Water & Soil

SATURDAY

9:00 - 10:30   The Nature of Water. 

This covers the science of water and why it's so important to life on Earth, and why it's unique, behaves the way it does, and allows life on earth; Plus how plants condense fog & direct rain water.

11:00 - 12:30 Intro to Soil Science 

How soil formed as life moved onto land; Mineral components & Structure of soil - Sand, Silt & Clay; Biological components, how they affect the structure of soil & plant communities; Interactions between living soil, plants, animals & climate; pH, heavy metals, soil tests and other considerations

13:00 - 14:30 Infiltration & Percolation Demonstrations & Activities

The movement of water in soil - Different soil types and soil community types hold and distribute water differently.

15:00 - 16:30  Earthworks & Landforms for Catching Water

Natural and altered catchments, swales, keypoint dams, keylines, and the design of landscapes for water. Protection; Swales; Terraces. 

SUNDAY

9:00 - 10:30   The Journey of Water

Where does our city's water come from? How does it flow? Why is it different than the drinking water systems of many other areas of New Zealand?  Plus, Water Management, Quantity, Catchment, & Storage - How can we catch, store and use our water in the most efficient manner?

11:00 - 12:30  Grey Water, Irrigation, & Black Water Systems

13:00 - 15:00  Soil Life

Soil Cycle; Soil Food Web - Bacteria, Protozoa, Nematodes, Fungi; Bacteria in Compost & Amendments.