In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, we're talking DIY microbial-rich compost with Matthew Batchelder, founder of Fun-guy Compost, at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference. Explore the nuances of composting with Johnson-Su bioreactors, a specialized form of composting that serves as living seed inoculant. Matthew shares the components of a successful bioreactor and the significance of microbial inoculation in gardening and farming. Get practical tips for building the Johnson-Su, maintaining moisture levels, and the benefits of incorporating red wigglers. This conversation underscores the potential of microbial diversity in transforming soil health and rehabbing the environment. A lot of valuable information for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and composting, with plenty of insights for both small and large-scale farmers.

Don't Want to DIY Compost But Want the Benefits? You can purchase microbial-rich compost directly from Fun-guy Compost Company, based in Houston, TX. Tell 'em TX Soil Sisters sent you to receive a 1-pound bag for $50 (Reg. $75). Treating one acre of land only takes 1-2 pounds of microbial-rich compost! Listen to the podcast for the compost extract recipe and application recommendations. Shop Online: https://www.funguycompost.com/

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast

00:25 Introduction to Matthew Batchelder and Fun-guy Compost

00:51 Understanding Johnson Su Bioreactors

01:28 Building Bioreactors and Workshops

01:59 Challenges and Locations for Composting

02:43 Journey into Composting

03:45 Components of a Successful Bioreactor

07:03 Washing Leaves and Preparing Bioreactors

08:33 Optimum Bioreactor Size and Usage

11:26 Maintaining Bioreactors and Adding Red Wigglers

16:19 Temperature and Environmental Considerations

18:15 First Attempt at Composting

18:46 Choosing the Right Landscaping Fabric

19:21 Using Wood Chips and Leaves

19:41 Building Bioreactors: Timing and Tips

21:01 Funguy Compost: Products and Services

22:38 The Importance of Seed Inoculation

25:16 Recipe for Johnson Su Compost Extract and Seeding Instructions

27:30 Maximizing Biodiversity in Farming

28:53 Quorum Sensing - Microbe diversity as a Solution

30:32 Transitioning to Microbial Farming

34:59 Special Offer Tell 'em TX Soil Sisters sent you to receive a 1-pound bag for $50 (Reg. $75)

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