The Living Soil

Living Ways Foundation is proud to present Paul Salanki of LoonSong Farm an afternoon of exploring the remarkable relationships between plant roots and soil biology, known as the rhizosphere.

Whether you’re growing tomatoes on your balcony in the city, you’re a seasoned backyard gardener, or you’re farming hundreds of crops, understanding the vast network of relationships between soil biology and the plant roots is relevant for building thriving soil conditions.

In recent years there has been incredible growth in the scientific knowledge relating to plant-soil life interaction, revealing a perspective on how plants truly thrive. This is very different from the models of fertility and plant growth on which most conventional agriculture methods are based.

On July 12th Paul will be offering 2 sessions sharing his incredible wealth of knowledge on this subject.

Session 1 - An overview of the micro and macro participants in soil life – sometimes known as the “soil food web” - showing how plants interact with this life, in sometimes astonishing ways. During this introduction, you’ll learn about how plants and biology communicate, collaborate, and feed each other through root exudates, hormone signalling, and sharing of actual cells and tissues.

Session 2 - Learn how to build soil conditions that support thriving plant-soil relationships through approaches like cover cropping, companion planting, composting, and mindful soil preparation.

Join us for one or both sessions!

Paul Salanki, and his partner Heather Thoma had been practicing organic and Biodynamic farming since 2003, beginning on Manitoulin Island and now rooted in the hills of Northumberland County at LoonSong farm, certified organic by Eco-Cert. Paul’s background spans engineering, aviation, and master’s degrees in both engineering and science, and he has brought that analytical mind fully into the world of sustainable, ecological farming. When he isn't in the field or the shop, he is deep in the latest research on soils and plants. He is passionate about the connections between land, community, and the food we grow.

Paul is inspired by growing connections – between soils and plants, people, landscape, farmland and
community and is thrilled to have the opportunity to share some of his knowledge and curiosity with
you.

Your host is Leslie Fell, Founder and Chair of Living Ways Foundation.

Location
This event will be held at 2429 County Road 25, Castleton, Ontario K0K 1M0.

Date: Sunday, July 12/26

Arrival for Session 1: Between 12:30 and 12:50pm (We’ll begin promptly at 1pm)

Arrival for Session 2: Between 3:00 and 3:20pm (We’ll begin promptly at 3:30pm)

Sessions will be held in the barn and the garden, please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.

Buy tickets here
If you would like to participate but cannot pay the total amount, please contact the Living Ways Foundation so we can make arrangements.

The price includes an educational session(s) with a break including light refreshments between sessions.

Donate: If you would like to provide additional support to Living Ways Foundation, please make a tax-deductible donation here