Everyone Wins With Our Proven Regenerative Approach
There is no better way to grow plants and heal our planet than the way that Nature herself has devised. See below how our regenerative methodologies benefit all!
Become a Highly-Skilled Healer of the Ecosystems You Care About Most
Turn Your Passion for Mother Earth Into a Rewarding, Impactful Career with our Training Bundle from Soil Food Web School & Ecosystem Restoration Communities – On Sale Now!
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 in conventional farming, 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 a balanced 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.
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 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.
”150% Increase in Yields with Many Costs Reduced by 60%
Shane Plath, Passionate HorticulturalistOrganic Banana Farm Owner, Employing 2,000 People
"Our farm was in serious trouble, but after implementing Dr. Elaine’s approach we increased our yield by 150% in a single season, and repeated these results on different soils at different farms. We also cut many input costs such as fertilizers by at least 60%."
Together We’re Making a Difference
Watch these testimonial videos to see how people from all walks of life are thriving and positively impacting their local communities.
”Creating the World We Want to Live In
Ecosystem Restoration Communities are a global, grassroots movement of people working to create a more abundant earth. We repair broken ecosystems together and, in doing so, provide humanity with hope and a better future. Our goal is to have 1 million people come together by 2030 to restore 3.1 million hectares of degraded ecosystems around the world.Watch this video to see their amazing impact!
Ecosystem Restoration CommunitiesNon-Profit Organization
”Used to Work in IT, Pivoted to his True Passion
Brian Vagg, Owner of Sprouting SoilCertified Soil Food Web Consultant
"Becoming a Soil Food Web Consultant was a life-transforming event for me. My clients see the results so quickly... I feel really good about doing something so positive."
”From Permaculture to Thriving Commercial Composting Business
Keisha & Casey, Owners of Catalyst BioAmendmentsCertified Soil Food Web Consultants
"Without the Soil Food Web, we wouldn't have this business. The training we got from Dr. Elaine Ingham... has completely shifted our life paths. We've more than doubled the normal compost prices in our area."
”Nick is Experiencing High Demand & Has a Client Waitlist
Nick Tomasini, Founder of Humankind OregonCertified Soil Food Web Consultant
"A lot of clients come to me from the Soil Food Web Website....What I love most about having these skills... is implementing them with farmers and seeing their reaction to the results."
”Saved Client $1 Million While Eliminating Pesticides & GMO
Todd Harrington, Owner of Harrington’s Organic Land CareCertified Soil Food Web Consultant
"One of my clients out in the Midwest does soy and corn. In 3 years they completely eliminated Roundup… switched over to non GMO, and just that alone had saved them over $1M… What business can you go into, make money, and yet you’re giving back to society? You’re giving back to the environment and you’re giving back to your children."
So Let’s Explore Where Our New Online Training & Mentorship Can Take You…
Watch this video to see why our partnership with Ecosystem Restoration Communities opens up so many more exciting career & vocational pathways!
Thanks to our new partnership with John D. Liu & Ecosystem Restoration Communities, we now have the capability – and comprehensive curriculum – to teach you soil regeneration, microscopy, permaculture design, AND ecosystem restoration. Armed with this knowledge, you’re empowered to make a massive difference in your local community – and beyond!
Study anytime, anywhere within our online learning system, experience 1:1 mentorship, and turn your knowledge and skills into a meaningful and profitable career. Qualified consultants are in high demand!
The Ecosystem Restoration Bundle Curriculum
Watch this video to learn about the 4 valuable tools you’ll gain through our current training offer.
Foundation Courses
Foundation Course 1
Introduction to the Soil Food Web
- Understanding soil
- The benefits of the soil food web
- Soil food web microorganisms
- Working with the Soil Food Web
- Case studies
Foundation Course 2
Making BioComplete™ Compost
- The history of Compost
- BioComplete™ Compost
- Making BioComplete™ Compost
- Large scale production
- Application methods
Foundation Course 3
Making BioComplete™ Extracts & Teas
- Producing BioComplete™ extracts
- Producing and balancing BioComplete™ teas
- Application methods
Foundation Course 4
Microscopy
- Using the compound microscope
- Biological morphology
- Interpreting data
Click Here to Learn More About the Foundation Courses
You’ll learn all about how soil functions on a biological level in the Soil Food Web Foundation Courses. You’ll learn how to make biological compost and liquid soil amendments and how to apply them to the soil so that the soil biome can be rapidly restored to health. You’ll also learn about the management practices that need to be adopted to protect the soil biome. You’ll get to attend monthly Q&A sessions with Dr. Elaine and her team and you’ll get access to a dedicated forum where you can ask questions. You’ll also study the microscopy technique that Dr. Elaine developed, that will enable you to identify and quantify beneficial microorganism groups in the soil and in your compost. These are all great skills to have at your disposal if you are working on regenerating farmland or on an ecosystem restoration project, as repairing the soil biome will dramatically accelerate the regeneration process, so you can start to see the results in the first growing season.
FREE Bonus Courses
You’ll also receive complimentary access to the following online programs.
Introduction to
Ecosystem Restoration
- Study ecological principles and ecosystem restoration techniques
- Increase biodiversity across the entire ecosystem
- Repair the small hydrological cycle
- Measure your impact
Certified
Lab-Tech Program
- 1-on-1 Mentoring
- Identify and quantify the 4 key groups of microorganisms that make a soil biome functional
- Measure the impact of different strategies you are experimenting with so you know what is going to work for your situation
- Assess the quality of your compost and liquids before you apply them
Soil Food Web
Essentials
- Permaculture Principles
- Design Sequences
- Cycles of Intervention
- Zones, Sectors and Throughputs
- Ecological Principles
- Understanding Plants
Click Here to Learn More About the Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration
This is where you’ll study ecological principles and ecosystem restoration techniques. You’ll learn about the Earth’s natural cycles and how they can be repaired; the services that ecosystems perform and how they operate; the different phases and stages of ecosystems and the restoration continuum; how species interact with each other; how to restore ecosystems back to full health and functionality; how to increase biodiversity; how to measure the impact of an ecosystem restoration project and much more! This course will prepare you to make a meaningful contribution to any ecosystem restoration community, where people are coming together to restore their landscapes. Please take a look at the “Pathways” video for more information on this. This is a great tool to have in your box if you are a Soil Food Web Consultant, working with farmers to support their transition to regenerative agriculture, because it will empower you to have a positive effect on the wider ecosystem, beyond the soil biome and cropland. You’ll be able to have a positive impact on streams and rivers, on woodland and on the animals that occupy the local area too.
You’ll have 12 months to complete this course online, and we advise students to commit to around 80 hours in total. The course is delivered by Ecologist Paul Morris, who is an expert in the fields of botany, ecosystem restoration and regenerative farming, with over 27 years of experience. Paul is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) with the Society for Ecological Restoration. His extensive experience in restoration ecology and conservation biology makes him a leader in the design and planting of restoration areas. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with Paul and other members of the training team in monthly student webinars and in the dedicated student forum, where you’ll be able to ask any questions about the course content and get to know some of the other students. This is a great opportunity to network with other people in the community.
Click Here to Learn More About the Certified Lab-Tech Program
This is an intensive, 3-month program designed to help you to master Dr. Elaine’s microscopy technique. You’ll work one-on-one with a Microscopy mentor, in 8 1-hour sessions, to develop your skills with the microscope to the required standard, enabling you to identify and quantify the 4 key groups of beneficial microorganisms that are required to make a soil function. Once you pass the assessment, you’ll be certified as a Soil Food Web Lab-Technician and you’ll then be listed on our website, so the farmers in your region can locate you to get their soils tested. This is such a powerful tool, because it enables you to measure the success of various techniques that you might be experimenting with on your ecosystem restoration project, or farm. You’ll be able to see how the soil biome responds in weeks – way before you start to see above-ground responses to the strategies you are using. And, you’ll be able to assess the quality of your compost and liquid amendments, so you’ll know how impactful they could be, before you put in the effort of applying them to the soil. This is kind of like having x-ray vision that enables you to see what’s happening beneath the surface of the soil. Armed with the microscope, you’ll be able to diagnose imbalances in the soil biome. You’ll also have the knowledge, from the Soil Food Web Foundation Courses, to create inocula that can be used to bring the biome back to a state of health, literally repairing the ecosystem from the ground up!
Click Here to Learn More About the Soil Food Web Essentials
In this all new course for 2024, soak up the essential science of soil ecology and biology so you can steward resilient ecosystems. This accessible and affordable course invites you into the transformative world of practical microbiology. Explore with Dr. Elaine Ingham and over a dozen additional Soil Food Web School Science Educators to level up your collaboration with living systems.
Meet Your Instructors
With this training bundle, you get access to 3 renowned teachers’ life works in one online platform.
Dr. Elaine Ingham
B.A., M.S., Ph.D, Founder of Soil Food Web School
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.
Paul Morris
Ecologist, Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP)
Ecologist Paul Morris is an expert in the fields of botany, ecosystem restoration and regenerative farming, with over 27 years of experience. He is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) with the Society for Ecological Restoration, and his extensive experience in restoration ecology and conservation biology makes him a leader in the design and planting of restoration areas.
Graham Bell
Author, Permaculture Expert
The late Graham Bell was Chair of Permaculture Scotland & Permaculture Association Britain, and was the longest-serving Permaculture Teacher in the UK. He was the author of The Permaculture Way and The Permaculture Garden. He was a registered Certified Teacher with PAB and Permaculture Institute of Australia. He was the first holder of the Elders Award in the UK and Honorary Elder in Australia.
The Ecosystem Restoration Bundle Curriculum
The Soil Food Web Foundation Courses are where you’ll learn all about how soil functions on a biological level.
Includes:
- 63 lectures delivered by Dr. Elaine Ingham and her team
- Monthly Q&A webinars with Dr. Elaine and other soil regeneration experts
- FC Forum where your questions will be answered by Dr. Elaine and her team
- Downloadable materials including: course manuals, lecture slides, glossary, etc.
- Certificate of completion
Foundation Course 1: Introduction to the Soil Food Web (FC1)
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 (FC2)
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 (FC3)
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 (FC4)
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.
The Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration is where you’ll study ecological principles and ecosystem restoration techniques.
Includes:
- 32 hours of content delivered by Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner Paul Morris and other experts
- Monthly student webinars with Paul and other members of the training team
- Dedicated student forum, to ask any questions about the course content and get to know some of the other students.
- Downloadable materials including: course manual, lecture slides, etc.
- Certificate of completion
Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration
What you will learn:
- The key principles of ecology and ecosystem restoration
- Understanding the causes of ecosystem degradation
- How species and their populations interact with one another
- The different elements, phases and stages of ecosystems, how they work and how they interact with one another
- Earth’s cycles: how they work and how to restore them, including the carbon and water cycles
- Understanding the services that our ecosystems offer us and how they work
- How to restore ecosystems back to full health and functionality, following a range of examples
- How the soil biome works and how to restore it
- How to increase biodiversity on your site
- What a reference ecosystem is and how it works as a template for your restoration project
- How to use the principles and standards of practice commonly used in these fields to plan and develop your project
- How to measure the impact of a restoration project
The Certified Lab-Tech Program is where you’ll master Dr. Elaine’s Microscopy Technique, enabling you to see what’s happening in the soil biome and to assess the quality of your compost.
Includes:
- Eight 1-on-1 sessions with a dedicated Microscopy Mentor
- Downloadable materials including course manual & the Launch Your Lab Guidebook
- Listing in our online directory of Certified Soil Food Web Lab-Techs, from which farmers in your region can contact you
- Training on how to use the Soil Microscopy Application (s-MApp)
- Certificate of completion
Certified Lab-Tech Program
What you will learn:
- How to identify and quantify the 4 major groups of beneficial soil microorganisms and several detrimental groups of soil microorganisms too.
- How to use the compound microscope to track the progress of the soil biome over time.
- How to assess the quality of compost and liquid soil amendments like extracts and teas.
- To use the Soil Microscopy Application (sMApp) to quantify the microorganisms in a sample and to produce reports for your clients.
Soil Food Web Essentials
In this all new course for 2024, soak up the essential science of soil ecology and biology so you can steward resilient ecosystems. This accessible and affordable course invites you into the transformative world of practical microbiology. Explore with Dr. Elaine Ingham and over a dozen additional Soil Food Web School Science Educators to level up your collaboration with living systems.
What's included in The Soil Food Web Essentails?
Built on the Soil Food Web Approach, this visionary and transformative course will teach you about the role of soil life in our biosphere and transform your understanding of how to work with microorganisms to grow plants, crops and food more successfully. For anyone who wants to build naturally fertile soil and to understand ways of becoming a better grower, gardener, farmer, or land steward, this course was designed for you.
Led and presented by a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive team at the forefront of soil science, you’ll receive all-new self-paced online lectures and presentations. This short course acts as an introduction into the world of the Soil Food Web Approach and is the perfect place to start your educational journey. After completion of this module, we are sure you’ll wish to continue your learning journey with the next 2 stages of the all-new Permaculture Design Course (PDC), due to be released later in 2024.
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.
Register Today to Save 50%!
With the Ecosystem Restoration Bundle you can register for the Soil Food Web Foundation Courses for just $3,800, saving $1,200. You’ll get the additional 3 programs absolutely FREE, saving a total of $3,800. That’s an incredible savings of 50% off the total bundle value ($7,600). Offer ends July 27nd.
Your Training Bundle Includes:
- $1,200 OFF Foundation Courses
Normally $5,000 - FREE BONUS: The Certified Lab-Tech Program
Normally $1,000 - FREE BONUS: The Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration
Normally $1,400 - FREE BONUS: Soil Food Web Essentials
Normally $199
$7,599
$3,950
Monthly Payments
(U.S. Residents only)
Monthly Financing as low as 0% APR*
Pay in Full
BUY NOW(One payment of $3,800)
*Rates from 0% APR or 10-36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: http://affirm.com/lenders. See http://affirm.com/licenses for important info on state licenses and notifications.
This is the LAST TIME this bundle will be available at this special price!!!
This offer will end at midnight on April 9th, 2024
Student Reviews
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…
Consultant Case Studies
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.
Farmer Case Studies
10,000 acres Illinois, 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. Adam York reported saving over $1M by reducing chemical inputs in the first 3 years.
140 acres Piura, Peru
In this awesome film you can hear how Roberto has collaborated with Soil Food Web Consultant Miles Sorel reporting yield increases of over 100% in year 1, and nearly 100% in year 2.
¼ acre California, USA
Jenn’s farm was experiencing problems with
fertility, compaction and disease. Working with Soil Food Web Consultant, Brain Vagg, has helped her to make great improvements in year 1.
3,000 acres Montana, USA
Cory operates Grass Valley Farms where he produces high quality hay, beef, eggs and honey. He’s seen multiple improvements each year, since he stared working with Consultant Casey Ernst.
Together We Can Heal Our Planet!
Watch this video to see what our students are saying about the Soil Food Web School.
Some of our students are farmers, or agricultural professionals, and some are people with no relevant background, who have a passion for the planet.
If you are looking for a new meaningful and impactful career, this could be for you!
General FAQs
Why is this the last time ever that the Ecosystem Restoration Bundle will be made available at this price?
Due to inflationary pressures, this is the final time we will be able to make the Ecosystem Restoration Bundle available at this price.
Will it work in my region?
Dr. Elaine has used the Soil Food Web Approach to regenerate soils on 6 continents. We now have students in over 80 countries and so far we haven’t found anywhere in the world where the soil ecosystem cannot be restored. (Antarctica is the obvious exception since the soil isn’t accessible there!)
Will it work on all crops and plants?
All plants form symbiotic relationships with microorganisms in the soil. That’s because when plants first evolved on the land, around 500 million years ago, the world’s soils were already populated with microbes. So these relationships have been there from the beginning. Our persistent disturbance of the soil, with the plow and more recently with chemicals, has destroyed the balance that existed in the soil ecosystem. Fortunately, we can put that right very rapidly with the Soil Food Web Approach, which is all about harvesting microbes from the local area, multiplying the aerobic microbes using Dr. Elaine’s close-control composting system, and then re-introducing them to the soil. With regenerative agricultural techniques like no till, the soil biome is protected and so repeated treatments may not be necessary.
Will it work at a large and/or small scale?
The short answer is ‘yes.’ Dr. Elaine has worked on large scale projects that cover thousands of acres. She has also worked on some smaller projects too. BioComplete™ Compost and liquid amendments can be produced at large scale, using industrial equipment and also at very small scale, using hand tools and homemade brewing kits. Of course, application at large scale is very different than it would be in someone’s garden, but the good news is that conventional spraying equipment and irrigation systems can be used to deliver BioComplete™ Liquid Amendments to the soil, with some very minor modifications.
Do I need a science background?
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 the program fit my schedule?
The Foundation Courses, the Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration and the Introduction to Permaculture Course are flexible online programs, so you can work at your own pace.
The Certified Lab-Tech Program is an intensive, online, 3-month program designed to help you to master Dr. Elaine’s microscopy technique. You’ll work one-on-one with a Microscopy mentor, in 8 1-hour sessions.
The Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration is also flexible; you’ll have 12 months to complete it.
The Introduction to Permaculture is also flexible, and you’ll have 12 months to complete it.
Bundle FAQs
FOUNDATION COURSES
Are all the courses 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 break down 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 July 2023 Ecosystem Restoration Bundle, you pay $3,800 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.
CERTIFIED LAB-TECH PROGRAM
What kind of equipment will I need to buy in order to take the CLP and run a lab? How much will it cost?
You will need to buy a suitable microscope and microscope camera, as well as some ancillary equipment such as test-tubes and slides, etc. Please take a look at this pdf for more information. You can buy a perfectly adequate microscope and camera for $500-$600.
How much money can I expect to earn?
That depends on you and how much effort you put into attracting new clients. You will need to identify and approach local farmers, growers, and compost producers. We will provide you with information on how to do that and some tips from other Certified Lab-Techs that have been successful.
How much time do I get to complete the CLP?
You’ll get a maximum of 3 months to complete the CLP training program and the Microscopy Proficiency Assessment. During this time you will get 8 hours of 1-on-1 mentoring time.
You’ll need to complete the Foundation Courses (FC) first, but that can be done in just 4 weeks, working full time. We advise students that they need between 120-150 hours to complete the FC, so 4 weeks is plenty of time if you are focused. You’ll have up to 12 months to complete the FC if required.
What if I fail the assessment?
You’ll get 2 attempts at taking the assessment. If you fail both times, then you will need to book some additional time with your mentor in order to work on whatever is going wrong. Once you have ironed-out the problems, you’ll be able to retake the assessment. Additional fees apply.
Where will I be featured on the website?
Your information, including name, address (optional), email, and phone number, will be featured on this page, once you have been certified as a Soil Food Web Lab-Tech. You can opt-out if you don’t want to be listed.
Can I charge whatever price I want for assessments?
The short answer is yes. Some Certified Soil Food Web Lab-Techs tell us they charge between $120 and $150 per sample, but there are no restrictions. Remember it will take you about an hour to complete the assessment and the report.
Will you recommend me to farmers?
We do receive inquiries from farmers, growers and compost producers who want to have an analysis performed. Some just go straight to the website and find a lab-tech by themselves. We make recommendations based on proximity, so if someone in your region contacts us, we’d recommend them to you.
What if I have never used a microscope before?
That’s not a problem. This program is designed for beginners.
INTRODUCTION TO ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
Is this course completely online?
-Yes, the IER is 100% online. It comprises a series of lectures and quizzes that total 32 hours of content. You’ll have 12 months to complete this course online, and we advise students to commit to around 80 hours in total.
When can I start?
You can start as soon as you sign up.
What will I learn?
- The key principles of ecology and ecosystem restoration
- Understanding the causes of ecosystem degradation
- How species and their populations interact with one another
- The different elements, phases and stages of ecosystems, how they work and how they interact with one another
- Earth’s cycles: how they work and how to restore them, including the carbon and water cycles
- Understanding the services that our ecosystems offer us and how they work
- How to restore ecosystems back to full health and functionality, following a range of examples
- How the soil biome works and how to restore it
- How to increase biodiversity on your site
- What a reference ecosystem is and how it works as a template for your restoration project
- How to use the principles and standards of practice commonly used in these fields to plan and develop your project
- How to measure the impact of a restoration project
How many lectures are in the Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration?
The IER comprises a series of lectures and quizzes that total 32 hours of content. You’ll have 12 months to complete this course online, and we advise students to commit to around 80 hours in total.
Will I be able to ask the instructor any questions?
- Yes. You will be able to attend Monthly Student Webinars with Paul Morris and other members of the training team.
- You will also have access to a dedicated forum, where you can ask any questions you may have about the course content.
How much does it cost?
The regular price is $1,400 but the IER is free with the Ecosystem Restoration Bundle.
Please note that this is the last time the IER will be at this price as a standalone product.
Do I need any qualifications to start the course?
No. The IER has been designed for people with no scientific or ecological background. You do need to have a good level of English, so that you can follow the lectures and take the quizzes.
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 the late 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. Q&As are not available at this time.
How much does it cost?
$200 as a stand-alone, but it’s free with the Ecosystem Restoration Bundle
Do I need any qualifications to start the course?
The courses are designed for people with no background in the field.
How It Works
Please take a look at these animations that explain how natural soils function.
Not a Scientist? Not a Farmer? Not a Problem!
Dr. Elaine’s teaching style is accessible to anyone and, remember, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee!