Join us for a Johnson-Su Bioreactor Construction and Filling workshop on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds!

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to construct and fill Johnson-Su Bioreactors. Created by New Mexico State University's very own Dr. David C. Johnson and his wife Hui-Chun Su, the Johnson-Su Bioreactor is an excellent method for composting in dry, arid climates: it reduces water usage up to six times compared to other composting methods; the system doesn't require any turning, so little labor is required after the initial set-up; and the compost created in these bioreactors is biologically diverse, fungally dominant, and has exceptional potential to regenerate poor and degraded soils by providing microbes that establish symbiotic relationships with plants. 

Field Day registration and participation is free-of-charge, but if you would like your own bioreactor, there is an option to take home your own bioreactor kit for just the cost of the materials ($140 for a full-scale bioreactor, $80 for a half-scale bioreactor, $20 for a 2'x2' bioreactor). You will be able to pay when registering. Please bring a truck or other large vehicle if you are interested in this option.

Participants will be provided lunch as well as an early dinner, courtesy of the Seeding Regenerative Agriculture Project.

FIELD DAY SCHEDULE

9:00 – 9:15am Introductions and workshop overview

9:15am – 12:00pm Guided Bioreactor Construction

12:00-1:00pm Lunch Break (food provided)

1:00pm – 4:00pm Filling Bioreactors

4:00 – 4:30pm Wrap-up and drive to dinner

4:30 – ~6:00pm Dinner and drinks at Joe's Dining (2801 Rodeo Rd A-5 in Rodeo Plaza, Santa Fe, NM 87507)

This field day is hosted in partnership among the Santa Fe Master Gardener Composting Action Team, the NM Healthy Soil Working Group and the Seeding Regenerative Agriculture Project, with generous funding from the McCune Charitable Foundation, the Nusenda Foundation, and the New Mexico Foundation.

What to Wear/Bring:

• Work clothes and work boots
• Sun protection
• Water bottle
• Gloves and goggles
• Face mask (recommended for filling the bioreactors, which can be a dusty process)

Field Day Address:

Santa Fe County Fairgrounds, 3229 Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507