This course explores the symbiotic relationships between soil organisms, plants, and fungi, and was developed through a similar cooperation of subject matter experts. We will cover the basics of soil, fungi, and plant sciences and how all three are inextricably intertwined. All three must be understood and supported to employ the practical methods that can be used to reap the benefits of each in our natural and agroecosystems.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will explore the robust interactions between three key foundations of life. Many courses in biology and ecology stem from an anthropocentric approach to studying populations of animals – they are the most relatable kingdom to us, and are often used as case studies to understand ecological concepts. However, there is a whole world of life that is the foundation of the ecosystem that is often overlooked, either because it is misunderstood or microscopic.
This course explores the symbiotic relationships between soil organisms, plants, and fungi, and was developed through a similar cooperation of subject matter experts. We will cover the basics of soil, fungi, and plant sciences and how all three are inextricably intertwined. All three must be understood and supported to employ the practical methods that can be used to reap the benefits of each in our natural and agroecosystems.
This course provides an opportunity for learners to:
- Define symbiosis and provide examples.
- Recognize the importance of soil health.
- Describe how soil is formed.
- Apply practical methods for building healthy soils.
- Explain basic plant biology.
- Summarize how plants use soil to get nutrients.
- Apply practical plant cultivation and identification techniques.
- Connect fungal biology to plant and soil health.
- Use practical fungal cultivation and foraging methods.
- Summarize real examples of fungal, soil and plant interactions.
This course was created through and is part of :
COURSE-AT-A-GLANCE
The topical overview of the course below provides an early taste of what you can expect as you embark on this learning journey. Toggle the “Lessons” tab above for detailed descriptions of each.
- Module 1 – Meeting the Players
- Module 2 – What is Symbiosis?
- Module 3 – Soil Biodiversity
- Module 4 – Fundamentals of Plant Biology
- Module 5 – Fungal Biology and Ecology
AUDIENCE
This course is suited for:
- Those looking to support their gardening practice
- Those looking to support sustainable ecosystem management and regeneration
- Those interested in cultivating plants and fungi
- Those interested in improving soil health for nutrition of themselves, their families, their community, or their pasture
- Those concerned about the implication of soil degradation on social systems, health, agricultural and natural ecosystems
- Those interested in learning more about their own social connections through study of the natural world
COURSE DEVELOPERS
Each section of this course was developed by experts in each of the three disciplines, as well as with general ecological knowledge to weave the pieces together.
DISCLAIMER: Course descriptions on this webpage are for informational purposes only. Content may be updated or changed as planning evolves. EcoGather reserves the right to alter the program specifics, including details about course content, instructors, collaborations, field trips, facilities and pricing, at any time without notice.
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