impact on soil fertility and plant resilience. Attendees will also learn some techniques that the NOFA/Mass soil technical team employs to assess and enhance biological diversity in their agricultural systems. Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, or environmental enthusiast, this workshop offers invaluable knowledge and practical skills to cultivate thriving soils and sustainable landscapes.

Throughout the day, you’ll learn:

The basics of the Soil Food Web

Tools for assessing soil biology and microbial diversity in your soil

How to inoculate soils with beneficial microbes

The role of soil biology in disease suppression, nutrient cycling, and decomposition

The basics of paper chromatography

The importance of root exudates and species diversity in supporting soil biology

Natural farming as a way to support microbial communities

How to make a few simple amendments to increase biological activity in your soils

Register Online Now

Rubén Parrilla, Soil Technical Coordinator, NOFA/Mass

Rubén is a Certified Lab Tech with 15 years of experience working at different capacities in the environmental laboratory industry. He trained in microscopic soil microbial identification through the Soil Food Web School and studied Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico. He leads and performs all components of NOFA/Mass soil technical services and has extensive experience farming and working with growers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. Rubén performs soil health-related outreach and education for NOFA/Mass through monthly farmer learning calls, hands-on workshops and instructional events, and networking with farmers and individuals in the agricultural industry. Finalmente, Rubén es bilingüe y quiere saber de usted.

Randy Violette, Field Engagement & Technical Learning Coordinator, NOFA/Mass

Randy has been farming for seven years on small, diversified vegetable and flower farms across the United States. He worked as a technical assistance provider on a USDA climate-smart grant, collaborating with farmers to implement more climate-smart agricultural practices on their farms. His interests lie at the intersection of environmental and social sustainability–how do we take care of soil health and the whole farm environment  while also prioritizing the health of the farmer and farm business? Randy loves supporting educational farming content and talking to growers of all experience levels about their soil and crops. His latest experiments include making Korean Natural Farming inputs and developing a foliar fertility management program for small farms.

About the Project:

This event is sponsored by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and co-sponsored by NOFA/Mass.

More Information / Accessibility:

The series will take place at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. While attending all three sessions provides the most complete learning experience, participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all three workshops throughout the season. The workshop is being held on the first floor and is wheelchair accessible. Seats will be provided throughout the duration of the workshop.

Refund/Inclement Weather Policy:

Event is rain or shine. For information on our refund and inclement weather policy, click here.

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 24 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space!

Register Online Now

Questions?

Email Hannah at hannah@nofamass.org

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