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Compost Academy Retreat Topics

 

Soil Biology and the Soil Foodweb

Learn the foundational basics of the soil foodweb for practical application. Find out how you can make targeted biological treatments for the plant types you want to grow, and cut expensive, toxic chemical inputs. Learn how compost, compost extract, compost teas, vermicompost and microscopy offer a direct pathway to regenerating landscapes and restoring fertility at every scale and in almost any context. See real world examples of biological land treatments which saved farmers livelihoods, increased profitability, and restored the ecology of the land.

The Art of Composting (Thermophilic, Vermicompost and Static Composting)

You’ll get a deep dive, hands-on instruction in the creation of Thermophilic and Static composting to make high quality, Biologically Complete compost that is sought after around the world. See techniques for material collection, compost building, monitoring, maintenance and turning that will save you thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of trial and error..

Compost Extracts and Teas

Learn how you can scale the application of compost and regenerative soil fertility with Compost Extracts and Compost Teas. See real world application examples of chemical to biological conversions using Compost Extracts and Teas.

Application Techniques

Learn how to apply Compost, Extract and Teas to plants, soil, and seeds for maximum effectiveness, and how to calculate application rates depending on your land size and plant needs.

Compost Technologies and Scaling

See different technologies for composting, from the home and homestead scale to 10,000+ acre farms.

Microscopy

Get hands on training on practical Microscopy for Biological Soil Assessment. Learn how to assess soil and compost quality through microscope analysis. Cut your learning curve with microscopy and feel confident with biology sampling.

Tropical Permaculture Systems

Learn how Rancho Margot sustains 60 full time residents across 60 hectares with Permaculture food systems, off-grid energy, and sustainable management, all while creating a wildlife sanctuary. This is productive, real world permaculture at it's best.

Tropical Composting

Learn how to make compost for both a global and tropical context so you can have better success making biological amendments.

Real Case Studies

See how different farmers, soil consultants, composters and growers used Biological treatments to transform farms and businesses away from chemicals and failing practices. See how practical soil biology treatments improve profitability and soil fertility and improve livelihoods.

 

Workshop Schedule

February 1-7 2026, Rancho Margot, Costa Rica

February 1 (Day 0) -Arrival

Group Pickup or self transport from San José Airport to Rancho Margot.  Meet, network, have a nice dinner and relax.  Airport pickup time TBA.

 

February 2  (Day 1) - Diving into the Soil Safari- Soil Biology and Tropical Permaculture Deep Dive

  • 9:00 - 10:30: Soil Safari: Exploring Microbial Magic with Brian Vagg Discover the hidden world beneath our feet and learn how microbes work their wonders in the soil!

  • 10:30 - 12:30 Meet the Microbes: Microscopic Marvels with Keisha Ernst Get up close and personal with live soil samples through our microscope introduction and see microbes in action.

  • 12:30-2:00PM Tropical Lunch Break – Recharge with local flavors and mingle with fellow adventurers.

  • 2:00-4:30 Permaculture Farm tour of Rancho Margot

  • 4:30-5:00 Open Q&A

February 3 (Day 2) : Practical Composting in Action- Thermophilic Composting

  • 9:00 - 10:30: Composting 101: Crafting the Perfect Pile with Casey and Keisha Ernst Everything you need to know to build a thriving compost pile from scratch.

  • 10:45 - 11:00: Microbe Collection Extravaganza with Keisha Roll up your sleeves for hands-on fun as we gather microbes to kickstart our compost journey.

  • 11:00 - 12:30: Build Your Compost Pile with Casey Ernst Dive into compost construction and create a pile that’s ready to transform the soil.

  • 12:30 - 2:00: Lunch in Paradise – Enjoy a leisurely meal with breathtaking views.

  • 2:00-4:00 Practical Composting Part 2

  • 4:00-5:00 Open Q&A

 

February 4 (Day 3) : Extracts & Teas- The Magic of Microbe Brews- Learn how to Brew and Apply Compost Extracts and Teas on a working Farm.

    • 9:00 - 10:30: Brewing Compost Extracts and Teas with Brian Vagg Learn how to create potent extracts and teas to supercharge your compost and soil restoration efforts.

    • 10:45 - 12:30: Hands-On Extraction & Application with the Whole Team Get hands-on with making extracts and applying them to your compost and soil.

    • 12:30 - 2:00 Lunch in Paradise – Enjoy a leisurely meal with breathtaking views.

    • 2:00-4:00 Application on the Farm- Learn how Finca Luna Nueva uses Compost amendments on the farm for a tropical context.

    • 4:00-5:00 Open Q&A

February 5- (Day 4): Microscopic Wonders- Learn how to use Microscopy to Assess Soil Health and Biology, and take an Exclusive Regenerative Chocolate Tour.

  • 9:00 - 10:30: Microscopy Unleashed: What Can We See? with Keisha Ernst Uncover the secrets of the microscopic world and understand what’s happening in your soil and compost.

  • 10:15 - 12:30: Live Microscopy & Hands-On Training with the Whole Team Analyze samples from our adventures and get expert guidance on using microscopes effectively.

  • 12:30 - 2:00 Lunch in Paradise – Enjoy a leisurely meal with breathtaking views.

  • 2:00-4:30 Chocolate Production and Cultivation

  • 4:30-5:00 Open Q&A

 

February 6 - (Day 5): Scaling Up and Water Wonders- See examples for scaling up working with large farms, and join in on a breathtaking hot spring trip.

  • 9:00 - 10:30: Scaling Up Success: Large-Scale Operations with Brian Vagg Explore successful large-scale operations and get tips on scaling up your own projects.

  • 10:45 - 12:30: Water Wonders: Sample Peeks & Analysis Dive into the world of water samples and discover the vital role water plays in our microbial adventures.

  • 12:30 - 2:00 Lunch in Paradise – Enjoy a leisurely meal with breathtaking views.

  • 2:00-5:00 Hot Spring Trip at Arenal Hot Spring

  • 5:30-6:30 Final Celebration Session and Dinner

     

February 7- (Post Retreat)

Breakfast, checkout at Rancho Margot and Shuttle back to San José Airport.

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