Description: Come join us for an outdoor interactive session to learn more about the art and science of composting and how compost can be used to improve long term soil health and plant productivity. Attendees will have the opportunity to see some examples of home and on-farm composting, equipment, compost products, and a close up look at soils of varying fertility. Please bring your ideas and questions to the event so we can all learn from one another!

Ulrica will cover the basics of composting, choosing a composting system that is right for you, making a successful compost recipe, and managing your composting system for best results. Sandra will discuss important properties of compost and how to use it as a source of slow-release nutrients to improve soil health and productivity.

The session is free of cost.

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025  –  4:30 p.m.  (Rain Date – August 21, 2025 – 4:30 p.m.)

Venue: CEF Composting – see map of exact location.

Speakers: 

Ulrica McKim is a Soil Biochemistry Technician at Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AgroClimate, Geomatics, Earth Observation and Agri-Env. Resilience, Ottawa Research and Development Centre), and provides technical support for Soil Resources and Sustainability Research. Ulrica specializes in soil carbon cycling, greenhouse gas measurement, and composting in northern climates.

Dr. Sandra Yanni is a soil research scientist at Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AgroClimate, Geomatics, Earth Observation and Agri-Env. Resilience, Ottawa Research and Development Centre). Sandra has expertise in soil carbon cycling, greenhouse gas emissions from soil, soil health and conducts research on soil sustainability and resiliency under climate change.