Neville Portas, a passionate soil enthusiast, will be giving a presentation exploring the marvellous world of minerals and microbes at this year’s Midlands Permaculture Festival. Neville, who founded Native Biota, has a deep love for nature and a hands-on approach to understanding the intricate relationships within our ecosystems. His journey into regenerative agriculture is fueled by a genuine curiosity and a desire to make natural food production more accessible and effective for everyone.
In his talk, “The Marvellous World of Minerals and Microbes,” Neville will share his insights into the often-overlooked aspects of soil health that are vital for a thriving garden or farm. While some factors like light and air quality are beyond our control, Neville will focus on the elements we can influence—specifically, water, minerals, and microbes.
Neville will discuss how the choices we make in our gardens impact the balance of microbial life in the soil and how this, in turn, affects the mineral content of the food we grow. His talk will explore the delicate dance between too much and too little, guiding us towards achieving the right balance of minerals and microbes for our specific growing conditions.
One of the highlights of Neville’s talk will be his practical tips on how to assess the health of an ecosystem without relying on expensive soil tests or complicated plant sap analysis. He’ll share simple, observation-based methods to distinguish between well-functioning ecosystems and those that need a little extra care.
Whether you are new to permaculture or have been practising for years, Nev’s enthusiasm and down-to-earth approach will inspire you to look more closely at the world beneath your feet. No pun intended. Join us at the Midlands Permaculture Festival to explore the marvellous world of minerals and microbes with Neville Portas, and discover new ways to nurture the soil that nurtures us all.
Earthed Up! 