Soil Food Web – A Living Legacy

For more than four decades, Dr. Elaine Ingham’s groundbreaking research has transformed how we understand soil—as a living, self-sustaining ecosystem at the heart of all life on Earth. Her work gave rise to the Soil Food Web, a framework that continues to guide farmers, scientists, and land stewards in restoring soil health, regenerating ecosystems, and growing nutrient-dense food.

The Soil Food Web – A Living Legacy webinar series celebrates Dr. Ingham’s extraordinary contributions and explores how her teachings live on through the work of her students and collaborators. Each session reveals a different facet of this legacy—from the science that started a global movement to the innovative applications shaping the future of ecological regeneration.

For more than four decades, Dr. Elaine Ingham’s groundbreaking research has transformed how we understand soil—as a living, self-sustaining ecosystem at the heart of all life on Earth. Her work gave rise to the Soil Food Web, a framework that continues to guide farmers, scientists, and land stewards in restoring soil health, regenerating ecosystems, and growing nutrient-dense food. The Soil Food Web – A Living Legacy webinar series celebrates Dr. Ingham’s extraordinary contributions and explores how her teachings live on through the work of her students and collaborators. Each session reveals a different facet of this legacy—from the science that started a global movement to the innovative applications shaping the future of ecological regeneration.

Roots of the Soil Food Web: Five Lessons Hidden in the Ecological Monograph

9:00 a.m. Pacific time on Thursday, October 30 (that’s 4:00 p.m. London time)

Published in 1985 by Dr. Elaine Ingham, Dr. Russel Ingham, et al., the Ecological Monograph laid the scientific foundation for the Soil Food Web approach and has since been cited over a thousand times in research around the world. Yet, many of its most powerful lessons remain overlooked.

In this presentation, Daniel Tyrkiel and Adam Swan of The Soil Ecology Lab will uncover five key insights hidden within this seminal paper—insights that reveal how soil microbes and plants interact to create healthy, resilient ecosystems. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of why we make compost the way we do, and how this knowledge can strengthen your practice and build greater trust with your clients.

Published in 1985 by Dr. Elaine Ingham, Dr. Russel Ingham, et al., the Ecological Monograph laid the scientific foundation for the Soil Food Web approach and has since been cited over a thousand times in research around the world. Yet, many of its most powerful lessons remain overlooked.

In this presentation, Daniel Tyrkiel and Adam Swan of The Soil Ecology Lab will uncover five key insights hidden within this seminal paper—insights that reveal how soil microbes and plants interact to create healthy, resilient ecosystems. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of why we make compost the way we do, and how this knowledge can strengthen your practice and build greater trust with your clients.

Generations of Soil Food Web Practice Across Landscapes

9:00 a.m. Pacific time on Thursday, November 06 (that’s 5:00 p.m. London time)
This webinar honors Dr. Elaine Ingham’s living legacy through three generations of Soil Food Web practitioners—each carrying her science forward in unique and powerful ways. Todd Harrington, Vivian Kaloxilos, and Jo Tobias represent more than three decades of applied Soil Food Web practice, from its earliest days to the newest frontiers of soil regeneration. Together, they’ll share stories and case studies that reveal how the “microbial workforce” builds resilience across farms, landscapes, and industries—from agriculture and floriculture to urban design and mine reclamation. Like a mycelial network, one idea branches into many generations, weaving a shared legacy of connection, practice, and regeneration.
This webinar honors Dr. Elaine Ingham’s living legacy through three generations of Soil Food Web practitioners—each carrying her science forward in unique and powerful ways. Todd Harrington, Vivian Kaloxilos, and Jo Tobias represent more than three decades of applied Soil Food Web practice, from its earliest days to the newest frontiers of soil regeneration. Together, they’ll share stories and case studies that reveal how the “microbial workforce” builds resilience across farms, landscapes, and industries—from agriculture and floriculture to urban design and mine reclamation. Like a mycelial network, one idea branches into many generations, weaving a shared legacy of connection, practice, and regeneration.

Soil as National Defense: Rethinking Soil as a Strategic Resource

9:00 a.m. Pacific time on Thursday, November 13 (that’s 5:00 p.m. London time)
Join Céline Basset, PhD candidate in management and soil sciences and a certified Soil Food Web Consultant, as she presents key insights from her doctoral research, “Soil Security: A Strategic Challenge for National Security in an Era of Global Disruptions – The Functional Contribution of Soil Biodiversity to the Territorial Dynamics of Agroecological Transition, Food Security, and Governance in the Face of Systemic Vulnerabilities and Crises.”

In this webinar, Céline examines how soil biodiversity underpins agricultural productivity, food security, and territorial resilience amid escalating global challenges. Her research reveals the strategic importance of soil health in strengthening both national and ecological stability, emphasizing the functional role of soil biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem services and adaptive capacity. She will also reflect on how Dr. Elaine Ingham’s transformative research and the Soil Food Web School have shaped her scientific journey.

Join Céline Basset, PhD candidate in management and soil sciences and a certified Soil Food Web Consultant, as she presents key insights from her doctoral research, “Soil Security: A Strategic Challenge for National Security in an Era of Global Disruptions – The Functional Contribution of Soil Biodiversity to the Territorial Dynamics of Agroecological Transition, Food Security, and Governance in the Face of Systemic Vulnerabilities and Crises.”

In this webinar, Céline examines how soil biodiversity underpins agricultural productivity, food security, and territorial resilience amid escalating global challenges. Her research reveals the strategic importance of soil health in strengthening both national and ecological stability, emphasizing the functional role of soil biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem services and adaptive capacity. She will also reflect on how Dr. Elaine Ingham’s transformative research and the Soil Food Web School have shaped her scientific journey.

Soil as a Living System: Lessons from Dr. Elaine Ingham and a Decade of Practice

9:00 a.m. Pacific time on Thursday, November 20 (that’s 5:00 p.m. London time)
Join Nick Tomasini, founder of Humankind Oregon, Certified Soil Food Web Consultant, and Independent Organic Farm Inspector, as he explores how the Soil Food Web provides a powerful edge for farmers and practitioners managing high-value crops. Guided by scientific curiosity, practical rigor, and managed transition, Nick shares insights and lessons from his work with a range of clients—from a large-scale tea plantation to remote microscopy support for farms around the world. Through these real-world examples, he’ll show how understanding and managing soil biology can be seamlessly integrated with sound agronomic practices to create resilient, high-performing systems that enhance yield, quality, and ecological health.
Join Nick Tomasini, founder of Humankind Oregon, Certified Soil Food Web Consultant, and Independent Organic Farm Inspector, as he explores how the Soil Food Web provides a powerful edge for farmers and practitioners managing high-value crops. Guided by scientific curiosity, practical rigor, and managed transition, Nick shares insights and lessons from his work with a range of clients—from a large-scale tea plantation to remote microscopy support for farms around the world. Through these real-world examples, he’ll show how understanding and managing soil biology can be seamlessly integrated with sound agronomic practices to create resilient, high-performing systems that enhance yield, quality, and ecological health.

World Soil Day: SFW Community House Party

9:00 a.m. Pacific time on Friday, December 05 (that’s 5:00 p.m. London time)
Join us in celebrating World Soil Day with our vibrant Soil Food Web Community! This virtual House Party is a time to gather, connect, and honor the living soil beneath our feet—and the global network of people working to regenerate it. Together, we’ll celebrate the achievements of our students, consultants, and mentors; share inspiring stories from the field; and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Elaine Ingham and the growing movement she began. Expect lively conversation, community connection, and a few surprises along the way. Grab your favorite drink, turn on your camera, and bring your love for living soil—it’s time to celebrate the vibrant web of life that connects us all. 🌱

Join us in celebrating World Soil Day with our vibrant Soil Food Web Community! This virtual House Party is a time to gather, connect, and honor the living soil beneath our feet—and the global network of people working to regenerate it. Together, we’ll celebrate the achievements of our students, consultants, and mentors; share inspiring stories from the field; and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Elaine Ingham and the growing movement she began. Expect lively conversation, community connection, and a few surprises along the way. Grab your favorite drink, turn on your camera, and bring your love for living soil—it’s time to celebrate the vibrant web of life that connects us all. 🌱

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