Our Inspiration
Here you will find a growing list of resource links of experts, scientists, and other professionals in the field of composting, soil health, soil science and uniquely specialized in soil microbiology and soil ecology. It is what has inspired us to do the work that we do to communicate the wonders of the underworld and our understanding that working in concert with nature is the ultimate in solving our global climate and social crisis!
Resources That Inspire! Putting Science to Practice in the Field....
The Power of Soil: Nicole Masters Interview on Soil and Human Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFRFjzF9HIA
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Nicole Masters is a globally recognized agroecologist, educator, and author specializing in regenerative agriculture. She is the founder of Integrity Soils, where she works with farmers and land managers to improve soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices. Through her book For the Love of Soil and her workshops, she inspires others to adopt holistic approaches to land stewardship and food production. Her studies and approach to soil management is applicable to landscape designers and urban gardeners as well.
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Nicole Masters recently appeared on The Happy Pear Podcast to discuss regenerative agriculture and soil health. In this interview, she shared insights into agroecology, systems thinking, and the importance of restoring biodiversity through sustainable farming practices. The conversation also highlighted practical applications of regenerative principles, including success stories from around the globe and challenges faced by farmers transitioning to these methods.
The Soil Food Web: How It Works
https://www.soilfoodweb.com/how-it-works/
Dr. Elaine Ingham is a renowned microbiologist and soil biology researcher, best known for her pioneering work on the soil food web. She founded Soil Foodweb Inc., which focuses on restoring soil health through natural methods like composting and regenerative agriculture. Her research emphasizes the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical inputs, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
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Dr. Elaine Ingham's videos on her website are highly effective in communicating and illustrating the principles of the soil food web. They use clear visuals and engaging explanations to break down complex concepts, making them accessible to a wide audience, including farmers, landscapers, gardeners, and soil enthusiasts. The videos also provide practical insights and real-world applications, helping viewers understand how to implement soil health practices in their own environments.
Braiding Sweetgrass
https://app.thestorygraph.com/book_reviews/cc0a72df-968e-4c9c-8e5f-e24fef28eca5/content_warning/40
The core message of Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is about fostering a reciprocal relationship with the Earth. Kimmerer blends Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and personal reflections to emphasize the importance of gratitude, respect, and stewardship for nature. She advocates for seeing the Earth not as a resource to exploit but as a living entity to learn from and care for. The book inspires readers to embrace a mindset of interconnectedness and reciprocity, urging humanity to repair its relationship with the natural world to ensure a sustainable future.
Considering the Landscape After the Eaton Fire
https://vimeo.com/event/5043239
This 2-hour webinar explores the aftermath of the Eaton Fire and its implications for soil restoration and fire mitigation in the rebuilding efforts. Yana Valachovic, a Forest Advisor, shared insights from her visits to the fire-affected areas, highlighting how homes and yards can be designed and maintained to withstand fire hazards. Danielle Stevenson, an environmental toxicologist and bioremediation specialist, contributed to the webinar by discussing soil contamination issues and shared remediation strategies involving soil microorganisms and plants. Terremoto Landscaping, a landscape architecture design studio, was highlighted in the webinar for its innovative approach to fire-resilient landscaping.