OGI Events

Join Charles Merfield for this webinar examining the new science behind soil organic matter and what it means in practice for organic growers managing soil health.

Soil science has undergone a revolution over the last 15 years in our understanding of soil organic matter formation and the drivers of soil health. It is now clear that it is exudates from living plant roots feeding microbes around the roots that is the dominant source of organic matter in soil and the primary driver of soil biology. Inputs of the like of compost and manure that were thought to be vital turn out to be bit players and shockingly humus does not exist!

About Charles Merfield
Charles is an agroecologist and sustainable agronomy consultant with expertise spanning soils, crop husbandry, pest and disease management, and whole-farm systems. He is the owner of Merfield Agronomy Ltd and founding head of The Future Farming Centre in New Zealand, and has published peer-reviewed research, book chapters, and extension articles across his career.

From 2007 to 2009, Charles was the first scientist employed by Teagasc to specialise in organic agriculture, based at Johnstown Castle Research Centre in Co. Wexford. In that role he had overall responsibility for advancing organic farming practices within Teagasc and the wider Irish farming community, with the aim of increasing organic arable and horticultural production. His work included developing nutrient management guidance, supporting newly established organic technical farm advisors, conducting research into weed management, and delivering farmer workshops and field days.

New science of soil organic matter formation with Charles Merfield
ZOOM | Tuesday, 15 September 2026 | 7:30pm