We are pleased and excited to announce that this year PRI Sask, the Saskatoon Food Bank and Let’s Talk Science will be collaborating to carry out a research and education project at the Garden Patch.
A big thank you goes out to Eco-Friendly Sask for providing the funding to carry out this project.
In order to grow healthy, nutritious food we need to start with healthy soil. Healthy, intact soils are living systems containing a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, other fungi and invertebrate animals, such as worms. Soil organisms interact with each other and with plants contribute to soil and plant health.
During our research project we will be adding mycorrhizae inoculant and compost extract to vegetable plots in order restore soil health and to evaluate the impact on plant health, yield and ease and affordability of use. We also anticipate that one of the outcomes of this project could be an increased understanding, of those who take part, that there can be a myriad of life right under our feet, healthy soil is teaming with life, and by regenerating soil we’re benefiting the environment.
Specifically, we plan to:
1) Start vermicomposting (worm composting) at the Food Bank
2) Do educational activities on vermicomposting over the winter in conjunction with Let’s Talk Science, a science outreach non-profit.
3) Conduct a field trial in the Garden Patch to test the impact of mycorrhizae and/or compost extract (made from vermicompost) on vegetable plots, containing the “three sisters” corn, beans and squash in the 2014 growing season.
Volunteers are welcome! As a volunteer you can:
– Help with vermicomposting activities in February, March and/or April;
– Set up field garden plots in the spring or early summer;
– Monitor and do upkeep with garden research plots over the summer.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information please contact Michelle at: mah424@mail.usask.ca