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Kickstart your Career in Soil Regeneration
Help farmers, ranchers, and growers to rapidly regenerate their soils with Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web Approach
Limited Places Available
With Our Comprehensive Online Program and Highly Skilled Mentors, You Can...
1.
Study the Science with
Dr. Elaine Ingham
Study the Science with
Dr. Elaine Ingham
COMPLETE THE FOUNDATION COURSES ONLINE
In this series of 63 lectures, you’ll learn the theory and application methodology behind the Soil Food Web Approach, including how to make, assess, and apply BioComplete™ Compost and liquid inocula.
2.
Develop your Skills with a Dedicated Mentor
Develop your Skills with a Dedicated Mentor
COMPLETE THE CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CTP)
You’ll work with a dedicated mentor to complete the 3 stages of the CTP, starting with Stage 1 where you’ll develop your Compost Making and Microscopy skills to the required standard.
3.
Work with the Farmers in your Region
Work with the Farmers in your Region
SUPPORT FARMERS TO MAKE THE TRANSITION
As a Certified SFW Consultant, you’ll have the skills to make Biological Compost, conduct Soil Biology Assessments with the microscope, and help farmers to rapidly regenerate their soils.
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Here are some of the benefits to the ENVIRONMENT of restoring the Soil Food Web:
Carbon Sequestration
Plants absorb carbon from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and they invest a substantial proportion of this into the soil (~40%) to feed microorganisms. This is the basis of the mechanism that pumps carbon into the world’s soils. It is possible that by regenerating the world’s soils, we may be able to halt climate change.
Protecting Insects & Plants
Recent studies have shown that the world’s insect populations have been declining by around 25% every decade for the last 30 years! Bird populations are also plummeting, and other animals are being affected too. The major causes have been identified as habitat destruction and the use of pesticides.
Clean Rivers & Oceans
Typically only about 40% of the inorganic fertilizers, applied by conventional farmers, are absorbed by plants. The rest pollutes our air, rivers, lakes and oceans, causing major damage to those ecosystems and to the world’s oceans. With the Soil Food Web in place and the use of regenerative practices, inorganic fertilizers are not required.
Prevent Soil Erosion
The earth’s topsoils are being eroded at an alarming rate. The UN has estimated that we only have 60 years left before they are completely depleted. The Soil Food Web is nature’s way of building the structure that prevents soils from being washed-away by heavy rain or blown away by the wind. Intensive plowing and the use of chemicals destroys this structure, leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion.
Farmers Around the World are Struggling to Find a Better Way
1
Pests and Diseases
It can feel like it’s a never-ending battle fighting against all the different critters out there that want to take your crops down.
2
Compaction
Layers of compacted earth result in soil erosion and they make it really tough for plant roots to penetrate deep into the soil profile.
3
Nutrient Deficiency
Soil fertility is a major problem around the world. This results in lower yields and produce that is nutrient deficient.
4
Drought and Flooding
As soil structure and organic matter content are degraded over time, the soil’s ability to infiltrate and hold water is compromised.
5
Low Crop Yields
Many farmers are experiencing diminishing crop yields despite the fact that they are pouring on more and more chemical fertilizer year after year.
6
Increasing Input Costs
For many farmers, the costs of chemical inputs seem to rise every year, making it harder and harder to earn a living.
These critical issues, along with demand for ecologically produced foods, are motivating farmers, ranchers, and growers to switch to Regenerative Agriculture.
But they need support to make the transition happen rapidly and effectively…that’s where you can help!
Limited Places Available
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The Benefits for Farmers, Ranchers, and Growers
Having a healthy, functional soil results in several benefits that farmers are becoming aware of as the Regenerative Ag movement grows. Many of these benefits can be seen in months, rather than years, once the Soil Food Web is restored. That’s because it’s the microbial community that drives the soil ecosystem.
Improved Soil Fertility
With beneficial biology in the soil, plants get to control their own nutrition by exchanging exudates for the nutrients they need, when they need them. Click here to learn more.
Reduced Pests & Disease
The Soil Food Web protects plants from disease-causing organisms and pests in a number of different ways. Click here to watch the video about this.
Increased Yields
Improved nutrition and soil structure as well as protection against pests and diseases are some of the ways in which plants are positively affected, resulting in increased yields. Learn more.
Drought & Flooding
Beneficial soil microbes build soil structure, which enables water to better infiltrate clay soils while increasing the water-holding capacity of sandy soils. Increased organic matter is also very important. Learn more.
Compaction
With the Soil Food Web Approach, we enlist the help of beneficial microbes to build soil structure and we also adopt management practices such as no till to ensure that compaction doesn’t recur. Learn more.
Reduced Input Costs
Your plants can get what they need from the soil once you have the right biology in place. This includes nutrition and protection from pests and diseases. Click here to learn more.
Watch more videos on the science behind the Soil Food Web Approach!
Help the farmers in your community to find a better way
How to Launch Your New Career as a Soil Food Web Consultant
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Testimonials
Meet some of the Soil Food Web Professionals who are out there making the change happen in their communities
SFW Consultant, California
After a successful career as a program manager in IT, Brian decided to follow his passion for the environment and healthy food. He now runs a successful consultancy, Sprouting Soils, out of Northern California. His clients include vineyards, orchards. and cannabis growers.
SFW Consultant & Biological Compost Producer, Connecticut
Todd was one of the first to ever train with
Dr. Elaine Ingham. He’s built a successful business, producing Biological Soil Amendments and providing consultancy services. Todd’s company, Harrington’s Organics, employs 7 people and has numerous clients around the US and beyond.
Biological Compost Producers, California
From backgrounds in massage therapy and permaculture, Keisha Wheeler and Casey Ernst have built Catalyst BioAmendments, a successful Compost production company, based in Nevada City, California. They make some of the best compost in the state and are expanding rapidly to meet demand.
Can I really do this?
I’m not a scientist/grower
Our training programs are designed for people with no scientific or agricultural background.
Dr. Elaine has an informal teaching style that makes the lectures easy to follow.
You’ll have access to the Student Forum and monthly live Q&A sessions where your questions will be answered.
Will this fit my schedule?
This is a flexible online program, so you can work at your own pace. The Foundation Courses can be completed in as little as 4 weeks or as long as 12 months.
The Mentoring Program is also designed to be very flexible. You can book sessions with your mentor when you feel you need support.
Will it work in my region?
The Soil Food Web Approach has been used to regenerate soils on 6 continents, in many different environments, and with numerous different crops, such as Soybeans, Corn, Grains, Vines, Orchards, Hemp, and all kinds of Veggies.
All plants form symbiotic relationships with the microbes in the soil.
Limited Places Available
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What you get with the Consultant Kickstarter Bundle
YOU'LL GET
- 63 Lectures and Quizzes in the Foundation Courses (FC) by Dr. Elaine Ingham.
- 26 hours of Mentor Time to help you make your own compost and master the microscope.
- Monthly Q&A Webinars with Dr. Elaine and other soil regeneration experts.
- Access to the FC Student Forum where your questions will be answered by Dr. Elaine and her team.
- Certified Soil Food Web Lab-Technician status and free listing in the directory on Soilfoodweb.com (once you have successfully completed the Microscopy Proficiency Assessment).
- Downloadable materials including: Course Manuals, Lecture Slides, Glossary, and more.
- The Launch Your Lab Guidebook.
- Bonus Course 1: Introduction to Permaculture by Graham Bell.
- Bonus Course 2: Soil Sponge Regen Workshop by Didi Pershouse.
THEORY + PRACTICE
Consultant Kickstarter Training Bundle
Study the science and application methods behind the Soil Food Web Approach in the Foundation Courses, then work with one of our highly-skilled mentors to create your own biological compost and master the microscope.
Once you’ve successfully completed this program, you will:
- Be certified as a Soil Food Web Lab-Technician, so you can use the microscope to assess the biology in your compost and in the soils of the farms in your region.
- Have the skills required to produce BioCompleteTM Compost that can be used to rapidly restore the soil biome.
- Be well on the way to becoming a successful Soil Food Web Consultant, Lab-Tech, or Compost Producer.
Included in the Consultant Kickstarter Bundle
The Soil Food Web Foundation Courses
Foundation Course 1: Introduction to the Soil Food Web
In Foundation Course 1 you will learn:
- About the damage that modern agriculture has done to soils all over the world.
- How Regenerative Agriculture is the soil-ution and how you can rapidly regenerate your soils with the Soil Food Web Approach.
- How the Soil Food Web Approach can be adopted on any scale and in almost any environment, with a multitude of crops.
- About the 4 major groups of Beneficial Microorganisms that are needed to restore ecosystem functions to your soil.
- How Beneficial Microbes work in harmony with your crops to nourish and protect them.
- How benefits such as increased yields, reduced erosion, reduced pest, disease and weed pressures etc. can be achieved.
- About several projects from around the world that Dr. Elaine Ingham has worked on personally.
- About some of the management practices you can adopt to ensure that the biology in your soils is not compromised.
- How soil structure is created by beneficial microbes, improving water infiltration in clay soils and better water retention in sandy soils. And how good structure enables plants and beneficial microbes to penetrate deep into the soil profile, improving plant health.
- How beneficial microbes access the abundance of nutrients stored in the parent material (think sand and clay particles) and how this is then made available to your plants.
- How plants influence the soil biome, by releasing sugary exudates that feed specific groups of beneficial microbes, in return for nutrients.
- How having a balanced soil biome can result in great benefits, such as Weed Suppression and Increased Carbon or Organic Matter content.
Foundation Course 2: Making BioComplete™ Compost
In Foundation Course 2 you will learn:
- About the different definitions of compost and why we consider it as a means of multiplying beneficial microbes instead of just a way of delivering nutrients to the soil.
- How to make your own Biological Compost, using Dr. Elaine’s close-control composting method that enables beneficial microbes to multiply rapidly, while suppressing detrimental microbes.
- Techniques that can be used to balance the biology in your compost, ensuring that the 4 main groups of microbes are present.
- How to apply Biological Compost to your soils so that beneficial microbes can interact with your plants in the root zone, offering nutrition and protection.
- About the various types of methods and equipment that can be used to produce Biological Compost, depending on scale. This includes vermicompost and hot-composting.
Foundation Course 3: Making BioComplete™ Extracts and Teas
In Foundation Course 3 you will learn:
- How to produce Biological Extracts and Teas from your Biological Compost, using different types of equipment depending on the scale you are operating at.
- About the uses and application methods of Biological Extracts and Teas
- How to apply Biological Liquid Amendments to your soils using different equipment, depending on the scale of your project. And how you can use conventional spraying equipment with some minor modifications.
Foundation Course 4: Introduction to Microscopy
In Foundation Course 4 you will learn:
- How to correctly set-up and use a compound microscope.
- About the biological morphology of the 4 major groups of beneficial soil microorganisms.
- How to identify and quantify the key groups of beneficial microbes that all soils need in order to be fully functional, using the compound microscope. This will enable you to conduct your own soil biology assessments.
- How to process and interpret data.
- How to recognize microarthropods, algae, pollen and other objects in your soil.
Dedicated Mentoring
Compost and Microscopy Mentoring (Stage 1 of the Consultant Training Program)
What You Will Learn
- You’ll be assigned to one of our highly trained Mentors who will guide you as you work towards mastering the art of making BioComplete™ Compost using the techniques you have studied in the Foundation Courses.
- You will also work 1-on-1 with your Mentor to develop your microscopy skills to the required standard to become a Certified Soil Food Web Lab-Tech.
- You’ll learn from the experience of others as your Mentor will be able to advise you on common mistakes to avoid, when making your compost.
What’s Included
- 26 hours of total Mentor Time dedicated to helping you to make your own Biological Compost and Master the Microscope.
- Free listing in the directory of Certified Soil Food Web Lab-Techs, once you pass the Microscopy Proficiency Assessment (MPA).
- The Guide to Making Small Scale BioComplete™ Compost manual.
- The Certified Lab-Tech Program (CLP) Course Manual.
- The Launch Your Lab Guidebook.
Bonus Courses
Introduction to Permaculture
Graham is an internationally respected teacher, author and lecturer in Permaculture and other aligned disciplines over the last thirty years. He was the first person in Britain to be awarded the Diploma in Permaculture by Bill Mollison personally, in 1990. His home in the Scottish Borders with his wife Nancy boasts the longest-standing intentional food forest garden in Britain. Over a thousand visitors a year (in previous times) attest to the amazing productivity of this space.
Course Themes
- What is Permaculture?
- 12 Principles of Permaculture
- Three ethics: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Shares
- Importance of Observation
- Design Sequences
- Why do trees matter and how do they work?
- The Answer Lies in the Soil
- Cycles of Intervention
- Zones, Sectors and Throughputs
What’s Included
- 18 Lectures and Quizzes
- Downloadable Course Materials
- Certificate of Completion
Soil Sponge Regen Workshop
Didi Pershouse is the author of The Ecology of Care: Medicine, Agriculture, Money, and the Quiet Power of Human and Microbial Communities and Understanding Soil Health and Watershed Function. She teaches participatory workshops both in person and online, helping to show the nested relationships between soil health, human health, water cycles, and climate resiliency. She is the founder of the Land and Leadership Initiative and the Center for Sustainable Medicine, and a co-founder of the “Can we Rehydrate California?” Initiative. She is an independent trainer and curriculum developer for the UN-FAO Farmer Field School Program and the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming Initiative in India. She was one of five speakers at the United Nations-FAO World Soil Day in 2017.
Healthy soil is the fundamental infrastructure that makes life on land possible, but only when it is alive and functions like a sponge. A living “soil sponge” can soak up rain, store and filter water; and provide health, resilience, and thriving economies for the communities that grow from it.
Farmers and communities that create conditions for a soil sponge to grow experience interrelated benefits such as:
- Healthier crops, animals, and people
- Abundant clean water
- Cooler regional temperatures
- Reduction of wildfire risk
- Resilience to flood and drought
- Reduced erosion, dredging, and road repairs
- Higher farm profitability
- Prevention of algae blooms and dead zones
- Cleaner air
- Increased biodiversity
- Reduced conflicts over resources
- Improved local economies
- Putting atmospheric carbon to work creating landscapes that support all of life.
Topics Covered:
- Landscapes that Work for All of Life
- Collaborating with the Essential Workforce of Other Species
- Measuring Change for Long Term Success
- Money, Life, and Land
- Choosing Effective Intervention Points
Participants will gain:
- a working knowledge of whole systems landscape function
- an increased ability to evaluate land management decisions, practices, and policies
- tools to create and lead soil health initiatives in your region
- a community of practice: deep discussions with people working towards similar aims.
Participants will also have:
- A clear picture of soil’s central role in addressing current economic, social, and environmental pressures.
- A scientific understanding of the living matrix of the soil carbon sponge, and its relationship to carbon, water, and nutrient cycles.
What you’ll get with this workshop:
- Interactive peer learning environment.
- Network with other students/farmers in the group setting.
- 5 weekly sessions each lasting 2.5 hours.
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Money-Back Guarantee
You’ll get a 30-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee on the total price paid. The only condition is that you have watched 32 lectures or less of the Foundation Courses.
Study the Science, Create your own Biological Compost,
and Master the Microscope
THEORY + PRACTICE
Bundle Includes:
$1,130 OFF Foundation Courses
Normally $5,000
FREE BONUS Compost & Microscopy Mentoring
Normally $1,540
FREE BONUS Introduction to Permaculture
Normally $200
FREE BONUS Soil Sponge Regen Workshop
Normally $300
$7,040
Now $3,870
This offer will end at midnight on January 25th 2022
Bundle Features
Private Forum
You’ll get access to the Foundation Courses Forum where your questions will be answered by Dr. Ingham and her team.
Monthly Webinars
You can attend monthly Q&A webinars with Dr. Ingham, other members of the faculty, and prominent guest speakers.
Certificate of Completion
You’ll get a completion certificate with the Foundation Courses and have the option of certifying as a Soil Food Web Lab-Tech.
Downloadable Material
You can download Lecture Slides, Course Manuals, and other printable materials to create your own library of reference materials.
Case Studies
Whether you’re growing on a small scale or large, alfalfa or almonds, United States or United Emirates, the Soil Food Web system simply works. Watch these short case studies to hear more…
Corn & Soy 10,000 Acres
York Farms (USA)
York Farms is a 10,000 acre multi-generational family farm in Illinois growing soy and corn, servicing 100,000 acres of surrounding farms. Todd reported that as the chemical and fertilizer costs went down, his client saved more than $1,000,000 in the first three years.
Grapes, Cannabis, Turmeric...
Ecuador, India, Peru, & USA
Terraforma saved one client $600 per acre and increased yields for another client by 146%. In this amazing webinar, Soil Food Web Consultant Miles Sorel presented Case Studies on projects from 4 different countries.
Potatoes, Onions, Greens…
Market Garden Makeover (Sweden)
Soil Food Web Consultant, Renald Flores, reported an average increase in yields of 72% across 8 different types of crops on this market garden near Stockholm, Sweden
Are you a Farmer, Rancher or Grower? We have a similar training program for you.
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Meet your Instructors
Dr. Elaine Ingham
B.A., M.S., PhD
Dr. Ingham has advanced our knowledge about the soil food web for over 4 decades. Widely recognized as the world’s foremost soil biologist, she’s passionate about empowering ordinary people to bring the soils in their community back to life.
Didi Pershouse
Educator, Author
Didi Pershouse is the author of The Ecology of Care: Medicine, Agriculture, Money, and the Quiet Power of Human and Microbial Communities and Understanding Soil Health and Watershed Function. She teaches participatory workshops both in person and online, helping to show the nested relationships between soil health, human health, water cycles, and climate resiliency.
Graham Bell
Teacher, Author, and Lecturer
Graham Bell is Chair of Permaculture Scotland & Permaculture Association Britain, and is the longest-serving Permaculture Teacher in the UK . He is the author of The Permaculture Way and The Permaculture Garden. He is a registered Certified Teacher with PAB and Permaculture Institute of Australia. He is the first holder of the Elders Award in the UK and Honorary Elder in Australia.
Meet our Mentors
Dr. Eva Schneider
Ph.D. in Biology
To say Dr. Schneider “loves microbiology” is a bit of an understatement. With a Ph.D. in biology and many years of experience, she’s an invaluable member of the Soil Foodweb team. Her background in microbiology and research allow her to support her students with relevant information and balanced insight. Eva really enjoys supporting students in the CTP as they work towards becoming Certified Soil Food Web Consultants.
Loida Vasquez
Degree in Sustainable Agriculture
Loida has worked with Dr. Elaine for over a decade. Dr. Elaine was her professor at MUM, where Loida earned a degree in sustainable agriculture with a focus on living soils. Dr. Elaine then became her boss at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. She was a farm manager for 3 years, where she managed the transition of an 1,000-acre intensive crop farm from conventional to organic farming. Loida has also worked out in the field as a soil consultant for several years, helping large-scale farmers make that transition. Now Loida shares her knowledge, in both English and in Spanish, with our students who are hungry to learn about soil science.
Dr. Adrienne Godschalx
Ph.D. on Nitrogen Fixation
Adrienne kept to the trail to protect the biological soil crust in Moab, UT, while she dreamt of saving the Amazon Rainforest for the toucans. She taught in Oregon forests at Outdoor School, completed her Ph.D. on nitrogen fixation, and traversed Europe in her postdoc to study the scent of a flower that mimics dung. Amazed by the power of plants to use chemical signals that attract predators for their own defense, she was inspired to work towards reducing harmful pesticide use. Adrienne is thrilled to finally put this aim into practice with the Soil Food Web School!
Eric Feiler
Degree in Paleo-Ecology
Eric completed his graduate work in Paleo-Ecology at Northern Arizona University. He was a founding member of the PaleoCultural Research Group, a non-profit focused on the ecological and cultural history of the Western U.S. and the Great Plains. In 2001, Eric abandoned academia and research and moved with his family to Southern Utah to start farming. Frustrated with 'conventional' farming, he attended a 2013 workshop held by Dr. Ingham. It was a life-changing experience and he returned to the scientific world where he has spent the last few years sharing the Soil Food Web Approach with others. In 2019, he started a soil fertility consulting business. He's a real go-getter!
Tanja Dekker
IT Specialist
Tanja had an extensive career in IT and describes herself as a “recovering IT specialist”. She fell in love with the Soil Food Web Approach when she saw Dr Ingham delivering a keynote speech at the Oxford Farming Conference in 2016. Today she is a soil biology consultant based in the Netherlands and is spearheading a number of exciting community projects in her hometown of Delft, including a neighborhood worm bin initiative in conjunction with the local government authorities. We are very proud of her!
Brian Vagg
BSc - Information Systems
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with natural systems. It started with growing up on a homestead and culminated into starting a Soil Biology Consulting business. I have worked in the high-tech industry for most of my adult life. I decided to make the transition from corporate life to running a business focused on helping farmers transition from conventional to biological farming. I am exceptionally positioned to take what I learned from the high-tech industry and apply it to the agricultural industry. My goal is to help accelerate and drive biological farming into the mainstream.
FAQs
Foundation Courses
Are the courses all online?
Yes, the Foundation Courses are 100% online, theory-based courses. You will watch a series of lectures and take a short quiz after each one.
Are the courses self paced?
Yes, they are. You’ll be able to login at any time, watch a lecture as many times as you like, then prepare for the short multiple-choice quiz that follows each lecture.
When can I start?
You can start as soon as you sign up.
What will I learn?
- About the various groups of microorganisms that make up a fully-functional soil ecosystem, and how their interactions result in a constant flow of nutrients being made available to plants and trees.
- How plants and trees control the army of microorganisms in their root zones. Plants feed specific groups of microorganisms in order to harvest the particular nutrients required at any given moment. This results in vibrant, healthy plants and in super-nutritious fruits and vegetables.
- That there is an abundance of nutrients locked-away in the crystalline structure of the mineral particles that make-up all of the world’s soils – from the desert sands to prairies and forests, there is no soil on earth that is incapable of providing all the nutrients that plants require. The missing-link is the army of soil microorganisms that can access these nutrients and make them available to plants.
- How beneficial soil microorganisms prevent diseases and pests from attacking plants. By occupying infection sites all over the roots and all of the above-ground parts of the plant, beneficial microorganisms make it impossible for the ‘bad-guys’ to get access to the plant. In addition to this, beneficial microorganisms create aerobic conditions in which the ‘bad-guys’ (which are mostly anaerobes) cannot survive.
- That beneficial microorganisms build structure in the soil, thus preventing soil erosion whilst simultaneously improving water holding capacity, infiltration and oxygenation. Having structure in the soil enables roots to go much deeper into the ground, where they can access greater quantities of water and nutrients.
- About the way in which the presence of beneficial fungi results in diminished weed pressure. Have you ever noticed how there are very few weeds to be found in a forest?
- How introducing the Soil Food Web can drastically increase the ability of a soil to capture and store carbon from the atmosphere.
- The history of agriculture and how certain practices have resulted in the destruction of the soil food web in so many of the world’s soils.
- Basic plant physiology and biochemistry. The course covers the basics that are required in order for you to be able to fully understand the processes that are taking place in a living, functional soil.
- About how the soil food web has been reintroduced to over 5 Million acres worldwide. You will review a number of case-studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the soil food web and how it can be implemented on projects of any scale, any crop and in any climate.
- How to make and apply BioComplete™ compost and liquids.
- About the different kinds of equipment you can use to make and apply the amendments you make.
- The farming practices that are harmful to soil biology and what farmers can do to avoid them.
- How to quantify the different organism groups in a soil, compost or liquid sample, using the compound microscope. This will enable you to measure results as they happen underground and before they happen above ground.
How many lectures are in the Foundation Courses?
There are 63 lectures total in all four Foundation Courses. To see the full breakdown of the Foundation Courses and the lecture titles, please click here.
How much do they cost?
The regular price for the 4 courses is $5,000. With the January 2022 offer you pay $3,870 and you get lots more FREE!
How long will it take me to complete them?
Students typically require about 150 hours in order to complete the FC at a reasonable pace.
We expect that a student can complete the FC in 4 weeks, if studying full-time. The maximum time allowed to complete the FC is 12 months. You can apply for an extension if you need it.
Do I need any qualifications to start the courses?
The courses are designed for people with no background in the field.
Will this course enable me to find employment as a Soil Food Web Consultant?
Students wishing to pursue a career as a Soil Food Web Consultant will need to progress from the Foundation Courses to the Consultant Training Program.
What do graduates do when they have completed their training?
Some become Soil Food Web Consultants who help farmers, ranchers and growers to transition away from using chemicals, to a biological/regenerative farming technique. Others focus on producing great compost, which they then can sell to soil consultants or direct to farmers. And others become Soil Food Web Lab-Technicians who perform biological assessments for farmers and growers, or for Soil Food Web Consultants.
Consultant Training Program
How long will it take to complete Stage 1 of the Consultant Training Program?
Students typically need to make at least 6 compost piles before they can achieve the required standards for passing the compost practicum. If you have the resources, you can make multiple piles, with varying recipes, simultaneously, to save time. Each pile will require up to 28 days to complete, once built. A reasonable time-frame for the compost practicum is 3-12 months. Some students may take longer.
How long will it take to complete all 3 stages of the Consultant Training Program?
The amount of time required depends on your other commitments. Students are expected to complete the Consultant Training Program within 2 years. The maximum allowable time for completion is 3 years after which your enrollment will expire. This policy is designed to help students to remain focused and motivated. You can of course apply for an extension if there are extenuating circumstances. Below is a breakdown of the time needed to complete each stage of the Consultant Training Program:
Consultant Training Program Stage 1 – The BioCompleteTM Compost Practicum
Students typically need to make at least 6 compost piles before they can achieve the required standards for passing the compost practicum. If you have the resources, you can make multiple piles, with varying recipes, simultaneously, to save time. Each pile will require up to 28 days to complete, once built. A reasonable time-frame for the compost practicum is 3-12 months. Some students may take longer.
Consultant Training Program Stage 2 – The BioCompleteTM Liquid Practicum
Students can expect to complete Stage 2 within 3 months, or less if they are well prepared and focused.
Consultant Training Program Stage 3 – The Final Project
The duration of the Final Project should be around one growing season +/-1 month. You should allow some time prior to the growing season for preparation; several hours per month, during the growing season, for data collection; and several days of work at the end of the growing season for data analysis and the write-up of your project.
How do I become a Soil Food Web Consultant?
To become a Certified Soil Food Web Consultant, you must first successfully complete the Foundation Courses with at least a 90% average (if you score less than 90% then you may still be considered for entry, but entry is not guaranteed) and then successfully complete all 3 stages of the Consultant Training Program (CTP).
Do I need any qualifications to become a Soil Food Web Consultant?
The courses are designed for people with no background in the field.
Will I need to buy any equipment to complete the Consultant Training Program?
You will need to purchase several pieces of equipment in order to complete each stage. The precise budget will depend on the size of your final project. Your mentor will be able to advise you on equipment selection. The minimum requirements are likely to cost around $1,000.
How will I find work once I have been certified as a Soil Food Web Consultant?
There are several possibilities: you may be offered employment by one of the organizations that is associated with Dr. Elaine’s™ Soil Food Web School; you may decide to offer your services to farmers in the area where you live, establishing your own business; the Soil Food Web School is often approached by farmers looking for a referral to a consultant and we refer these farmers to the Consultants Page on our website, where certified Soil Food Web Consultants are listed.
Can I complete the practical training at the Soil Food Web School?
This is not currently possible, but we are hoping to put on a number of in-person intensive workshops in 2022.
Is the Certified Lab-Tech Program included in the Consultants Training Program?
Yes it is. Consultant Training Program students are required to complete the Certified Lab-Tech Program in Stage 1 of the Consultant Training Program. Click here for more info.
Will I be certified as a Soil Food Web Consultant after Consultant Training Program Stage 1?
No. To become a Consultant, you will need to enroll in and successfully complete Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the Consultant Training Program as well. You will become a Certified Lab-Tech after completing Stage 1 of the Consultant Training Program, provided you pass all portions of the Microscope Proficiency Assessment. You will also be qualified to make biologically active compost after successful completion of Stage 1.
Can I use the trademarked term BioCompleteTM?
The term BioCompleteTM is used to refer to compost and liquid amendments that meet the minimum biological requirements defined by Dr Elaine Ingham as being required in order for the amendment to be effective in restoring the soil biome, when correctly applied. You will be trained how to make these amendments in the Consultant Training Program. Once you have successfully completed the Consultant Training Program, you can apply to the Soil Food Web School for a license to use the term in association with your products, but the term can only be used by individuals and corporations that have a license agreement in place. Licensees will be required to meet stringent quality assurance requirements.
Introduction to Permaculture
Is this course completely online?
Yes, the course includes 18 pre-recorded lectures and quizzes delivered entirely online. You can login any time you like, watch the lectures as many times as you wish, and then take the short, multiple-choice quiz.
Is this course self paced?
Yes, you can access and view the lectures and take the quizzes at your own pace. Students typically require about 40 hours in order to complete the Introduction to Permaculture Course (IPC) at a reasonable pace. We expect that a student can complete the IPC in 1 week, if studying full-time. You will have access to the IPC content for as long as we maintain the program.
When can I start?
You can start as soon as you sign up.
What will I learn?
- In this program, you’ll learn about some of the principles of permaculture and how they can be applied to the land, to water management and to most aspects of life. Course themes include:
- What is Permaculture?
- 12 Principles of Permaculture
- Three ethics: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Shares
- Importance of Observation
- Design Sequences
- Why do trees matter and how do they work?
- The Answer Lies in the Soil
- Cycles of Intervention
- Zones, Sectors, and Throughputs
How many lectures are in the Introduction to Permaculture?
There are 18 lectures. Each lesson is a lecture delivered by Graham Bell with a PowerPoint presentation, with interspersed contributions from other Permaculturalists from various parts of the world. The PowerPoints will be available to download as PDFs. Each lesson is followed by a short quiz to help you track your comprehension.
Will I be able to ask the instructor questions?
No. Graham is not available for Q&A at this time.
How much does it cost?
$200 as a free-standing course, but it’s free with the January 2022 promotional bundle.
Do I need any qualifications to start the course?
The courses are designed for people with no background in the field.
Soil Sponge Regeneration Workshop
Is this workshop self paced?
No. This is a five-part, live discussion workshop.
- The first workshop is a 5-week event (once per week for 5 weeks). Sessions last ~2.5 hours and will be held once a week for five weeks.
- Sessions are scheduled for the following 5 dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27, and July 11, 2022.
- There will be 2 sessions per day, to suit people in different time zones. Session A will run from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (10:30-13:00) Eastern time and Session B will run from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m (18:30-21:00) Eastern time. Students can only attend one session per day.
- The sessions will be held on the Zoom platform. You will be sent the relevant link after registration.
- Sessions will be recorded, so if you miss a session you can get caught-up.
When can I start?
This is a five-part, live discussion workshop.
- The first workshop is a 5-week event (once per week for 5 weeks). Sessions last ~2.5 hours and will be held once a week for five weeks.
- Sessions are scheduled for the following 5 dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27, and July 11, 2022.
- There will be 2 sessions per day, to suit people in different time zones. Session A will run from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (10:30-13:00) Eastern time and Session B will run from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m (18:30-21:00) Eastern time. Students can only attend one session per day.
- The sessions will be held on the Zoom platform. You will be sent the relevant link after registration.
- Sessions will be recorded, so if you miss a session you can get caught-up.
What will I learn?
Whether you are a farmer, a policymaker, a journalist, or an investor trying to make a change in the world, after taking this course you will see the potential of simple strategic land-management decisions to create the conditions for land to naturally regenerate its water-absorbing sponge-like structure and function. Click here to download a full class description.
How many sessions are in the Soil Sponge Workshop?
There are 5 sessions, each 2.5 hours long.
How much does it cost?
$300 as a stand-alone workshop, but it’s free with the SpringBoard+ offer.
How long will it take me to complete it?
- The workshop is a 5-week event (once per week for 5 weeks) and is scheduled for the following 5 dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27, and July 11, 2022.
- There will be 2 sessions per day, to suit people in different time zones. The morning session will run from 10:30-13:00 and the afternoon session will run from 18:30-21:00 Eastern time. Students can only attend one session per day.
- Sessions will be recorded, so if you miss a session you can get caught-up.
- The sessions will be held on the Zoom platform. You will be sent the relevant link after registration.
Do I need any qualifications to start the course?
The courses are designed for people with no background in the field.
What will I take away from this course?
Whether you are a farmer, a policymaker, a journalist, or an investor trying to make a change in the world, after taking this course you will see the potential of simple strategic land-management decisions to create the conditions for land to naturally regenerate its water-absorbing, sponge-like structure and function.