Programs
Healthy Soils Demonstration Projects
The Gold Ridge RCD is partnering with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to research and demonstrate farming practices that may improve soil health. CDFA’s Healthy Soils Demonstration Projects, part of the Healthy Soils Program, aim to improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Program funds on-farm demonstration projects that collect data and/or showcase conservation management practices that mitigate GHG emissions and increase soil health and create a platform promoting widespread adoption of conservation management practices throughout the state. Learn more about CDFA's Healthy Soils Program.
FEATURED PROJECT:
Healthy Soils Demonstration Project studies the effect of compost tea on greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon sequestration at EARTHseed Farm in Sebastopol, CA
About EARTHseed Farm: Established in March, 2021, EARTHseed Farm is a 14-acre solar-powered organic farm and orchard located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Peoples in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California. The farm is managed by a group of like-minded practitioners, where a variety of apples, pears, persimmons, plums, pluots, guavas, and mixed berries are grown. With the permission and blessings of Graton Rancheria Tribe, the farm is operated and rooted in AfroIndigenous permaculture principles, and built on the long legacy of earth wisdom traditions of people of African descent. Permaculture is a relationship-based ecological design system embedded in indigenous wisdom that elevates ecosystem health while meeting human needs. They run a Wholesale program, a U-Pick from May to November (open to the public), and Educational Programs prioritizing people of African descent and other communities of color.
About the use of compost tea:
Compost teas are liquid versions of the solid compost material. They contain soluble plant nutrients and a complex community of beneficial microorganisms. Compost teas are a specific liquid biological amendment, used in agriculture, horticulture or on lawns, made by coaxing the beneficial organisms from the solid compost and depositing them into an aerated water solution with various food sources. Liquid teas can be applied as soil drenches, foliar sprays or incorporated into irrigation systems. The liquid environment, containing organic matter and other nutrients, is perfect for encouraging microbial growth. Bacteria and other microbes are attracted to germinating seeds and developing roots. The advantage of the tea is that recipes can be developed and fine-tuned to target specific conditions and plant needs. Referenced from Harvard University and the Rodale Institute.
About the Healthy Soils Demonstration Project: Sustainability is central to EARTHseed Farm’s vision. This demonstration project investigates the effects of actively aerated compost tea on greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon sequestration when applied to the rows of the farm’s pear fruit orchard. Compost tea applications are known to increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in soil and increase available soil nutrients. However, little is known about the lasting effects of actively aerated compost tea on soil carbon sequestration or greenhouse gas emissions. The project is managed by the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District. With the support of multiple partners, this demonstration project will test soil nutrients and texture, soil-atmosphere gas exchange, fruit quality and quantity, and more. The project began in fall 2020 and will conclude in fall 2023. The compost tea system and catalyst will be sourced from Growing Solutions Inc., a developer and distributor of compost tea systems. Vermicompost will be sourced from TerraVesco, an organic vermicompost producer in Sonoma County. This project is funded through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)’s Healthy Soils Program. The Program receives funding through Prop 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 and California Climate Investments.
Thanks to our partners: EARTHseed Farm, Gold Ridge RCD, San Francisco State University, Intuit Ag Consulting, LLC, TerraVesco, and Growing Solutions
Resources:
- About EARTHseed Farm: https://www.earthseedfarm.org/
- EARTHseed Farm Compost Tea Healthy Soils Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92GMs06ls1o&t=2s&ab_channel=GoldRidgeResourceConservationDistrict
- RCD Project Tracker page: https://www.rcdprojects.org/Project/Detail/13865
- TerraVesco vermicompost: https://www.terravesco.com/
- Growing Solutions Compost Tea Brewing System: https://growingsolutions.com/using-compost-tea/agriculture/
- Growing Solutions: Producing Compost Tea https://growingsolutions.com/producing-compost-tea/
- About Soil Biology and Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gir17ezEztU
- What is Carbon Farming: https://www.carboncycle.org/what-is-carbon-farming/
- What is compost tea: https://rodaleinstitute.org/blog/compost-tea-a-how-to-guide/#:~:text=What%20is%20compost%20tea%3F,complex%20community%20of%20beneficial%20microorganisms
- Make your own compost tea: https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/how/make-your-own-compost-tea
- On Farm Composting Handbook: https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/67142
- Carbon Cycle Institute - Cafe Hour on Compost: https://vimeo.com/421314483