Top: Predatory mesostigmatid mite. Image courtesy Lynn Fang

The 131° School is an online educational resource started by Compost Technical Services, a consulting practice. New on the course selection list is the SoilWise Microbial Assessment Certificate, a two-month online program providing training in soil microscopy and the identification and interpretation of microorganisms for compost quality and soil health. Taught by Lynn Fang, MS, a community soil scientist, compost specialist, educator, and ecological landscaper, the assessment approach is designed for anyone who works with soil microbial ecology, including composters, farmers, landscapers, gardeners, designers, educators, and citizen scientists.

“This course provides a deep dive into qualitative assessments of soil microbial ecology, applied to soil health in various landscape systems (including farming and native soil restoration), as well as composting systems and processes,” explains Fang. “It applies a whole systems ecological framework for understanding soil health, compost quality, and microbial ecology. We will be going over patterns and microbes as indicators for compost quality, so you will see differences in mature vs. immature compost. It is a way to check in on your composting process, make adjustments, and be able to fine-tune the process to encourage more beneficial microbial populations in the finished product. These organisms better ensure nutrient cycling, moisture content, and disease suppression.”

Fang’s teaching and community work include partnerships with LA Compost, CalRecycle Community Composting for Green Spaces, Cal Poly Pomona, and Pitzer College. She recently launched SoilWise, a small business providing ecological landscaping, composting, and soil health consulting and testing. The SoilWise Microbial Assessment Certificate expands upon the Community Soil Health microscopy education at LA Compost.