Overview of Soil Health & Role of Fungi

We often hear that healthy soil is key to a thriving garden, but how can you tell if your soil is truly up to the task? In this one-hour Master Class, David Sparks will guide you through the essential physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil health. You'll learn practical tests you can perform to assess the condition of your soil and discover simple, effective ways to improve it. 

Healthy soil leads to a more productive garden with bigger, healthier crops, and it also benefits the local environment by supporting pollinators and biodiversity. This session will cover: 

• Identifying soil types and how to measure the proportions of clay, silt, and sand; 
• What soil types mean for gardeners and how to amend them for better growth; 
• Understanding soil chemistry, including pH levels and other nutrient imbalances; 
• An introduction to the Soil Food Web—exploring the role of microbes, fungi, and soil biodiversity; 
• A focus on the vital role of fungi in soil health, and why fungi should be considered alongside flora and fauna in your garden activities.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your gardening practices, this session will give you a solid foundation in soil science and practical tips for improving your garden's health and productivity.  

This session is the first in a series called “Focus on Soil”. Other topics include Soil Compaction; Soil Contamination and Safety; Microbes and Minerals – Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) is a not-for-profit non-government organiation dedicated to achieving a healthy biodiverse planet.

Its driving purpose is to:

• Encourage, educate and enable home and professional gardeners to adopt sustainable gardening practices to protect or enhance the natural environment;
• Provide information, education and undertake research about the natural environment;
• Reconnect people to the natural world through gardening; and
• Ensure an understanding of the impacts that gardening decisions about chemical and resource use have on the natural environment well beyond their neighbourhood.