
Explore practical, field-based methods to measure soil fertility, including moisture input, root depth, and compaction, using simple tools, a soaker, and basic observations.
Explore how active and total soil microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and earthworms—shape true soil fertility, highlighting the importance of balanced biology, ratios, and crop-specific pH.
Explore the roles of dung beetles and earthworms in soil fertility, and how mulching, moisture, and crop management keep them active for healthy soil.
Explore how soil biology drives plant succession, from bedrock weathering by bacteria and lichens to organic matter buildup, guiding nitrogen forms and the bacteria–fungi balance for fertility.
Trace how sun energy creates soil organic matter that fuels a soil food web—from bacteria and protozoa to nematodes, fungi, and arthropods—returning minerals to plants.
Biological agriculture treats soil as a living, dynamic system, using animals, manure, and gut inoculation to build a probiotic soil ecosystem and implement regenerative, low-input stocking and rest.
Explore soil microbiology, including mycorrhizal fungi, bacteria, and predatory nematodes, to see how roots access phosphorus and nitrogen within the balanced soil food web.
This course is a simple, clear message for ALL farmers who want to know where to start when farming without chemicals. Through a series of questions, Gerhard asks you: What is soil? What is soil health? How do you measure it? What is the difference between soil tests? What are the phosphorus & carbon cycles? How do you know if your soil is healthy? How do you get a good pasture growing? And lots more probing questions. Above all if you are going to use chemicals, ask yourself why? Are there other ways of dealing with the problem? Gerhard clearly shows you that there is!