A one day class taught by Dr. Patricia Richardson, Ph.D., Research Fellow, Integrative Biology at University of Texas.

All land managers, from small acreage farmers to large acreage ranchers, depend both short-term and long-term upon the health and productivity of their soil.

The complex system called soil involves the mineral content and texture of parent material (sand, silt, and clay), adsorption of ions (cation-exchange capacity), and the extensive interaction of soil living organisms. Biological activity in soil determines aggregate structure (tilth) and nutrient retention (mineral cycle).

All are major factors affecting primary production. This course will present and discuss the soil food web and integrate features of soil building and soil maintenance that affect production of food, fiber and meat.

8:30am Overview of the soil food web – size and scale
8:45am Soil bacteria
9:15am Soil Fungi
9:45am Soil viruses
10:00am Break
10:30am Soil protozoa and nematodes
11:00am Soil meso-fauna overview
11:40am Meso-fauna video
12:00 noon LUNCH
1:00pm Soil mega-fauna
Earthworms
Caterpillars
Dung Beetles
Rove & Ground Beetles
2:00pm Soil food web game
2:30pm Importance of covered soil
2:45pm Management of soil food web (tools, discussion, questions)
Biological diversity
Health & Balance
Enhanced productivity of crops, pasture and rangeland
4:00pm Adjourn